Arabian Horse Magazine | N3_2021 | Autumn Edition

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Abhaa

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AUTUMN ISSUE / 2021 DEAR BREEDERS AND LOVERS OF THE ARABIAN HORSE, Far from the chaos and noise, the Autumn editorial tells of a season in the countryside between carefree and nostalgia, but always in the company of our beloved horses that make our lives less troubled and more meaningful every day. We get soothed by the beauty of these extraordinary creatures that are at pasture just off our farms. What a lovely thing it is sharing with them the warm embrace of nature and its vibrant autumn colours. Meanwhile, the end of the year is approaching. It’s time for reflection.

Many events got cancelled due to Covid-related

issues. But we all look forward to the Paris World Championship 2021!

In previous months, we got invited to attend and support, as a media partner, a handful of well-organized competitions in Europe, such as the Menton Mediterranean and Arab Countries Championship 2021, the 5th Barcelona C-International Arabian Horse Show, and the Arabian Futurity Europe 2021. In Italy, the show machine is visibly recovering, which is witnessed by the numerous events promoted and supported by Anica’s associates, the strong synergy of a network of public bodies, private organizations, institutions and organizations at regional and national levels.

We had the privilege to organize the Sicily- Etna Arabian Horse Cup 2021. We enthusiastically cooperated with the organizers of Vesuvio Trophy 2021 and the 9th Purosangue Arabi Bergamo. Many AHM | 16

outside collaborators were eager to contribute to the Magazine, which resulted in many interesting articles that you will find inside with first-class photography and eye-catching graphic design to feast your eyes. In particular, in this Autumn edition, we had the pleasure and immense honour to host onboard Polish judge Anna Stoyanowska, Italian handler Cristian Franceschina, Chairman of Ancalpe (Asociación Nacional de Caballos Árabes de Líneas Puras Espa olas) Cristina Valdés y Colon de Carvajal, Brazilian model Leticia David, French painter Christianne Pravaz, Egyptian photographer Ahmed Taha, last but not least, contemporary

Historian and veteran French judge William Richardot de Choisey. To them go our most sincere congratulations. Thank you for adding so much wisdom, quality and elegance to our Magazine.

After all, if we continue to produce a review that is highly appreciated even across borders, complete in its contents and, let’s say it, so beautiful to flick through, it is thanks to the circle of friends and experts in the sector who accept to join forces with us wholeheartedly. As the trees continue to shed their golden-reddish leaves, we wish you and your beloved horses a happy autumn season full of joy and incredible opportunities!

Arabian Horse Magazine Team

Editor/Publisher/Art Director GIANLUCA MARTINO Publisher/Public relations NOËMIE ZELLER Writers SONJA SMALDONE DOMENICO TOCCHI NAKASHEN VALAITHAM WILLIAM RICHARDOT DE CHOISEY Graphic Designer NAZARIO BIZZOCO Official Photographers PAOLA DRERA ALESSIO AZZALI Translations SONJA SMALDONE Account GIANLUCA MARTINO NOËMIE ZELLER DEBORA MARTINO Print ARABIAN VIBE - SALERNO Adv/Redaction ARABIAN VIBE mobile: +39 335 8262907 info@arabianhorsemagazine.it www.arabianhorsemagazine.it

Cover: D WANNAS (FA EL RASHEEM X D SAYEDAH) Owned by: Al Jood Stud

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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INDEX (Fa El Rasheem x D Sayedah out of Ladi Veronika) 2020 colt

Written by: Sonia Smaldone & Ziggy Wellens Like people, stars are born. Their birth places are huge, mystical clouds known as ‘nebulas’. In our case, the horses are the stars, and the Al Jood stables is their nebula.

It is a place of wonderment, where creation happens with a touch of magic and a dash of beauty.

D Wannas is one of those young Stars to have recently joined the Al Jood Stud. This aspiring young colt descends from the breeding program of the Dubai Arabian Stud, where the founder and owner of the Al Jood Stud,

Mohamed Jaidah found him and saw the tremendous potential that this young colt could bring not only to the Al Jood program, but the Arabian horse community worldwide. And that has become our goal, to promote and perpetuate him around the globe and enable breeders to incorporate him into their personal programs for their precious mares.

After his second show appearance, he captivated crowds and breeders alike. The hope from breeders to use him for their most beloved

Arabian mares is growing rapidly.

After many inquiries, the Al Jood Stud has decided to open him for his first breeding season to a limited selection of outside mares, giving several breeders the chance to incorporate Wannas into their program. The limited sale will ensure us to not over-use Wannas during his first season whilst the Al Jood Stud plans to breed some of their very best mares to him and explore his capabilities as a global sire for the future!

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D Wannas

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D Wannas

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Vesuvio Trophy 2021

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Anna Stojanowska

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Menton Show 2021

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Miah Martina Ashiraf

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Etna Cup 2021

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The Kingdom Of Morocco

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Arabian Futurity Europe 2021

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5th BARCELONA

A star for tomorrow

Portrait Of A Polish Judge

Interviewed by: Sonia Smaldone Judging Arabian horses’ conformation takes practice, but anyone who has spent quality 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. I have had the honour to interview judge Anna Stojanowska from Warsaw, Poland. She was pleased to walk me through the main aspects of her own professional experience in judging Arabian horses.

Hello, Anna. Thank you very much for accepting our invitation so eagerly. Just to set the scene with our readers, give us some background to you, your family, and your education, please.

Thank you, the pleasure is absolutely mine.

I must admit that it is not easy, and it has never been for me to talk about myself.

But if you have to! I was born and raised in Warsaw in a family having virtually nothing to do with horses, but since I was a child, a banal story, I have loved animals. It was clear to my parents that their only child would bind her fate with horses.

I graduated from the Agricultural University in Warsaw, I wrote my master’s dissertation on horse breeding, and immediately after graduation, I started working in the institution supervising state studs (not only Arabian horses). Izabela Pawelec-Zawadzka became my boss and my mentor for the next 15 years.

After completing a two-year internship at the four studs of Arabian horses in Poland, Michałów, Kurozwęki, Białka, and Janów Podlaski, I started working in 1995, and I spent over 20 years in this company (name Agricultural Property Agency), until February 2019, when together with the directors of Janów Podlaski and Michałów (Marek Trela and Jerzy Białobok), we got dismissed from our po-

sitions.

A new chapter will begin in my life. I have been running my own consulting company (in the field of horse breeding) for five years.

I am also the manager of the private Arabian Stud farm Regina Arabians.

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When did you start getting interested in the pure-bred Arabian horse? Which are your favourite bloodlines? Why? Oh! I have started to be interested in Arabian horses from meeting Izabella Zawadzka on my way, namely, from 1993.

And it was not love at first sight.

Previously, I was associated only with English thoroughbreds and half-bred horses.

It was Izabella Zawadzka who opened my eyes over the years to the immobility of Arabian horses.

And now it is absolute and monogamous love.

Given that I have grown around Polish horses and bloodlines, my taste has been developing from them. As I expanded my knowledge, travelled, and observed other breeding in different countries, I began to notice the uniqueness of Polish Arabian horses, their versatility, the correctness of construction, excellent movement, universal and timeless beauty.

However, I would like to point out that I am not a “fanatic” of one breeding or specific

Anna Stojanowska

26th - 27th June Stade Rondelli -Avenue Porte De France- Garavan Written by Sonia Smaldone/Pictures by Simone Bergamaschi

T

hey seem distant times, by now, when the devastating effects of Covid-19 had impacted the show industry with many breeding farms in Europe on the swing. After months of hardship, darkness and suffering, it looks like the machine is getting back on track with the holding of the most appreciated morphology events of the season. First and

year’s competition welcomed a fair number of esteemed breeding programs from Europe and the Middle East that entered to compete valorously for medal recognition. It was interesting to note that quality was very high among all the age groups and both sexes.

Horses were carefully reviewed and scored by an illustrious international jury formed

foremost, the 2021 Menton Mediterranean and Arab Countries Championship, organized by the Association Promotion Cheval Arabe (APCA) led by Madame Christianne and Mr Jean-Pierre Chazel, at the Stade Rondelli, Avenue Porte de France, Garavan, on the picturesque French Riviera. As a reflection of a now outdated critical Covid phase, this

by: Mr Cedes Bakker (The Netherland), Mrs Sylvie Eberhardt (Germany), Mrs Irina Stigler (Russia), Mr Eric Gear (France), Mr Ferdinand Huemer (Austria), Ms Ann Norden (Sweden), Mr Fausto Scanzi (Italy), and Dr Marek Trela (Poland).

The categories of evaluation included: Type, Head, Body, Legs and Movement.

Azez Arabians’pearl

062 A Country Loyal To Its Values And Traditions

Menton 2021

WRITTEN BY: SONIA SMALDONE

M

iah Martina Ashiraf was born in 2021 in the barns of Giacomo Boscarino’s Il Paradiso Arabian Stud, Italy. Since her birth, Boscarino knew this filly foal would be one of her kind, and when he and his family spread the word she had come to this world, the well-known Azez Arabians made sure to have her only for themselves. Located in Israel, Azez Arabians is one of the largest and most successful local breeding farms managed and owned by Mohammed Kadan. A young but cunny breeder who has his own vision on how to breed and where to go. He has

always focussed on high-quality Arabian horses with excellent type, movement and attitude. He has always found the correct stallions for his mares and the appropriate mares to take his breeding program the next step up. For his group of selected mares, Kadan carefully

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C-International Arabian Horse Show

Conceived by William Richardot de Choisey - Written by Fawaz Gamal and Patrick Boudehen Translated by Sonia Smaldone Pictures ©Afca - Spodex / ©Boiselle Edition / ©Thala Photography / ©Driss Ben Malek / ©O.m.t / ©RP-Rabat / ©Cherqui Nawfal

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Cristina Valdés y Colon de Carvajal

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An Interview with the Chairman of ANCALPE

PREAMBLE

Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Sahara, the Moroccan is unquestionably one of the countries of lush nature, a land of contrasts possessing a rich culture accompanied by an atmosphere assimilated to the Kingdom in the most beautiful traditions of the Orient carrying us through big dreams.

For those who visit Morocco, it is striking to admire the heights of the Rif, the Atlas reflecting its golden snows, inside, the country which presents desert and arid areas, offers green oases shaded by immense date palms, source of freshness and heavenly peace.

In these spots once considered rest areas for caravans on the trans-Sahara trade road, the horses found the necessary rest while the men exchanged information and spread the news.

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Bergamo 2021

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Cristian Franceschina

Near Ifrane, one can still see abundant forests of cedar trees with a particular scent, the oaks, the discovery of the Berber villages in the south with its Aït Ben Haddou casbahs, and the magnificence of the ancient imperial cities of

9Th Purebred Arabians In Bergamo

Meknès, when it is a professional trip, a fabulous odyssey, the thousand and one wonders are still there.

Partly practised in many “civilized” countries, meeting and sharing with Moroccans are the great riches of a Kingdom whose principle of hospitality is one of the values still perpetuated.

But, it does not prevent the population, often of Arab-Andalusian, Berber or African origin, from having strong characters. They know how to welcome you at the tea ceremony, gathered around the ‘berrad’, being a ritual, social act essential for making contact and get to know each other.

This country of the great Maghreb is a constitutional monarchy; it is a crossroads of Amazigh, Arab, Islamic, diaspora civilizations of which Moroccan culture is proud. Hispano-Moorish art was born in this country, Moroccan food is there, one of the most popular in the world, its 3,500 km coasts are the longest in the Arab world, and the argan tree is a tree that only grows in Morocco.

The Kingdom Of Morocco

Portrait Of An Italian Trainer/Handler

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Charlie Watts

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Leticia David

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Ahmed Taha

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Written by Sonia Smaldone

harlie Watts was born on June 2, 1941, in a very different London than we know. He is the last of the band to join the Rolling Stones. The fame will reach him in 1965 with the song Satisfaction when the band definitively took over the world music scene.

The drummer develops a passion for music thanks to his great friend Dave Green, an English jazz musician and his teenage neighbour. Initially, Watts made his bones in the London blues environment, only later he became passionate about the sound of DJ Fontana, Elvis’s drummer.

Charlie Watts is probably one of the most experienced drummers who ever lived and one of those who most influenced the world of music. The magic of him lies in that he was and always considered him-

The Silent Stone

self mainly as a jazz drummer. Analyzing the Rolling Stones drummer’s way of playing, Australian music historian Alan Howe comments that Charlie Watts “had a curious way of playing”. Watts’ power lay in the fact that he “has always played like a jazz drummer because he has always perceived himself as a jazz drummer”.

In a rock ‘n roll world of excess, Charlie Watts has always been an anomalous rock star. He was a reserved person and known by all for his elegance.

His impeccable way of dressing earned him two quotes. The British newspaper The Daily Telegraph named him as World’s Best Dressed Men. And, in 2006, the Vanity Fair newspaper cited him on the International Best Dressed List.

A single great love accompanied him throughout his life for his wife Shirley Ann Shepherd, a London painter. Their love story began before the drummer met

Charlie Watts

Models & Arabian Horses

Portrait of an Egyptian Photographer

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Interviewed by Sonia Smaldone WHO IS LETICIA DAVID? I always had a hard time with that question. But, in a few words, I can say I am a very driven and passionate woman about life, my dreams, my career, my family and most of all, my animals. I enjoy my life. If you are alive and able to interact with the universe, it’s already a gift and, for that, I am grateful. “What we put out into the Universe, we get back like an echo.”

WHENCE THIS LOVE FOR HORSES? WHAT KIND OF RELATIONSHIP DO YOU HAVE WITH HORSES IN GENERAL? My love for horses started when I was two years old. I remember as if it was yesterday, my dad took me to see my uncle’s farm in the countryside of Rio de Janeiro.

His farm was an old coffee farm that, at the time, used to be home for more than one hundred horses of the breed Mangalarga Marchador (Brazilian performance breed).

There I fell in love with a mare called Adjane. Adjane and I developed the most extraordinary relationship. I had my first ride and my first fall on her. (laughter) It was years of a good partnership. The

Cristianne Pravaz Art Of Paint

day she got sold in the auction, I cried for weeks.

I shared my passion for horses with my dad so, he finally heard his insistent daughter and bought us a piece of land in the countryside of Rio, where we acquired some quarter horses for us to run barrels and herd cows.

When I grew older, I decided that just spending the weekends and holidays at the farm wasn’t enough, and I wanted to do more, so I decided to enrol in Vet school and became an Equine Repro Vet. WHEN HAVE YOU FIRST MET AN ARABIAN HORSE? My first contact with an Arabian horse was when my dad surprised me with a half Arabian half quarter horse. He was indeed (for a teenage girl) the most beautiful horse I have ever seen. He was a liver chestnut and had a beautiful head, big eyes, big nostrils and a freaky dish. I immediately started to research to learn more about that intriguing breed.

HOW AND WHEN DID YOU GET A

Leticia David 292 >

Tahreb Albadeya

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Interviewed by Sonia Smaldone Successful photographers often become idols of new generations. It’s always interesting to see them in life, to take a glance behind the scenes, and hear their unique stories on how they got into photography. That’s the aim of the interview with Egyptian photographer Ahmed Taha, a very talented artist with a soft spot for Arabian horse photography.

Hello, Ahmed. Welcome on board! Let’s start from the very beginning. Why did you choose to pursue a career as a photographer?

Did you go to school to study photography, or are you self-taught?

Hello, it is such an honor to be interviewed by you. I started it as a hobby, and by the time I realized that practice makes it perfect.

So people started asking me to attend shows as a photographer and photograph their horses at their farms, and this when it turned into a career and, yes, I’m self-taught.

What does photography mean to you? How would you describe your photography style?

Photography is my life. It is also my chance to show the world the beauty that can pass by without notice every day in one second with one shot. After all, I consider myself an artist meaning

Ahmed Taha

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(Fa El Rasheem x D Sayedah out of Ladi Veronika) 2020 colt

Written by: Sonia Smaldone & Ziggy Wellens Like people, stars are born. Their birth places are huge, mystical clouds known as ‘nebulas’. In our case, the horses are the stars, and the Al Jood stables is their nebula.

It is a place of wonderment, where creation happens with a touch of magic and a dash of beauty.

D Wannas is one of those young Stars to have recently joined the Al Jood Stud. This aspiring young colt descends from the breeding program of the Dubai Arabian Stud, where the founder and owner of the Al Jood Stud,

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Mohamed Jaidah found him and saw the tremendous potential that this young colt could bring not only to the Al Jood program, but the Arabian horse community worldwide. And that has become our goal, to promote and perpetuate him around the globe and enable breeders to incorporate him into their personal programs for their precious mares.

After his second show appearance, he captivated crowds and breeders alike. The hope from breeders to use him for their most beloved

Arabian mares is growing rapidly.

After many inquiries, the Al Jood Stud has decided to open him for his first breeding season to a limited selection of outside mares, giving several breeders the chance to incorporate Wannas into their program. The limited sale will ensure us to not over-use Wannas during his first season whilst the Al Jood Stud plans to breed some of their very best mares to him and explore his capabilities as a global sire for the future!

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Wannas has only been shown at 3 shows to date, and he truly conquered the ring and made his mark. His handler Paolo Capecci did an astonishing job preparing and showcasing Wannas to the judges and crowds. Most recently at the 9th Purosangue Arabi in Bergamo, D Wannas

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has just been named Gold medal champion in the Yearling Colts Championship. At the fifth edition of the Barcelona C- International show, he took the Gold champion yearling colt title, the Best Head of the show and Best horse in the Show titles in only one go, putting up a brilliant performance that left

the jury and the public literally in awe. However, his proud owner Al Jood Stud, Qatar, had already celebrated D Wannas early this year at the Montefalco Arabian Summer Festival 2021, winning his first Gold medal in the yearling colts championship at his first show appearance.

GAZAL AL SHAQAB MARWAN AL SHAQAB b 2000

b 1995

LITTLE LIZA FAME b 1987

FA EL SHAWAN b 2005

ZT SHAKFANTASY FOXBRIAR SHAKITA ch 2001

gr 1995

SELKET MIRROR ch 1994

FA EL RASHEEM b 2011

FAME VF VERSACE b 1995

b 1982

PRECIOUS AS GOLD ch 1984

VIRTUOSA MLR b 2001

ALI JAMAAL ALISHAHMAAL b 1992

b 1982

NV ALIESHAH b 1984

GAZAL AL SHAQAB MARWAN AL SHAQAB b 2000

b 1995

LITTLE LIZA FAME b 1987

MARAJJ b 2004

KOUVAY BEY RGA KOURESS b 1995

b 1991

ANGOPHORA ch 1981

D SAYEDAH b 2014

FAME VF VERSACE b 1995

b 1982

PRECIOUS AS GOLD ch 1984

LADI VERONIKA gr 2002

ANSATA EL NISR NISRS NATEVKA gr 1987

gr 1967

FEZ FEATHER gr 1977

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But then, what›s the recipe behind all this success?

What makes this young colt so unique and unrivalled each time he performs in the arena?

When it comes to Arabian horses, Dubai Arabian Horse Stud is well known and respected in producing high-quality and sought-after models. Their home-bred yearling bay colt D Wannas is a living testimony of several years of satisfactorily and extremely successful breeding activity.

A quick look at his pedigree shows us that D Wannas is epitome of such complex and diverse outcrosses, combining the best of modern breeding with a solid foundation of proven Egyptian, Polish, Russian, Crabbet, and Spanish lines. But, delving further in the past, we find connections with old desert-bred ones.

From his sire line, D Wannas (2020) is a son of Dubai Arabian Horse Stud’ cornerstone stallion Fa El Rasheem, born in 2011 in the United States and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud (UAE).

Fa El Rasheem

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The sire of Fa El Rasheem (2011) is the breeding phenomenon Fa El Shawan (2005), a son to the three times World Champion and Leading Sire Marwan Al Shaqab (2000) (Gazal Al Shaqab ex Kajora x Little Liza Fame) and out of the U.S. champion producer mare Foxbriar Shakita (2001) (ZT Shakfantasy by El Shaklan x Selket Mirror by Furno Khamal).

The dam of Fa El Rasheem, namely D Wannas paternal granddam, is the aristocratic mare Virtuosa MLR (2001) sired by the iconic Versace (1995) (Fame VF x Precious as Gold ) and out of the mare Alishahmaal (1992) (Ali Jamaal x NV Alieshah. ).

The sire of Versace was Fame VF (1982), a U.S. National Champion and Canadian National Reserve Champion Stallion, and a son of the legendary sire Bey Shah (1976).

His pedigree is a blend of Polish and Crabbet breeding. In addition to his show ring success, Fame VF was a sire of numerous national champion sons and daughters in halter and performance. Versace’s dam was Precious As Gold (1984), the priceless El Shaklan daughter.

Through El Shaklan (1975), Versace inherited his aristocratic Spanish and Egyptian heritage, including one of the most famous dam lines in the breed’s history through his great grand-dam Estopa (1965).

Virtuosa MLR’s dam, the mare Alishahmaal (1992), is an elegant chestnut daughter to the USbred exotic sire Ali Jamaal (1982) (Ruminaja Ali x Heritage Memory

by El Magato) and out of the Polish mare NV Aliesha (1984) (Bey Shah x Aandraya).

D Wannas

D Wannas’ dam is the refined bay mare D Sayedah (2014). To know D Sayedah is to love her. She is a mare of captivating beauty. Her face is arresting, enchanting and seductive. Her eyes are large and round and soft black. Her sire Marajj (2004) is a stunning son of Marwan al Shaqab (2000) (Gazal al Shaqab x Little Liza Fame) and out of the Polish broodmare RGA Kouress (1995) (Kouvay Bey x Angophora by Eukaliptus).

The dam of D Sayedah is Dubai Arabian Horse Stud’s foundation

mare Ladi Veronika (2002), an exceptional daughter by the great Versace (1995) (Fame VF x Precious as Gold by El Shaklan ) and out of the Saklawi I broodmare Nisrs Natevka (1987), the latter a daughter to Ansata El Nisr (1967) (Ansata Ibn Halima x Ansata Bint Zaafarana) and out of the mare Fez Feather (1977) (Ew Fez x Myecho).

Many breeders believe it was Ladi Veronika who transmitted the “X” factor that has made him so special and set him apart

D Wannas

Ladi Veronika

D Wannas his pedigree offers some of the most beautiful bloodlines in the industry, which have merged into one amazing Arabian that is precious like no others.

When Dubai Stud decided to couple Fa El Rasheem with the feminine D Sayedah, they were sure of getting a colt that would

from his other male peers. Ladi Veronika is a mare of tremendous substance with a stunning body and perfect topline. She has a very feminine face, a long, swan-shaped neck, and she has extraordinary movement. She has contributed her finest qualities to all her 22 children, including D Sayedah, most of whom are multi-garlanded national, international champions and World champions throughout shows around the world.

have an impressive impact on the Arabian Horse breeding like D Wannas. But the moment he was born, they realized he was beyond any expectation, and so did the new owner Al Jood Stud when they saw him in the barns for the first time. Everyone that has been involved with D Wannas

and the people that have seen him during his first public appearances couldn’t be more excited. D Wannas will be standing at stud with Paolo Capecci at Capecci Training Center in Italy for the upcoming show season in Europe.

Standing at Capecci Training Center, Italy Paolo Capecci: +39 335 649 9739 - Susi: +93 393 962 0285 - Woody: +39 335 830 1574 www.capecciatc.it AHM | 27

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F

Written by Sonia Smaldone

or many years, the Italian breeder Donato Prisco has been the proud sponsor and organizer of the Vesuvio Trophy, a long-awaited morphology event in south Italy held on his magnificent breeding farm, Prisco Arabians. This property lies at the foot of the Vesuvius volcano that offers one of the most evocative scenarios of the Neapolitan hinterland. In reality, two different events are falling under the umbrella of the Vesuvio Trophy, the C- National Show and the Straight Egyptian Event. Both are Ecaho affiliated competitions, and as such, they must abide by the EAHSC rules, Blue Book 2021. At this 2021 edition, the atmosphere was even more joyful than usual.

Last year the event got cancelled due to the pandemic disease.

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Therefore, it was nice to catch up with long-term friends, chat and exchange thoughts and reflections as to the current situation of the industry.

The C-National competition registered only horses owned by the associates of ANICA (Italian National Association of the Arabian Horse).

Five of the most renowned international judges of the breed judged each class independently from one another and without catalogue according to the following criteria: type, head and neck, body and topline, legs, movement, based on the 20-points-system with half points.

At this 2021 edition, we had the pleasure to see at work judge

Claudia Darius (Germany), judge Maria Annarotone Ferraroni (Italy), judge Eric Gear (France), judge Hassan Al Mannai (Qatar) and judge Gianmarco Aragno (Italy).

Concomitantly with the C-National competition, the ECAHO Straight Egyptian Event for which they set up a specific-breed judging panel featuring judge Kathleen Ohlsson (Sweden), judge Antonia Bautista (Italy) and judge Klaus Beste (Germany).

Disciplinary Commissioners at both events: Mr Teobaldelli Gian Paolo (Italy) and Mrs Raso Barbaro (Italy). In the arena as Ringmaster: Dr Vet. Mascagna Laura. Speaker: Mr Belloni Nico (Italy). Music by: Halizee HT (France). Official photographers: Mr Bergamaschi Simone and Mr Azzali Alessio (Italy). Score,

Results and Web Streaming by Arabian Essence. Press media partners: Arabian Horse Magazine and Tutto Arabi. Social media partners: Arabian Insider, Arabian Essence and Arabian Horse Magazine. The Gala Dinner on Saturday night got kindly offered by Mr Donato Prisco, with first-class catering. Plenty of courses based on typical products of the territory and local winery.

The C- National show started on June 12, 2021, at 10:00 Europe/Rome (10:00 Europe/Rome) and concluded on June 13, 2021, at 20:00 Europe/Rome (20:00 Europe/Rome). The final results of the two-day championship are listed below: AHM | 31

YEARLING FILLIES - Final Championship

SILVER

MAGIC SWEET CAROLINE MAGIC ABAN X MAGIC SWEET

BREEDER: FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS SOC.AGR. A.R.L., ITALY OWNER: FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS SOC.AGR. A.R.L., ITALY AHM | 32

SORAYA DEL FALCO

GOLD

SA FAEZ SIMBAD X ZARA BY MIAL

BREEDER: NARDINI MARCO OWNER: VALENTINA PICCIOLI

BRONZE

EXTASY

ALEXANDER PC X AMARINAA BREEDER: CANNATA GIUSEPPE ANTONIO OWNER: CANNATA GIUSEPPE ANTONIO AHM | 33

YEARLING COLTS - Final Championship

SILVER

PIERCING PPJ

SHANGAI EA X SC VIVA MORESQUE BREEDER: GIULIA SORRENTINO OWNER: ANGELO RUOTOLO AHM | 34

MAGIC MILORD

GOLD

AJ SERDAL X MAGIC MILADY

BREEDER: FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS SRL OWNER: STORTI FRANCO

BRONZE

AMIR BY EMMA

AJ SERDAL X EMMA GROTTAROSSA BREEDER: DI LORENZO ANIELLO OWNER: DI LORENZO ANIELLO AHM | 35

JUNIOR FILLIES - Final Championship

SILVER

JEBOR AL SHAQAB SMA MAGIC ONE X DAKAREE

BREEDER: AL SHAQAB MEMBER OF QF OWNER: AZ. AGR. DE VITTO ANTONIO AHM | 36

KHALEESI

GOLD

AYAL EL ASILL X BAYDAH

BREEDER: MARGHERITA CRACCHIOLO OWNER: MARGHERITA CRACCHIOLO

BRONZE

ST ALYSSA

SG LABIB X TS ARMONIA BREEDER: ST ARABIANS DI SIMONETTI TULLIO OWNER: PIETRO SIMONETTI AHM | 37

JUNIOR COLTS - Final Championship

SILVER

NOBODY

WADEE ALSHAQAB X AJMA DL BREEDER: FAUSTO GLADICH OWNER: SOC. AGR. ARABIAN INSPIRATIONS SRL AHM | 38

AJ NJWAN

GOLD

AJ MARDAN X INSPIRED NAJLA BREEDER: AJMAN STUD - HH SHEIKH AMMAR BIN HUMAID AL NUAIMI OWNER: FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS SOC AGR ARL

BRONZE

PABLO BY GIADA ASMA BY GHALIYA X GIADA GI

BREEDER: IERVOLINO GIANLUCA OWNER: IERVOLINO GIANLUCA AHM | 39

SENIOR MARES - Final Championship

SILVER

ALTIMARA K.A. QR MARC X ALTONA

BREEDER: GHEYSENS PAUL - NV ZOUTEKREKEN (BEL) OWNER: GIANLUCA MARTINO AHM | 40

GRETA MAA

GOLD

MONNTRACHET X FARAH BY SHALOM

BREEDER: SOCIETA’ AGR. TENUTA POGGIO BINAIA SRL OWNER: GIUSEPPE SARNINO

BRONZE

AL JUNAH

AJ MARDAN X AL JUBA BREEDER: FLORIO ARABIANS - SABATO FLORIO OWNER: BAYOUMI EL KHATIB AHM | 41

SENIOR STALLIONS - Final Championship

SILVER

ENGULO EEA

SHANGHAI EA X ENJORA E BREEDER: ENZO LTD OWNER: FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS AHM | 42

BAYF BY BAYDAH

GOLD

FADI AL SHAQAB X BAYDAH

BREEDER: MARGHERITA CRACCHIOLO OWNER: MARGHERITA CRACCHIOLO

BRONZE

STY ESSTIMATE

DON GIOVANNI J X EVITA EL JAVIER BREEDER: STEYLAERS GIOVANNA OWNER: ZANIBONI ROBERTO AHM | 43

STRAIGHT EGYPTIAN FILLIES - Final Championship

GOLD

KALUA

NASEEM AL RASHEDIAH X FA KAMARIA BREEDER: IOVINO AGOSTINO OWNER: IOVINO AGOSTINO

SILVER

DAENERYS

AYAL EL ASILL X BAYDAH BREEDER: CRACCHIOLO MARGHERITA OWNER: MARGHERITA CRACCHIOLO AHM | 44

STRAIGHT EGYPTIAN COLTS - Final Championship

RAYYAN MPE

GOLD

FAHAD AL RAYYAN X LORHEEN MPE BREEDER: MANZI ANTONIO OWNER: FABIO REGA

SILVER

ALDAIR AL KHAMSA FA NILE SAFIR X IMGHALIYA

BREEDER: AZ. AGRICOLA S. LAZZARO DI TRAVERSINIEC OWNER: GUIDONE CARMINE AHM | 45

STRAIGHT EGYPTIAN MARE Final Championship

SILVER

MAGGY

ARRIDAIOS AL QUSAR X MARESHA AL KIDIR BREEDER: GUGGINO ANGELO OWNER: GUGGINO ANGELO AHM | 46

FAMIDA AL KHAMSA

GOLD

NADER AL JAMAL X SL LATIFA

BREEDER: SOVIERO SALVATORE OWNER: SOVIERO SALVATORE

BRONZE

FER QUECOSA ABBAS EL DINE X TECHEDA

BREEDER: GANADERIA YEGUADA FERRERO SRL (ESP) OWNER: DAVIDE IACOMINO AHM | 47

STRAIGHT EGYPTIAN STALLIONS Final Championship

SILVER

HANAYA HABIB EL EZZ EZZ EZZAIN X HF IMTOXICATING

BREEDER: HANAYA ARABIAN STUD - NAYLA HAYEK OWNER: FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS AHM | 48

NASHME AL ZOBAIR

GOLD

AL SAEEDI X HASINA AL ZOBAIR

BREEDER: SHAIKH ABDULLA MOHAMED ALTHANI OWNER: AL HINDAL STUD

BRONZE

FA NILE SAFIR

ANSATA NILE ECHO X SABYAH AL THAWI BREEDER: FLORIO ARABIANS - SABATO FLORIO OWNER: FLORIO ARABIANS - SABATO FLORIO AHM | 49

vesuvio

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Interviewed by: Sonia Smaldone Judging Arabian horses’ conformation takes practice, but anyone who has spent quality 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. I have had the honour to interview judge Anna Stojanowska from Warsaw, Poland. She was pleased to walk me through the main aspects of her own professional experience in judging Arabian horses.

Hello, Anna. Thank you very much for accepting our invitation so eagerly. Just to set the scene with our readers, give us some background to you, your family, and your education, please.

Thank you, the pleasure is absolutely mine.

I must admit that it is not easy, and it has never been for me to talk about myself.

But if you have to! I was born and raised in Warsaw in a family having virtually nothing to do with horses, but since I was a child, a banal story, I have loved animals. It was clear to my parents that their only child would bind her fate with horses.

I graduated from the Agricultural University in Warsaw, I wrote my master’s dissertation on horse breeding, and immediately after graduation, I started working in the institution supervising state studs (not only Arabian horses). Izabela Pawelec-Zawadzka became my boss and my mentor for the next 15 years.

After completing a two-year internship at the four studs of Arabian horses in Poland, Michałów, Kurozwęki, Białka, and Janów Podlaski, I started working in 1995, and I spent over 20 years in this company (name Agricultural Property Agency), until February 2019, when together with the directors of Janów Podlaski and Michałów (Marek Trela and Jerzy Białobok), we got dismissed from our po-

sitions.

A new chapter will begin in my life. I have been running my own consulting company (in the field of horse breeding) for five years.

I am also the manager of the private Arabian Stud farm Regina Arabians.

When did you start getting interested in the pure-bred Arabian horse? Which are your favourite bloodlines? Why? Oh! I have started to be interested in Arabian horses from meeting Izabella Zawadzka on my way, namely, from 1993.

And it was not love at first sight.

Previously, I was associated only with English thoroughbreds and half-bred horses.

It was Izabella Zawadzka who opened my eyes over the years to the immobility of Arabian horses.

And now it is absolute and monogamous love.

Given that I have grown around Polish horses and bloodlines, my taste has been developing from them. As I expanded my knowledge, travelled, and observed other breeding in different countries, I began to notice the uniqueness of Polish Arabian horses, their versatility, the correctness of construction, excellent movement, universal and timeless beauty.

However, I would like to point out that I am not a “fanatic” of one breeding or specific AHM | 55

lines. I have my preferences, but I firmly believe that a good horse has no pedigree, no bloodline, or colour. It is only either good or bad, no matter where its provenance.

When did you become a judge of type and conformation competitions? What specific preparation did you get?

Working as a breeding inspector at the Agency, I have been looking at thousands and thousands of horses (not only Arabian) over the years. I have gained lots of experience in assessing horses’ type and conformation. And this experience made me believe that I could evaluate horses at shows. I judged my first show in 1998, ages ago.

What do you feel has been your most rewarding experience as a judge?

I have always believed that judging horses is, above all, a huge responsibility. While standing in the square, the judge cannot learn. He has to prove to those who trusted him and brought horses to show that he knows what he is doing and that he is not in the ring by accident. At the same time, the judge should constantly develop and learn. What strikes me the most about this job is that I can always be surprised by something unexpected. Though I have been judging for two decades. And it is also the most rewarding experience that I am still “turned on” by it.

What horse or horses have you judged most recently that has left a great impression on you?

There is not one horse that I could point to as the one that impressed me the most.

Plenty of horses have been able to touch my heart so deeply that tears flew in the middle of the showground with emotions (what a shame!).

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

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Arabian horse breeding, like any other, has its strong sides and dangerous turns. We should always bear in mind that the Arabian horse is a living animal and not an ornament

in the garden. So, while selecting a horse of the desired look and type, we should not forget that it must move, live, breathe and function freely.

In recent years, Arabian horse breeding has become very specialized and divided. Separate lines get already bred in the racing, endurance, sports, or show type. The concept of the universal horse does not apply today.

However, it does not change the fact that we have to use common sense in everything, and when breeding horses for the show, we will not focus so much on the beauty features that the result will be an animal with a beautiful head, but a cripple movement, with a vile character and crooked legs.

The Arabian horse is by definition beauti-

ful, but it should also be a horse with perfect movement, correct conformation, and gentle disposition despite its hot temperament. Willing to cooperate with people.

Which particular skills are necessary to become an accountable judge?

Knowledge and experience. As I said, the showground is not a place for a judge to learn. That’s what a judge candidate should be aware of before he enters the show. And then he has to prove all the time that he was not there by accident.

After all, people spend their money having a horse they have bred to judge by strangers.

It is a great challenge and responsibility.

Being a member of the judge’s instructors AHM | 57

group of ECAHO, I am often surprised by some personal decisions. After three years of contact with horses, someone wants to become a judge.

You have long been involved in the organization of the Cracow Arabian Horse Show.

Tell us a bit about this experience.

Being an employee of the Agency for many years, I was involved in the organization of the Junior Spring Show in Białka and the National Show in Janów Podlaski. After our dismissals in 2015, together with my colleagues, Marek Trela, Jerzy Białobok, and Barbara Mazur, we decided to “develop” the southern region of Poland where the shows are not so many. That’s how the idea for the Cracow Show was born. We found a wonderful place, kind and cooperative people, and we started in 2016. Last year, we should have been celebrating our fifth show, but the pandemic thwarted our plans. This year AHM | 58

we will also not manage to organize the show.

What advice would you give to a young person who wishes to pursue a career as a judge in this sector?

Never claim to know everything. But to be aware and to be sure that you know enough to judge others. Stand by your decisions and not be influenced by others. Enjoy what you do. If you stop feeling the pleasure of standing in the middle of the showground and judging horses, it is a sign that you have to leave the stage.

To what extent has the current global health crisis been affecting the industry?

This pandemic affects the entire environment and business as a whole. The loss of the shows and the ECAHO show calendar in 2020 lost 60% of events, jeopardizing the condition of training centres, the entire

If you had the power to effect change in the Arabian World, how would you go about it?

There are more and more false prophets around who are usurping the right to give good advice and change the world. It disgusts me. The easiest way to change the world is to change yourself. I wish that the people gathered around Arabian horses were less suspicious, that they would permit themselves to derive joy and satisfaction from the shows and not poison themselves with conspiracy theories about the judges, organizers, and other participants.

Even the most beautiful show can get intoxicated by an atmosphere of suspicions, often unfounded accusations, gossip, and slander. That’s disgusting. And yes, that is something I would like to change!

What else would you like to achieve at this stage of your professional career?

I have this privilege, and, luckily enough for me, my passion has become my way of life and my profession. I do not whine or groan when I have to get up in the morning for work because I like it and always will. And let this state continue.

What do you do when not judging? Have you got any hobbies?

I have a family, a son, a partner, and a 14-year-old German Shepherd who is perhaps the most absorbing!

I have friends and a lot of other activities, and I’m rather constantly short on time. I am never bored. I could never be. I don’t have enough time to read, but I make up for it when travelling, on planes, and at airports.

Anna, do you feel like leaving a message to the readers of this interview? market for horses, and breeding studs.

And this is the situation all over the world.

Everyone is probably shocked by the extent of the pandemic and its consequences. Nobody, perhaps in his worst nightmares, did ever expect such a situation. That is why it is now crucial to stimulate the entire industry, organize the shows if the conditions allow it, and support those who want to do it. That applies not only to the shows but also to racing, sports, and endurance competitions.

I wish everyone in these difficult times to enjoy as much fun with Arabian horses as they can. Horses are the best antidepressants and have incredible abilities to connect people, places, and events. You only have to get carried away!

Anna, thank you very much for your contribution. It was an honour to interview you. Best wishes from all of us on the AHM team!

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VETRÒ GIUSEPPE TRAINING CENTER Alice Castello (VC) 13040 | Via Selva, 23

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+39 320 0633048 | info@vg-arabians.com www.vg-arabians.com

VG Team welcomes you: - Show preparation and conditioning - Show Presentation - Livery - Breeding center For more information please do not hesitate to contact us.

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26th - 27th June Stade Rondelli -Avenue Porte De France- Garavan Written by Sonia Smaldone/Pictures by Simone Bergamaschi

T

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hey seem distant times, by now, when the devastating effects of Covid-19 had impacted the show industry with many breeding farms in Europe on the swing. After months of hardship, darkness and suffering, it looks like the machine is getting back on track with the holding of the most appreciated morphology events of the season. First and

year’s competition welcomed a fair number of esteemed breeding programs from Europe and the Middle East that entered to compete valorously for medal recognition. It was interesting to note that quality was very high among all the age groups and both sexes.

Horses were carefully reviewed and scored by an illustrious international jury formed

foremost, the 2021 Menton Mediterranean and Arab Countries Championship, organized by the Association Promotion Cheval Arabe (APCA) led by Madame Christianne and Mr Jean-Pierre Chazel, at the Stade Rondelli, Avenue Porte de France, Garavan, on the picturesque French Riviera. As a reflection of a now outdated critical Covid phase, this

by: Mr Cedes Bakker (The Netherland), Mrs Sylvie Eberhardt (Germany), Mrs Irina Stigler (Russia), Mr Eric Gear (France), Mr Ferdinand Huemer (Austria), Ms Ann Norden (Sweden), Mr Fausto Scanzi (Italy), and Dr Marek Trela (Poland).

The categories of evaluation included: Type, Head, Body, Legs and Movement.

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As Disciplinary Commissioners: Dr Malak Benamar (Morocco), Dr Laura Mascagna (Italy), Mrs Christine Valette and Mr Bertrand Valette (France). In the arena, Mr JeanBernard Kupaj (France) was the Ringmaster.

Photographer for Arabian Horse Magazine: Mr Simone Bergamaschi (Italy). The parterres were embellished with the typical lemon and orange decorations, giving a further touch of radiance and pride to the event.

The competition began on Saturday 26th June, at 2:00 pm featuring the Filly & the Mare classes; with the classes starting after lunch, all participants and visitors had plenty of time to explore the beautiful seaside town and enjoy the early summer sunshine. The competition continued on Sunday, 27th June at 9:00 am with the Colt & Stallion classes and concluded with the Final Championships and the Special Awards ceremony in the evening of that day.

Speaker of the event, Mr Guy De Fontaine (France). The super champions of this 2021 edition were as follows: In the Yearling Fillies Championship, Gold medal winner the bay D Thariah (Fa El Rasheem x D Azalea) bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud and owned by Al Wajba Stud. Silver medal winner, the chestnut Perfecta Al Jassimya (Picasso Di Mar x Jazanah Al Jassimya) bred and owned by Al Jassimya Farm. Bronze medal AHM | 64

champion the bay Majeeda Al Baydaa (Marajj x Madinat Al Baydaa) bred and owned by Albaydaa Farm.

In the Junior Fillies Championship, Gold medal winner the grey Siwar Al Shaqab (SMA Magic One x Abha Myra) bred and owned by Al Shaqab Stud. Silver medal winner the bay RDS Exquisite (Excalibur EA x Angelica KS) bred by Safadi Eaid & Amira and owned by Al Orasia Stud. Bronze medal champion the grey D Judi (AJ Azzam x Elle Flamenca) bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud.

In the Senior Mares Championship, Gold medal winner the grey D Aziza (Ajman Moniscione x Midnight Kiss J) bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud and owned by Hanaya Stud. Silver medal winner the grey Mozn Albidayer (SMA Magic One x Mattaharii) bred by Albidayer Stud and owned by Al Wajba Stud. Bronze medal champion the bay Alsa (Kahil Al Shaqab x Alameda) bred by Janow Podlaski and owned

by Hanaya Stud.

In the Yearling Colts Championship, Gold medal winner the bay Lehon (FA El Rasheem x Aragia Vanilla) bred and owned by Al Jassimya Farm. Silver medal winner the grey D Harar (D Seraj x FT Shaella), bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud. Bronze medal winner the bay WF Gawin (Magic Magnifique x WW Gawina) bred by Madelene Whihaten and

owned by Anger Vilabrille Cimas.

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 grey RDS Armani (Excalibur EA x Stellaris BPA) bred by Amira and Eiad Safady and owned by Al Jassimya Farm. Bronze medal champion the bay Mutabahi Al Hawajer (FA El Rasheem x ZT Magrumi) bred by Al Hawajer Stud and owned by Sama Najd 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 by Akmal Stud. Silver medal winner, the grey D Seraj (FA El Rasheem x Ladi Veronika) bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud. Bronze medal champion the grey Naseem Al Rashediah (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x Naba Weyyah Ezzain) bred and owned by Al Rashediah Stud.

Plenty of glittering Special Awards and Trophies got assigned to the following champions: Most Beautiful qualifying class

Head

for

each AHM | 65

Class 1A ‐ Yearling Fillies: Perfecta Al Jassimya Class 1B ‐ Yearling Fillies: D Thariah Class 2A ‐ Fillies 2 years old: Luzia N Kuw Class 2B ‐ Fillies 2 years old: Rds Exquisite Brn Class 3 ‐ Fillies 3 years old: Siwar Al Shaqab Class 4A ‐ Females 4 to 7 years: Protekcja Class 4B ‐ Females 4 to 7 years: Mozn Albidayer Class 5 ‐ Females 8 years old and above: D Aziza Class 6A ‐ Yearling Colts: WF Gawin Class 6B ‐ Yearling Colts: D Shahhar Class 7 ‐ Colts 2 years old: Muranas Nader Class 8 ‐ Colts 3 years: Mutabahi Al Hawajer Class 9 ‐ Stallions 4 to 7 years old: D Seraj Class 10 ‐ Stallions 8 years old and above: Excalibur EA

TROPHIES 2021 Best Arabian Horse Type in the Yearling Female Section: D Thariah Best Arabian Type in the Junior Female section: Siwar Al Shaqab Best Arabian Type in the Senior Female: D Aziza Best Arabian Horse Type in the Yearling Male Section: Lehon Best Arabian Horse Type in the Junior Male Section: D Sheimaz Best Arabian Horse Type in the Senior Male Section: Excalibur EA Best in Show Female: D Aziza Best in Show Male: Excalibur EA Trophy Pegasus Best Movement: Excalibur EA Trophy “Espoir”: D Shahhar Highest score in the Show: Excalibur EA

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“Coup de Coeur” des VIP: D Thariah Best Sire in the show: FA El Rasheem Best Breeder: Al Jassimya Farm Best French Horse: Malala Apal-S Best European Horse: Alsa Best Straight-Egyptian Male: Naseem Al Rashediah Best Straight Egyptian Female: Fanaticaa 30th Anniversary Trophy: Dubai Arabian Horse Stud Since its inception in 1991, the Menton Mediterranean and Arab Countries Arabian Horse Championship has always been an unmissable gathering for all breeders and passionate for the Arabian Horse. But also for

those who are new to the scene. After last year’s cancellation that left us with some bitter taste in the mouth, the beauty competition returned to offer at its exclusive location some of the finest and most exotic Arabian horses on the circuit. The organizational machine led by Mrs Christianne and Jean-Pierre Chazel managed to put in place a dignified show with the support of an incredibly dynamic staff.

So we duly want to thank them very much along with Mr Jean-Claude Guibal, Mayor of Menton and President of the French Riviera Urban Community, and all other people involved in the preparations and made great efforts to get it off the grounds. Thank you for being such a great host and for the opportunity to be there at one of our dearest Arabian Horses events ever. See you next year with another edition of this superb Rendezvous!

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Yearling Fillies

Final Championship

SILVER

PERFECTA AL JASSIMYA PICASSO DI MAR X JAZANAH AL JASSIMYA

BREEDER: AL JASSIMYA FARM OWNER: AL JASSIMYA FARM

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D THARIAH

GOLD

FA EL RASHEEM x D AZALEA

BREEDER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD | OWNER: AL WAJBA STUD

BRONZE

MAJEEDA AL BAYDAA MARAJJ X MADINAT AL BAYDAA

BREEDER: ALBAYDAA FARM OWNER: ALBAYDAA FARM

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Yearling Colts

Final Championship

SILVER

D SHARAR

D SERAJ X FT SHAELLA

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

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LEHON

GOLD

FA EL RASHEEM x ARAGIA VANILLA

BREEDER: AL JASSIMYA FARM | OWNER: AL JASSIMYA FARM

BRONZE

WF GAWIN

MAGIC MAGNIFIQUE X WW GAWINA

BREEDER: MADELENE WHIHATEN OWNER: AINGERU VILABRILLE CIMAS

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Junior Fillies

Final Championship

SILVER

RDS EXQUISITE

EXCALIBUR EA X ANGELICA KS

BREEDER: SAFADI EAID & AMIRA OWNER: AL ORASIA STUD

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SIWAR AL SHAQAB

GOLD

SMA MAGIC ONE X ABHA MYRA

BREEDER: AL SHAQAB STUD | OWNER: AL SHAQAB STUD

BRONZE

D JUDI

AJ AZZAM X ELLE FLAMENCA

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

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Junior Colts

Final Championship

SILVER

RDS ARMANI

EXCALIBUR EA X STELLARIS BPA

BREEDER: AMIRA & EIAD SAFATY OWNER: AL JASSIMYA FARM

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D SHEIMAZ

GOLD

FA EL RASHEEM X LADI VERONIKA

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

BRONZE

MUTABAHI AL HAWAJER FA EL RASHEEM X ZT MAGRUMI

BREEDER: AL HAWAJER STUD OWNER: SAMA NAJD STUD

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Senior Mare

Final Championship

SILVER

MOZN ALBIDAYER SMA MAGIC ONE X MATTAHARII

BREEDER: ALBIDAYER STUD OWNER: AL WAJBA STUD

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D AZIZA

GOLD

AJMAN MONISCIONE X MIDNIGHT KISS J

BREEDER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD | OWNER: HANAYA STUD

BRONZE

ALSA

KAHIL AL SHAQAB X ALAMEDA

BREEDER: JANOW PODLASKI OWNER: HANAYA STUD

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Senior Stallions

Final Championship

SILVER

D SERAJ

FA EL RASHEEM X LADI VERONIKA

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

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GOLD

EXCALIBUR EA

SHANGHAI EA X ESSENCE OF MARWAN EA

BREEDER: EQUUS ARABIANS | OWNER: AKMAL STUD

BRONZE

NASEEM AL RASHEDIAH

AL ADEED AL SHAQAB X NABA WEYYAH EZZAIN

BREEDER: AL RASHEDIAH STUD OWNER: AL RASHEDIAH STUD

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Special

TROPHIES 2021

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Special

TROPHIES 2021

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WRITTEN BY: SONIA SMALDONE

M

iah Martina Ashiraf was born in 2021 in the barns of Giacomo Boscarino’s Il Paradiso Arabian Stud, Italy. Since her birth, Boscarino knew this filly foal would be one of her kind, and when he and his family spread the word she had come to this world, the well-known Azez Arabians made sure to have her only for themselves. Located in Israel, Azez Arabians is one of the largest and most successful local breeding farms managed and owned by Mohammed Kadan. A young but cunny breeder who has his own vision on how to breed and where to go. He has

always focussed on high-quality Arabian horses with excellent type, movement and attitude. He has always found the correct stallions for his mares and the appropriate mares to take his breeding program the next step up. For his group of selected mares, Kadan carefully

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chooses two sires who are writing the history of the breed, both extreme and just as perfect as their original archetypes: SG Labib (2008) (WH Justice x DF Halifa) owned by SG Labib Partnership, and Poseidon OS (2013) (Ajman Moniscione x Thema Maryah OS) bred by Osterhof Stud, Germany. Both these two stallions are known for producing outstanding horses that consistently get top honours at shows.

As Mohammed Kadan feels like something is still missing in his breeding

Since her debut in the show-arena, this lovely filly foal has already shown to her new owner what she is capable of and that she has all the qualities of a top horse, having already taken two prominent titles.

She got named Gold Medal Futurity Filly at the Spring International Arabian Horse Show 2021 and Gold Champion Futurity Filly at the 9th Purosangue Arabi in Bergamo 2021, the first time presented

by Giacomo Boscarino himself, the second time by handler Paolo Capecci.

Like many contemporary breeding pro-

business, he starts looking for a filly that could represent as closest as possible his vision of beauty at shows. When he finds her, she bears the name of Miah Martina Ashiraf. Mohammed Kadan says it was love at first sight with her. Her undeniably beautiful exterior, big black eyes, and manners captivating stole his heart.

ducts, Miah Martina Ashiraf ’s pedigree looks very exotic, combining the most esteemed Polish/Russian horses with Egyptian, Spanish, Crabbet ones that continue to produce high-quality individuals across the globe.

From her sireline, Miah Martina Ashiraf is unmistakenly a daughter of the Buzzi family-owned cornerstone stallion Ajman Moniscione (2003). Rising as a prince from WH Justice’s first foal crop,

GOLD CHAMPION FUTURITY FILLY Spring International Arabian Horse Show 2021

GOLD CHAMPION FUTURITY FILLY 9th Purosangue Arabi Bergamo 2021 SIRE

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AJMAN MONISVIONE WH JUSTICE x ANTHEA MONISCIONE SIRE

Ajman is one of the most influential sires in Europe today. His undeniable success has been in the breeding barns and unarguably represents a legacy of champions.

His foals are outstanding, typey with beautiful heads, and like Miah Martina Ashiraf, are winning titles all over the world.

Ajman Moniscione’s mother, Anthea Moniscione (1996) (Padrons Ghibli x Armonia), is a splendid dark-chestnut granddaughter to Padron (1977) (Patron x Odessa). Both Anthea Moniscione and her mother Armonia (1991) are excellent prolific foundations mares of The Buzzis breeding program. The decision to cross both of these mares to WH JuAHM | 92

stice (Magnum Psyche x Vona Sher-Renea by El Sheerman by El Saklan) proved them to be exceptional. There came a new look added to the already beautiful family-owned mares. The grace, extreme type, and athletic body of the aristocratic Polish/Russian broodmares. First, Armonia (1991), an incredibly refined daughter by the American- bred Polish stallion Aktszn (1986), a son to Negatraz (1971- 1995 ), who was an outstanding sire of numerous National winners in Halter and Performance, including a Top 10 Halter Stallion and the first American bred Polish stallion to stand in Poland, Monogramm.

Bask is the immortal sire of Negatraz.

Bask was the 1964 United States National Champion Stallion and the 1965 United States National Park Champion. Bask’s mother Balalajka got known as one of the most valuable brood matrons at Albigowa, Poland.

Armonia’s mother, namely Miah Martina Ashiraf paternal great-great-grandmother, the Russian mare Anette (1986), is by the stunning straight Russian stallion Nariadni (1973-1997) (Nabeg x Nariadnaia by Aswan). Nariadni represents the very best of Russian breeding.

In addition to siring over 500 foals and many champions, he was a successful

MCA (2014), who in turn is by Hassan Ashiraf (2008) and out of the mare Free Aida (2005). As a show-horse, Hassan Ashiraf was Champion Futurity Male, Seriate 2008, Italy; Reserve Champion Futurity Male, Verona 2008, Italy; Best Beautiful Head and Neck Collemancio 2009, Italy. Today, he is the respected accomplished sire of Giacomo Boscarino’s Il Paradiso Arabian Stud with many champion offspring all over Europe, proving to have inherited the same sire qualities as his father Amir Ashiraf, producing one stunning foal after the other.

Ashiraf was born in Italy in 2004, making

SOPHIE MCA - HASSAN ASHIRAF x FREE AIDA -Dam show horse. He is the son of Tersk Stud sire Nabeg, and his mother Nariadnaia is considered to be one of the most beautiful mares ever bred at famous Tersk.

Anette’s mother, the mare CL Anisette, is a daughter to the Us-bred stallion Silver Century (1967) who provides links to Crabbet lines and out of the Canadianbred Polish/Crabbet mare Margherita (1976) (Cognac by Bask x Spring Baskette).

Maternally, Miah Martina Ashiraf (2021) is a daughter to the beautiful mare Sophie

him one of the first foals by the world-famous WH Justice (Magnum Psyche x Vona Sher-Renea). He debuted at the Italian show in Voghera at just 13 months of age. He proved to be a too strong competitor for his peers and took the lead. Not only won Amir his class, but also the title of Reserve Champion Junior Colt. He replicated the same success in Travagliato, Italy, being Reserve again behind MA Shadow el Sher, who would later get the title of World AHM | 93

Champion Colt. In 2006, Amir took part in the All Nations Cup, Aachen, where he was in fourth place after the world champions Marajj and Marquis.

The placement at the Menton show (2006) was also remarkable, and in Paris (2007), he conquered the fifth placement.

However, the true success of Amir is his numerous progeny, not only in Europe but also in Brazil. He got leased by Haras Stigmatas in Brazil - to boost breeding in this beautiful country, which he did with great success. After a prosperous lease period of nearly three years, Amir Ashiraf returned to Europe but later, he got sold to Iran.

The mother of Amir, Guendalina (1993), is mainly Russian bred, crossing to Nabeg, Kumir and Numizmat.

Sophie MCA’s mother, the worthy Polish mare Free Aida (2005), is by the majestic pure Polish stallion Aslan (1998) (Eucalyptus x Algora by Probat) bred by Janow Podlaski Stud, Poland. Aslan’s legendary sire Eukaliptus (1974) (Bandos x Eunice) was Poland’s first-ever Na-

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tional Championship Stallion in the history of Polish stallion breeding. As a sire, he was intensely bred to Michałow mares and later, in 1980, he got leased to the US for three years. Eucalyptus returned to Poland and continued to be among Michałow mares until he died in 2021. Eucalyptus sired 378 foals in total. Most of his mares are known to the world for the exceptional beauty, classic type Saklawi, huge gentle eyes of a gazelle, breath-taking neck and unique charisma. Among them, 4 Polish National Champion Mares: Emigrantka (1992); Esklawa (1995); Grenlandia (1996) and Larissa (1997).

Free Aida’s mother, namely Miah Martina Ashiraf maternal great-grandmother, is the fabulous pure Polish matron of her time, Eris (1989), who is, in turn, a daughter by pure Polish stallion Dziewerz (1989) (Wermut x Dzierlatka) and out of the pure Polish broodmare Emza (1991) (Partner x Embara).

Dziewerz, Wermut, and Partner were champion sires of racehorses in Poland and had beautiful, strong conformation and perfect limbs they

stamped on their progeny. They produced an impressive line of accomplished and superlative matrons. So they appear in many of the young horses’ pedigrees.

Both the phenotypic promise and genotypic power of Miah Martina Asiraf got immediately recognized by the savvy buyer Azez Arabians as they were precisely looking for a top prospect in the show

ring, tipped to become a meritorious follower of her prized family. We wish Azez Arabians and Capecci Training Center a very productive partnership and much success at shows with this precious pearl of a filly.

kenda.benyan@gmail.com | +972 50-8314785 AHM | 95

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Written by Sonia Smaldone brand-new exciting appointment with our beloved Arabian horse was the 1st edition of the Etna Arabian Horse Cup, organized by Gianluca Martino and Roberto Ceccaroni in cooperation with the Region of Sicily, the Equestrian Development Institute for Sicily, and the technical support of Fieracavalli Verona.

The C -National competition took place in the framework of the 3rd Mediterranean Horse Fair.

At the weekend of 3- 4 July 2021 on the Ambelia Farm Estate, in the heart of the Catanese countryside, only a 40 km drive from the chief city’s airport.

The sixteenth-century stunning property once belonging to the noble family Branciforte is AHM | 98

now managed by the Equestrian Development Institute for Sicily. It is a place where nature reclaims its times, and the real “masters” of the house are the mares and foals bred on the same farm hosting part of the prestigious Sicilian equine genetic treasure.

Present on the final day of the equestrian manifestation, the President of the Sicilian Region, Nello Musumeci, with five regional assessors: Education, Roberto Lagalla; Infrastructure, Marco Falcone; Energy, Daniela Baglieri and Health, Ruggero Razza.

The international judges who scored the 60 specimens protagonists of this 2021 edition were: Mrs Antonia Bautista (Spain); Mr Tomasz Tarczynski (Poland); Mr Abdelaziz Hussain Mohamed Jaziri Al Marzooqi (Uae), and

Mrs Alicja Poszepczynska (Poland).

Ringmaster: Mr. Gabriele Gallo (Italy).

Disciplinary Commissioners: Doc. Vet. Mohammed Hammad (Egypt). Speaker: Anna Scarpa (Italy). Official photographers: Mrs. Sunita Sassudelli (Italy) and Mrs. Conny Annunziata (Italy). Score, Results and Web streaming by Arabian Essence (Italy). Press, social media and music by Arabian Horse Magazine (Italy).

The show started on July 3, 2021, at 10:30 Europe/Rome and concluded on July 4, 2021, at 23:30 Europe/Rome (23:30 Europe/Rome) with the following results: In the Yearling Fillies Championship, Gold medal winner the bay Exstasy (Alexander PC x Amarinaa), bred and owned by Cannatella Giuseppe Antonio. Silver medal winner the bay Magic Sweet Caroline (Magic Aban x Magic Sweet) bred and owned by Fontanella Magic Arabians.

Bronze medal champion the chestnut ST Keira (Kanz Albidayer x Wiennetta) bred by Zeller Noemie Philomena Daniele and owned by Simonetta Pietro.

In the Junior Fillies Championship, Gold medal winner the grey Rkafinna PPJ (Shanghai EA x Mystica Mangusta), bred and owned by Prisco Antonio.

Silver medal winner the bay Magic Lady Sherazade (AJ Serdal x Magic Sherazade) bred and owned

by Fontanella Magic Arabians. Magic Lady Sherazade won by class score. Bronze medal winner the grey Jasmin By SC Blanca (Alexander PC x SC Blanca), bred and owned by Fortunato Carlo.

In the Senior Mares Championship, Gold medal winner the grey Farah PC (Hassan Ashiraf x Jarada), bred by Capizzi Francesco Paolo and owned

by Cannata Giuseppe Antonio. Farah PC won by class score.

Silver medal winner the bay Magic Gazzella AHM | 99

(Magic Magnifique x Sultan Venus) bred and owned by Fontanella Magic Arabians. Bronze medal winner the bay BF Pestiphera (Alim PS x MPP Pamylee) bred by Cicchese Barbara and owned by Prisco Donato.

Alysia) bred and owned by Fontanella Magic Arabians. There was no Bronze medal contender at this edition.

In the Yearling Colts Championship, Gold medal winner the bay Magic Milord (AJ Serdal x Magic Milady), bred by Fontanella Magic Arabians and owned by Storti Franco. Silver medal winner Magic Serdal (AJ Serdal x Magic

In the Junior Colts Championship, Gold medal winner the grey Preisen PPJ (Shanghai EA x EA Sihan Ajmania), bred by Prisco Antonio and owned by Prisco Donato. Silver medal winner the grey AJ Ejat (Shanghai EA x AJ Estrel-

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la) bred by Ajman Stud - HH Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi and owned by Pacifico Raso. AJ Ejat won by class score. Bronze medal champion the bay AJ Njwan (AJ Mardan x Inspired Najla) bred by Ajman Stud - HH Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi and owned by Fontanella Magic Arabians.

In the Senior Stallions Championship, Gold medal winner the grey Monte Core (AJ Mardan x Mahalya El Jamal), bred by Fontanella Magic Arabians and owned by Giugliano Domenico. Silver medal winner the bay Tresor Angelino (Fadi Al Shaqab x CC Ardesia) bred

by Domenico D’Onza and owned by Salvatore Giuffrida. Bronze medal winner the bay Majestic NWA (Qr Marc x Maggie Lee BA) bred by Nwa Arabians Ole Larsen and owned by Fanara Vincenzo.

In addition to the C- National Arabian Horse show, Ambelia Equestrian Centre offered participants and visitors various sports attractions linked to the Sicilian equestrian cultural and breeding tradition.

with this beautiful part of Sicily. Our most heartfelt thank you go to the Region of Sicily, the Equestrian Development Institute for Sicily and the organizers of the Mediterranean Horse Fair for hosting and granting us such an evocative and well-equipped structure. In particular, we thank the Deus ex machina of all that, President of the Sicily Region, Mr Nello Musumeci.

He solemnly declared his desire to make the Amelia Equestrian Center the most prestigious equestrian sports facility in central-southern Italy to bring Sicily inside the international circuit. We on the AHM team wish you the best!

Enormous thanks to FieraCavalli Verona for their precious support and excellent cooperation. Last but not least, we want to thank all the judges and attending guests, the disciplinary commissioners, the breeders and the owners, the handlers and the groomers. All the Arabian Essence staff who broadcast the event live streaming, with peaks of 20 thousand simultaneous connections, from this territory rich in unparalleled art and culture.

So, we hope that the efforts behind this 1st edition will bring up more chances of cooperation AHM | 101

Yearling Fillies FInal championship

SILVER

MAGIC SWEET CAROLINE MAGIC ABAN x MAGIC SWEET

BREEDER: FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS SOC.AGR. A.R.L., ITALY OWNER: FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS SOC.AGR. A.R.L., ITALY AHM | 102

EXSTASY

ALEXANDER PC x AMARINAA

GOLD

BREEDER: CANNATELLA GIUSEPPE ANTONIO OWNER: CANNATELLA GIUSEPPE ANTONIO

BRONZE

ST KEIRA

KANZ ALBIDAYER x WIENNETTA BREEDER: ZELLER NOEMIE PHILOMENA DANIELE OWNER: SIMONETTI PIETRO AHM | 103

Yearling Colts FInal championship

SILVER

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MAGIC MILORD

AJ SERDAL x MAGIC MILADY

GOLD

BREEDER: FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS SRL OWNER: STORTI FRANCO

MAGIC SERDAL AJ SERDAL x MAGIC ALYSIA

BREEDER: FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS OWNER: FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS AHM | 105

Junior Fillies FInal championship

SILVER

MAGIC LADY SHERAZADE

AJ SERDAL x MAGIC SHERAZADE

BREEDER: MAGIC FONTANELLA ARABIANS OWNER: MAGIC FONTANELLA ARABIANS AHM | 106

RAFINNA PPJ

SHANGHAI EA x MYSTICA MANGUSTA

GOLD

BREEDER: PRISCO ANTONIO OWNER: PRISCO ANTONIO

BRONZE

JASMIN BY SC BLANCA ALEXANDER PC x SC BLANCA

BREEDER: FORTUNATO CARLO OWNER: FORTUNATO CARLO AHM | 107

Junior colts FInal championship

SILVER

AJ EJAT

SHANGHAI EA x AJ ESTRELLA BREEDER: AJMAN STUD - HH SHEIKH AMMAR BIN HUMAID AL NUAIMI OWNER: PACIFICO RASO AHM | 108

PREISEN PPJ

SHANGHAI EA x EA SIHAN AJMANIA

GOLD

BREEDER: PRISCO ANTONIO OWNER: PRISCO DONATO

BRONZE

AJ NJWAN

AJ MARDAN x INSPIRED NAJLA BREEDER: AJMAN STUD - HH SHEIKH AMMAR BIN HUMAID AL NUAIMI OWNER: FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS SOC AGR ARL AHM | 109

Senior Mares FInal championship

SILVER

MAGIC GAZZELLA MAGIC MAGNIFIQUE x SULTAN VENUS

BREEDER: FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS SRL OWNER: FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS SRL AHM | 110

FARAH PC

HASSAN ASHIRAF x JARADA

GOLD

BREEDER: CAPIZZI FRANCESCO PAOLO OWNER: CANNATA GIUSEPPE ANTONIO

BRONZE

BF PESTIPHERA ALIM PS x MPP PAMYLEE

BREEDER: CICCHESE BARBARA OWNER: PRISCO DONATO AHM | 111

Senior STallions FInal championship

SILVER

TRESOR ANGELINO FADI AL SHAQAB x CC ARDESIA SHAI BREEDER: DOMENICO D’ONZA OWNER: SALVATORE GIUFFRIDA AHM | 112

MONTE CORE

AJ MARDAN x MAHALYA EL JAMAL

GOLD

BREEDER: FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS OWNER: GIUGLIANO DOMENICO

BRONZE

MAGESTIC NWA QR MARC x MAGGIE LEE BA

BREEDER: NWA ARABIANS OLE LARSEN OWNER: FANARA VINCENZO AHM | 113

SPECIAL Moments Photos by Sunny Sassudelli

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SPECIAL Moments Photos by Conny Annunziata

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Conceived by William Richardot de Choisey - Written by Fawaz Gamal and Patrick Boudehen Translated by Sonia Smaldone Pictures ©Afca - Spodex / ©Boiselle Edition / ©Thala Photography / ©Driss Ben Malek / ©O.m.t / ©RP-Rabat / ©Cherqui Nawfal

PREAMBLE

Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Sahara, the Moroccan is unquestionably one of the countries of lush nature, a land of contrasts possessing a rich culture accompanied by an atmosphere assimilated to the Kingdom in the most beautiful traditions of the Orient carrying us through big dreams.

For those who visit Morocco, it is striking to admire the heights of the Rif, the Atlas reflecting its golden snows, inside, the country which presents desert and arid areas, offers green oases shaded by immense date palms, source of freshness and heavenly peace.

In these spots once considered rest areas for caravans on the trans-Sahara trade road, the horses found the necessary rest while the men exchanged information and spread the news.

Near Ifrane, one can still see abundant forests of cedar trees with a particular scent, the oaks, the discovery of the Berber villages in the south with its Aït Ben Haddou casbahs, and the magnificence of the ancient imperial cities of AHM | 120

Meknès, when it is a professional trip, a fabulous odyssey, the thousand and one wonders are still there.

Partly practised in many “civilized” countries, meeting and sharing with Moroccans are the great riches of a Kingdom whose principle of hospitality is one of the values still perpetuated.

But, it does not prevent the population, often of Arab-Andalusian, Berber or African origin, from having strong characters. They know how to welcome you at the tea ceremony, gathered around the ‘berrad’, being a ritual, social act essential for making contact and get to know each other.

This country of the great Maghreb is a constitutional monarchy; it is a crossroads of Amazigh, Arab, Islamic, diaspora civilizations of which Moroccan culture is proud. Hispano-Moorish art was born in this country, Moroccan food is there, one of the most popular in the world, its 3,500 km coasts are the longest in the Arab world, and the argan tree is a tree that only grows in Morocco.

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THE WILL OF A MONARCH

Written by: William Richardot de Choisey The late His Majesty King Hassan II, whose reign lasted thirty-eight years, used to be a fervent horse lover, riding every day near the Golf of Dar As-Salam. He nurtured a real passion for the pure-bred Arabian horse, shared with his brother, H.R.H Prince Moulay Abdallah, who owned the small, but beautiful farm located in Aïn El Aouda on the road to Zaer not far from Rabat.

Having taken up the charge of Private Adviser to Prince Moulay Abdallah, I had the privilege, especially the chance to admire a magnificent stallion stationed there, the precious El Sud El Aaaly, chestnut stallion born in Egypt 1957 by Nazeer (Mansour x Bint Samiha) and out of Lateefa (Gamil III x Salwa) offered by Egypt to H-M King Hassan II. Later, I also discovered Haroun grey 1969 by Burhan and out of Kareman, Seef el Arab grey stallion born in Egypt 1974 by Kayed and ferial, Gawad chesnut stallion born in Egypt 1974 by Aseel and Rihana, these were all precious bloodlines that, however, would not get bred to increase the royal herd. A pity indeed because there exist

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only a few living specimens.

At the Royal Guard, in Rabat, while I was practising horse riding, I could find another hidden genetic treasure, the grey stallion Burhan born in Egypt in 1961 by Morafic (Nazeer x Mabrouka) and out of the mare Mouna (Sid Abouhom x Moniet El Nefous).

So, I informed Prince Moulay Abdallah about such genetic richness for the Kingdom, and I respectfully urged him to join in the concert of nations linked to the Arabian horse industry.

When pressed, the Prince decided that it was time to take action. Therefore, he recommended establishing a development project, it followed the participation of Morocco at the Salon du Cheval in Paris in 1976, under the leadership of the late H.R.H Princess Lalla Amina, an extremely generous character whose success stay etched in the memories of many people for her tenacious and dynamic commitment to the breed.

At that time, the country took gigantic steps in the development and protection of the Arabian horse. The late Majesty King Hassan II

SM Hassan II

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ordered to build the Royal Stud near Bouznika since he found the one in Douïet too small. It is an impressive building in the purest style, built at record time by thousands of workers who strove for the perfection of the property. It is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, bringing together Arab-Barb and original Barb horses, and led by Dr – Vet Lahcen Fdail.

Imperial Mashar

Haras Royal - Boiselle

Haras Royal of Bouznika

Since then, the number of pure-bred Arabian horses has been controlled or even restricted, a decision that is hardly ever shared by most stud farms owned by private breeders or establishments across the world, outstanding reproducers get housed to keep up a quality not found anywhere else.

The most famous stallion from the Royal Stud of Bouznika is the dark bay Imperial Mashaar born in 1992 by Imperial Madheen and out of the mare Imperial Janaabah, unanimously crowned Paris World Champion in 1993, his highly sought-after offspring stay at the stud.

Before then, other stunning stallions had found in the Royal Stud a great shelter, for instance, the chestnut G.G Malachite chesnut born in the USA in 1982 by An Malik and El Nahr Falicia, and the chestnut Imperial Im Tarib born in the USA in 1982 by Ansata Imperial and out of Imperial Ti Amo, there, also imported mares got comfortably sheltered like the chestnut female Huda, AHM | 125

born in Jordan in 1975 by Bahrain and out of Haala, and the grey female The Other Woman born in the USA in 1982 by Tr Magnum and out of Cat Beau Lu. The stud has also made significant acquisitions to ensure as much as necessary large reserves of new blood and the reinforcement of the herd with a qualitative vision of future development, it is managed by a highly qualified expert, supported by an exceptional team, highly competent and skilful enough to look after and preserve these precious horses which are from time to time presented in regional competitions, enabling the amateurs of the breed to observe by close the quality of the products that get bred in this exceptional geographic area.

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THE BEST “WAZEER” Written by Patrick Boudehen

Particularly fond of Barb horses and purebred Arabian horses of which he is respon-

Previously International Judge in Arabian horses competitions, Doctor-veterinarian Lahcen Fdail managed to exercise his expertise and express judgments at the renowned Cannes International Arabian Horse Show for a few years and at the World Arabian Horse Championship in Paris, two events formerly organized by Agence Française du Cheval Arabe and Spodex.

He has always been profoundly committed to the promotion of horses among his fellow citizens, so in 2009, he set up the first International Arabian Horse Show at the Salon El Jadida that first took place at the Lalla Malika racetrack El Jadida, before moving to the new Parc des Expositions

Dr Vet Lahcen Fdail

sible, Dr-vet Lahcen Fdail is one of the best characters for anything concerning horse breeding in Morocco in all its diversity.

His undeniable experience got first exercised within the national stud farms enabling him to ensure relevant moments of cooperation with all his interlocutors, getting the esteem of all those who get to know him.

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His Majesty King Mohammed VI

in Azzemour, a yearly meeting that has become a sensitive spot for discussion among breeders and owners of all countries who attend this prominent event in the Kingdom of Morocco.

His Majesty King Mohammed VI appointed him as the manager of his private stud farm located in Bouznika that he runs with great competence with a dedicated staff to the most beautiful horses in the Kingdom, a prominent

and fascinating charge whereby Dr-vet Lahcen Fdail preserves all the reproducers, the great pride of his illustrious owner.

Doctor-veterinarian Lahcen Fdail is fully trusted by his Monarch, for he represents his country at most relevant events sponsored by the Kingdom of Morocco, a notable contribution that gets always greeted with gratitude and friendship.

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PARTICPATION AT THE SALON DU CHEVAL – PARIS 1976 Written by William Richardot de Choisey

In the spirit of favouring relationships among important breeders across the world, in the diaspora linked to the Arabian breed, I respectfully addressed to His Majesty King Hassan II in Palace Office of Rabat a solicitude to consider participation in the Salon du Cheval in Paris in 1976, an acceptance greeted by all for what was going to be an immeasurable success to the extent that Majesty King Hassan II decided to commit himself to grant his High Sponsorship to the creation in 1980 of the World Championship of the Arabian Horse support that I was personally given and maintained for many years.

The late H.R.H Princess Lalla Amina, who AHM | 130

held a special place in the hearts of all Moroccans, represented the link between the late H-M King Mohammed V, with whom she lived in exile in Madagascar.

Her commitments to underprivileged children have long been her great concern, in 1999, she took the Presidency of the Royal Moroccan Federation of Equestrian Sports, setting up a development program of breeding activities and equestrian sports requiring a change in the modern era in the direction of young people.

Spodex, the organizer of the 1976 Salon du Cheval in Paris, benefited from her immense involvement aimed at success, a Moroccan team from Jumping participated brilliantly in this event; tireless in the promotion of the horse in Morocco, in the valuation of the Tbouri-

HRH Princess Lalla Amina

da, H.R.H Princess Lalla Amina invested in the creation of the 1st Salon du Cheval El Jadida which continues to this day.

Her death in 2012 broke the heart of a whole nation, her work for horse lovers remains forever in the heart of every Moroccan.

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THE PUREBRED ARABIAN HORSES BREEDING Written by Patrick Boudehen

The power of a country of Arabian horses’ breeders and equestrian cultures with its millenary traditions, the Moroccan population lives in connection with nature that remains the soul of a nation through the Love and Respect for the human being’s most noble conquest of what it would be his best companion and friend in life.

History tells us that many Oriental stallions got stationed in the depots of the Moroccan national stud farms in 1913, in the same year, the Meknes depot that had good pastures welcomed the stallion Derouich, born in 1916 by Karouf and out of Nabbu, which marked the creation of the Oujda and El Jadida depots that will change direction in 1946.

The creation of the Jumenterie de Meknes da-

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tes back to the early days of the French protectorate, located near an old Makhzen fort its current action spreads over several regions focused mainly on purebred Arabian horses and Arabian- Barbe horses breeding.

Sprawling over sixty hectares nestled inside the Ismaili ramparts, the Jumenterie retained its prestigious reputation, at the time, famous stallions made their foundation exactly there, only to mention a few: Ordizan born in France 1937 by Abel and out of Danae; Shariar born in Egypt 1938; Minos by Dahmane and out of Mélissa by Pompadour; Quernin born in France in 1947 by Fellous and out of Jelala 1947; Agrès born in France in 1957 by Sumeyr and out of Altise by Abel gave exceptional products including Salam, a chestnut stallion born in 1969 by Agrès and out of Tosca; Dalia, a chestnut female born in 1974 by Agrès and out of Primerose; Nouria a chestnut female by Agrès and out of Endive; last but not least Ouergha, a chestnut female born in 1965 by Agrès and out of Endive.

Show 1987, two pioneering events in the south of France organized by Spodex and the Agence Française du Cheval Arabe.

Horses belonging to the Royal Stud like Kareman born in Egypt 1962 by El Sareii and out of Lateefa, Al Moraima born in Spain 1965 by Zafiro and out of Nubia II and Primrose 1966

by Burhan and out of Tosca, were all hosted there before being later gathered at the Royal Stud of Bouznika.

More particularly, Dalia 1974 by Agrés (Sumeyr x Altise), and Primerose (Burhan x Tosca) who got crowned Champion in the female category alongside the stallion Salam 1969

by Agrès (Sumeyr x Altise) and out of Tosca (Fellous x Allure) who obtained the Champion title, in 1985, they both participated in the International Arabian Horse Show in Marseille; the stallion also classified Vice-Champion at the Cannes International Arabian Horse

For some old Moroccan breeders who have a strong opinion on the recent development of the herd, the Arabian horse should not only be a show animal in specific breeding competition. We should bear in mind that he is first an athletic animal successfully employed for his extraordinary performances on racetracks.

The creation of the Moroccan Breeders Association aimed at the development of the breed for the country’s welfare, with a breeding activity oriented towards a production responding to its traditions positioned between Europe and the African continent.

In the current context, Morocco is becoming a country model for many actors in the sector, rich in experiences and developments, effective ingredients that make it stand as a modern nation in terms of breeding, and, which above all things, takes into account Animal Welfare and its Protection more than elsewhere in the world.

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BREEDING DEVELOPMENT Written by Fawaz Gamal

Not so long ago, there existed the Royal Society of Encouragement of the horse led by a great equine connoisseur, Dr Soussène Yacoubi he had undertaken a courageous promotional policy for the breed by employing new executives and experts in genetics in cooperation with his counterparts Colonel-Major Omar Daoudi and the then Director of the National Studs Nadji Joundy, with whom he set in motion the Regional Stud of Bouznika in the old walls of

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the kasbah, a great Moroccan equine reservoir.

For the record, the first regulatory texts of the genealogical books of Morocco date back to 1948. William Richardot de Choisey worked on it upon request of the Office of the Royal Palace, intending to organize the global presentation of the Moroccan Stud Book - in collaboration with Minister Safah M’Zily of the Ministère de l’Agriculuture et de la Réforme Agraire in Rabat - as recognized by the World

ms, Oujda regional stud farm, Meknès regional stud farm, Bouznika regional stud farm, Al Jadida regional stud farm and Marrakech regional stud farm management to ensure the parents control very successfully, with certified identification and the national standards set according to precise criteria of improvement for the national production.

Arabian Horse Organization in 1976.

In terms of breeding infrastructure, the activity is carried on through the divisions of the breeding stations of the various regional stud farms, controlled by a Central Administration; then, the National Artificial Insemination Center installed in Bouznika and approved by the European Commission in 2002.

The depots of the Moroccan national stud far-

The private stallions are mostly reproducers for the breed, the workforce in progress, they must get annual approval, take morphological and health and blood grouping tests, aware of the importance of its equine heritage well-being, Morocco is taking action to develop its breeding and is determined to integrate the world elite of the sector, for a breeding program so ambitious in the current framework, importance is attached to the importations of firstclass broodmares. old strains, however, have not been rescued.

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ACTORS IN THE BREEDING Written by Fawaz Gamal

A High Specialist: Doctor-Veterinarian Malak Benamar In the history of a country concerned with the future of its breeding, it is imperative to count on

highly qualified stakeholders in relevant positions who often have a realistic breeding vision. Dr -Vet Malak Benamar is very valuable on this precise subject.

She made her studies at a time when access to women was not as open as today. In 1967, she completed her PhD successfully, presenting a dissertation on the “Evaluation of Equine Reproduction / Clinical and Bacteriological Investigations” and got

namar is responsible sprawls over eight hectares and became operational in 1994, the first national competition took place there, with the first appearance of Mohammed Machmoum, who later became an international judge.

Dr Vet Mohammed Segrouchni

her first job at the national stud farms but, over the years, misunderstandings have not been lacking.

However, given her undeniable knowledge in equine medicine, she deservedly accepted the post of Director of a stud, which is an establishment requiring a commitment at all times with little time to relax.

For the record, the stud farm for which Malak BeAHM | 136

Strongly involved in the development of the Arabian horse and well-known for her personal and uncompromising commitment to the protection of the horse, Malak Benamar takes part in the Disciplinary Commissions at many international competitions. We dare to think out loud that the worth of her person should no longer confuse her in this kind of position.

It is reassuring to note that in Morocco, people of this calibre have the priority to defend their living heritage still so present in their hearts and that women have relevant positions to take up in the development of the equine industry.

Dr Vet Malak Benamar & Adjoints

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THE ARABIAN HORSE SHOWS Written by William Richardot de Choisey

The Moroccan Breeders Association and its Show Commission establish Qualifying Regional Competitions every year to contend in a National Breeders Cup followed by the National Championship at the end of the season.

Belown shown the total number of horses participating in the regionals for the past ten years: 2010 = 267 horses / 2011 = 179 horses / 2012 = 263 horses / 2013 = 341 horses 2014 = 243 horses / 2015 = 204 horses / 2016 = 315 horses / 2017 = 216 horses 2018 = 317 horses / 2019 = 406 horses / 2020 = 389 horses / 2021 = 443 horses total participation in 2021 = 269 females & 174 males. these data show the development of the herd; the quality is in clear progression but, the internal market is not very active, with the Regional d’El Jadida registering the highest number of participants, September 11th and 12th, 2021, the National Breeders Cup in Meknes, finally on September 25th and 2th 6, 2021 the National Championship in El Jadida in a period with bearable weather conditions.

breeders proves that in this country, the breeders still enjoy a special place in the facilities of the Salon du Cheval d’El Jadida, a competition with a modern character that made its appearance in the breeding sector in 2008.

These local gatherings have had successes of all kinds, we must pay tribute to two ancient handlers like Foutouh Abdesselam and Chahid Abdelkader, which despite their age in the speciality, are the pride and honour of Morocco because they opened the way to some promising young people, for example, Youssef El Mastour and Anas Aït Faraji also Hassan Kesseb.

There as anywhere else, it is necessary to rely upon a body of expert judges to guide the breeders and owners in the direction of the quality to promote a valuable herd, which will be the benchmark for national production.

I cannot name all the connoisseurs of the breed, however, I would like to mention Dr-Vet Mohammed Oussidhoum - International Judge and Dr Vet Mohamed Yaraaf-National Judge, two outstanding zootechnicians involved in the sector for a few years, they both enjoy

There is one competition per region for the year that can qualify to access the National Championship, a superior number of ‘B’ category competitions for the many horses not qualified for the ‘A’ would enable all insiders to meet again.

The most relevant Arabian Horse breeding farms in Morocco include El Aaz Arabians, Al Boraq Stud, Issan Stud, Menara Stud, Mohammedia Stud Farm, Ranch Adarouch Stud, Selman Arabians, Shahada Stud, all having too few possibilities to take their horses to international competitions.

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Dr Vet Med Oussidhoum

the esteem of participants in competitions, whether at regional or national levels, often invited during internationals, two prominent referents for Morocco.

We should not forget all those actors who can immortalize so well the best moments of the equestrian events in Morocco so that they can stay etched in our minds forever. In this respect, the talent of the photographer Driss Ben Malek is quite precious.

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PORTRAIT OF MOROCCAN TRAINERS-HANDLERS

and considerable respect for the rules of handling.

Written by William Richardot de Choisey Any horse intended for National or International Arabian Horse Show must go through appropriate training according to its age, but grooming is what comes first to prepare any equine at the show appearance, in Morocco, the climate is mild throughout the year in all provinces, so the thing is pretty affordable.

During the competitions taking place in Morocco, a small number of handlers strive to do very well with their horses and lead them to victories, two of them, in particular, got noticed for their impeccable conduct

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To begin with, the young Youssef El Mastour, present in the arenas for a few years already, with the heavy responsibility of presenting the Arabian horses from the Royal Stud of Bouznika, a very professional activity that he performs with seriousness and pleasant skills to follow, so great victories will boost his career..

As the value of an individual can’t only depend on age, the very young Anas Aït Faraji representing Mohammedia Arabian Farm is still very determined despite the too large number of horses to be presented at each competition, a too intense physical investment not always rewarded by the rankings obtained despite horses ready to compete in excellent conditions. His style is very peculiar and widely appreciated by various juries, i n his case, starting with an international career should be taken into account

Youssef El Mastour

Hassan Kesseb

Anas Ait Faraji

quite seriously.

Two private handlers very professional, Youssef Manaf and Hassan Kesseb very good persons.

The Arabian horse industry in Morocco, with all its actors, does not lack talents. It is a nation that is developing with great strides into actions in line with its traditions.

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CONCLUSION

Written by William Richardot de Choisey Here is a summary of a country that still holds so dear the arabian horse inside the heart and its tradition, a horse that has been and will always be an “object of love and admiration”.

In Europe, the last decade has been affected by professionals very concerned with bloodlines and genetics following a new breeding orientation, the pure-bred arabian horse has long lived in the mineral universe of the Sahara, whose history has always got intertwined with that of humanity. The Kingdom of Morocco remains an authentic and respectful guardian of the creature born * from a handful of sand and the desert wind.

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Thanks to all these courageous Moroccan breeders and owners steeped in faith in their work with their horses. Everything is open to promote the brand image of Morocco internationally.

We will have to rely on this local dynamism.

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A

WRITTEN BY NOEMIE ZELLER

rabian Futurity Europe - founded in 2004 - is an initiative for breeders of Arabian horses within Europe to bring new energy to Arabian horse breeding and Arabian horse events in Europe.

With an impressive collection of some of Europe’s highest quality breeding stallions, this initiative allows breeders the opportunity to purchase one of these breedings in an open Auction. The horse born out of this auction breeding gets automatically nominated to participate in the Futurity Competition. To compete with this foal offers an attractive amount of prize money equal to 100%.

This concept provides an incredible opportunity to both sides involved in Arabian horses — the breeder and the stallion owner. For the breeder, it brings the possibility to purchase breeding of excellent quality and future on to win money with the coming up foal all together at one place. For the stallion’s owner, it is not only good publicity. But also, they can earn some prize money if foals out of their stallion are winning every year as every stallion is active for ten years from the first donation.

The Arabian Futurity Europe vision is to promote and organize a beautiful event for everybody with a welcoming atmosphere, bringing together the show scene and the riding people in one place and having a good time. The vision behind it is to create a very fair and friendly event, without expecting to earn money or any

profit for the organization – but bring people and memories together.

Arabian Futurity Europe 2021 took place on the 7th-8th of August 2021 at “Reitzsportzentrum Küffner Hof ” in Germany, a perfect location for this year’s event. The event was a success. The organizers did a great job to make it happen, bringing all together participants, breeders, owners and gathered audience to have a satisfying time at the event.

The Arabian Futurity Europe 2021 event was a breeder’s show and sports competition. During the two-day event, we could not only admire the unique beauty of Arabian horses in the halter classes. But also their abilities in the riding classes followed by the championships. Here, all the categories got well represented. The event got also accompanied by a perfectly organized Breeder’s Party and 1st European Future Star Sale Auction, where a total amount of 17 horses got offered, and interested buyers from all over the world could participate in the bidding even online. During the auction, 11 horses found a new home and new proud owners. It was indeed a pleasant and wonderful weekend in a hospitable and friendly atmosphere, and we had a chance to see many beautiful Arabian horses, talented riders, satisfied horse owners and breeders – we hope to welcome you all again in 2022!

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ARABIAN FUTURITY FOALS CHAMPIONSHIP

SILVER

CB REMBRANDT WADEE AL SHAQAB X GYPSY LOVE BREEDER: BRUGMAN CLAUDIA OWNER: BRUGMAN CLAUDIA

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GOLD

IS PIALUNA

ASCOT DD X IS PINIATA

BREEDER: ISMER STUD DR. NILS ISMER - GERMANY OWNER: ISMER STUD DR. NILS ISMER - GERMANY

BRONZE

ZIHZAH AL FAISALY CYCLONE OS X LADY AYMONA

BREEDER: DIRK DEJONCKHEERE OWNER: AL FAISALY STUD

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YEARLING FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP

SILVER

MARAJJA WZA MARAJJ X BINT MEDINA

BREEDER: METTE LEVORSEN OWNER: METTE LEVORSEN

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GOLD

CBA MONA LISA EXCALIBUR E.A. X MAHARANI CF

BREEDER: CLAUS BOUCHE OWNER: CLAUS BOUCHE

BRONZE

BEL CYNTIA CYCLONE OS X BEL MAJISHA

BREEDER: KARIN MERKEL BELUGA ARABIANS OWNER: KARIN MERKEL BELUGA ARABIANS

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YEARLING COLTS CHAMPIONSHIP

SILVER

INSHA ELCAAN CYCLONE OS X M.M. ELIANNA BREEDER: THOMAS BOBRZYK OWNER: THOMAS BOBRZYK

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GOLD

ARIES AL BAYDAA

PHARAOH HBV X ARIA AL BAYDAA BREEDER: AL BAYDAA FARM OWNER: AL BAYDAA FARM

BRONZE

IS ENOS

POSEIDON OS X IS ET TU BREEDER: ISMER STUD DR. NILS ISMER - GERMANY OWNER: ISMER STUD DR. NILS ISMER - GERMANY

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JUNIOR FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP

SILVER

ROXANA EL JYAR JYAR MEIA LUA X REGINA EL PRYAM

BREEDER: LA MOVIDA ARABIANS, G.ANDF. HUEMER OWNER: LA MOVIDA ARABIANS , G.AND F. HUEMER

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GOLD

CBA INDIYANA OX WADEE AL SHAQAB X ILENA EL ARYES BREEDER: CLAUS BOUCHE OWNER: CLAUS BOUCHE

BRONZE

DA AMIRA

WADEE AL SHAQAB X DA ALIHANDRA BREEDER: CORNELIA KOLNBERGER OWNER: CORNELIA KOLNBERGER

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JUNIOR COLTS CHAMPIONSHIP

SILVER

LAUREL EL JYAR JYAR MEIA LUA X LILYH EL JUSTICE

BREEDER: LA MOVIDA ARABIANS, G.ANDF. HUEMER OWNER: LA MOVIDA ARABIANS , G.AND F. HUEMER

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GOLD

AFNAS AL SHAHANIA

NAMOUS AL SHAHANIA X NIRAH MEIA LUA BREEDER: AL SHAHANIA STUD OWNER: ABA AL SALEEL STUD

BRONZE

MARCO NWA

FA EL RASHEEM X MISS DIOR NWA BREEDER: NORTH WEST ARABIANS OWNER: PERNILLE FERDINAND

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Hunter Pleasure Master Junior

GOLD CHAMPION

Horatus

(Ascot DD * Haftka) Owner: Fabienne Speckmann

SILVER CHAMPION

Sharlyn NJ (Paris K * Shakara) Owner: Agmal Arabians

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BRONZE CHAMPION

Shayan De Manifique (Magic Manifique * DB Shanwa) Breeder and Owner: Nadia Boersch

4TH PLACE

Eos Rose El Aziz (FA El Rasheem * M Eos) Owner and Breeder: Woody Arabian

5TH PLACE

LR Sicilia

(Dominic M * Rosa La Valentina) Owner: Mario Matt Arabians

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Classic Pleasure Master all Ages

GOLD CHAMPION

R’adjah De Cartherey (QR Marc * Badi’ah De Cartherey) Breeder and owned: Chantal Rigat

SILVER CHAMPION

FA Moonshadow (Marajj * GF Kuvadis) Owner: Lone Bernhoft

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BRONZE CHAMPION

Mosri Al Dahab (Dahab * Moslia) Owner: Renate Faustmann

4TH PLACE

Haifi El Sorrento (B.S. Specific * Haifi Dinjah) Owner: Edith Lipp, Haifi Arabians

5TH PLACE

Postar

(Om El Bellissimo * Pomerania) Owner: Lisa Heckenbrücker

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Western Pleasure Master Junior

GOLD CHAMPION

Horatus

(Ascot DD * Haftka) Owner: Fabienne Speckmann

SILVER CHAMPION

LA Aviola

(Baikal * Avellana Qahira) Breeder and Owner: David Grandits AHM | 166

BRONZE CHAMPION

LR Sicilia

(Dominic M * Rosa La Valentina) Owner: Mario Matt Arabianst

4TH PLACE

Eos Rose El Aziz (FA El Rasheem * M Eos) Owner and Breeder: Woody Arabian

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Hunter Pleasure Master all Ages

GOLD CHAMPION

R’adjah De Cartherey (QR Marc * Badi’ah De Cartherey) Breeder and owned: Chantal Rigat

SILVER CHAMPION

FA Moonshadow (Marajj * GF Kuvadis) Owner: Lone Bernhoft

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BRONZE CHAMPION

Postar

(Om El Bellissimo * Pomerania) Owner: Lisa Heckenbrückert

4TH PLACE

Haifi El Sorrento (B.S. Specific * Haifi Dinjah) Owner: Edith Lipp, Haifi Arabians

5TH PLACE

Mosri Al Dahab (Dahab * Moslia) Owner: Renate Faustmann

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Classic Pleasure Master Junior

GOLD CHAMPION

Shayan de Manifique (Magic Manifique * DB Shanwa) Breeder and Owner: Nadia Boersch

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SILVER CHAMPION

Sharlyn NJ (Paris K * Shakara) Owner: Agmal Arabians

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Western Pleasure Master All Ages

GOLD CHAMPION

M.M. Sandrine

(QR Marc * Sayonarah El Bri) Breeder and Owner: Mario Matt Arabianst

SILVER CHAMPION

Zahims Navii

Zid Ibn Zahim * India) Breeder and Owner: Martin Pauli AHM | 172

BRONZE CHAMPION

LA Aviola

(Baikal * Avellana Qahira) Breeder and Owner: David Grandits

4TH PLACE

WAS Tajshan Ibn Taraszena (Zid Ibn Zahim * Taraszena) Owner: Sabrina Pauli

5TH PLACE

Queen Alayah

(Mouammar * Angel Afrikhan Queen) Owner: Meixner Arabians

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Don’t forget to register your unborn foal until the 31st of December 2021!!!

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Zatopek SA

SA FAEZ SIMBAD X SA ZEIN

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owner scipioni arabians

Zayd SA

SA FAEZ SIMBAD X SA ZEIN

owner scipioni arabians

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Safiyah Al Safir

Fadi al shaqab x sa sonja

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owner al safir stud

Exposita KA

Qr marc x ekina

owner al safir stud

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El Draco RA

Morion x el medisa

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owner regina Arabians

Alara Eden c x alabama

owner regina Arabians

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Fayyadd fahad al rayyan x bella axia by mishaal hp

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Breeder & owner Mariani Arabians

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5th BARCELONA C-INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN HORSE SHOW COSTA BRAVA (SPAIN) 29th-30th AUGUST 2021 Written by: Sonia Smaldone

O

rganized with pride by Victor Rockrose, the fifth edition of the C- International Arabian Horse Show in Barcelona took place on August 29th and 30th, 2021, at Hípica Bosquerós, Serinyà, Catalonia, for all genuinely passionate breeders and lovers of the Arabian breed worldwide. The championship got judged by the modern ECAHO system. This year, it welcomed a first-class gamut of horses from Europe and the Arab countries that got assessed on a scale from 1 to 20 according to the five established parameters: type, head and

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neck, body, extremities and movements.

The Jury consisted of some of the best and much-loved judges within the community: Mr Gideon Reisel (The Netherlands), Mr Tomasz Tarczynski (Poland), Mr Medhat Gaber (Egypt) and Mr Abdelaziz Hussain (UAE).

Ringmasters: Mr Bertrand and Mrs Christine Valette (France).

The Disciplinary Committee got diligently represented by Lieutenant Santiago Fernandez Bermejo (Spain).

The show started on Saturday 29th at 10:00 am and ended on Sunday at 2:00 pm, August 30th, with the following results:

In the Futurity Females Championship, Gold medal winner the grey Bt Aana (Anaan Lembarak x Amina Romantica), bred and owned

by Bernat Tolra. Silver medal winner, the grey Orhan Galia (Sa Faez Simbad x Abha Olympia) bred and owned by Orhan Arabians. Bronze medal winner, the grey Sade Ls (Satan x Destiny Des Lys D’Or) bred and owned by Lasal Arabians.

In the Futurity Males Championship,, Gold medal winner the bay Ghaleb Al Jood (Hl El Ganador x Elle Marine), bred and owned

by Al Jood Stud. Silver medal winner the grey Kiran La (Paris Ea x Kali Cathare), bred and owned by Laila Arabians.

There was no Bronze medal winner at this fifth edition.

In the Yearling Fillies Championship, Gold medal winner the bay Iralda Al Shiraa (Fa El Rasheem x Eralda), bred and owned by Al Shiraa Stables. Silver medal winner, the bay Raneem Al Dawla (Fa El Rasheem x GW Frida) bred and owned by Diaa Kara-Ali of Al Dawla Arabians. Bronze medal winner, the grey Isabella Al Shiraa (Aj Portofino x Jewel Temptation),

bred and owned by Al Shiraa Stables.

In the Junior Fillies Championship, Gold medal winner the grey D Sabaheyyah (Fa El Rasheem x D Sahabah) bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud and owned by Al Jood Stud. Silver medal winner the chestnut D Jamayel (Fa El Rasemi x D Jareen) bred

by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud and owned by Al Shiraa Arabian Horse Stud. Bronze medal winner the bay Lazeeza De Gacia (Lazeez Al Shahania x Abha Yakarta) bred by M. Michel Combette and owned by Bernat Tolra.

In the Senior MaChampionship, res Championship Gold medal winner the grey La Dolce Dea (Wadee Al Shaqab x Col Carisma) bred by Zoppellaro Arabians and owned by Al Shiraa Stables. Silver medal winner, the grey Wlodawa ( Pomian x Wologda) bred by Sk Janow Podlaski Sp. Zo.o. and owned by Al Jood Stud.

Bronze medal winner the grey Eksterna (Ekstern x Emanta) bred by Falborek Arabians and owned by Al Jood Stud.

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In the Yearling Colts Championship, Gold medal winner the bay D Wannas (Fa El Rasheem x D Sayedah) bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud and owned by Al Jood Stud. Silver medal winner, the grey Lohenberg Hadil (Shiraz De Lafon x Lohenberg Victoria) bred and owned

by M. Carayon Jérôme. Bronze medal winner the bay Sa Zatopek (Sa Faez Simbad x Sa Zein) bred and owned by Scipioni Angelo.

In the Junior Colts Championship, Gold medal winner Abha Ejar (Abha Zanzybar x Abha Yiti), bred and owned by Ses Planes. Silver medal winner the chestnut Hani Al Shiraa (Fa El Rasheem x Aja Arabella), bred and owned by Al Shiraa Arabians. Bronze medal winner the grey Sahab Ah Stud (Excalibur Ea x Magnolia Nwa) bred by Sa’id Bsoul and owned by Glitter AHM | 186

Arabians Srl. In the Senior Stallions Championship, Gold medal winner the grey Ados Junco (Zeus Ea x Ados Brisa), bred and owned by Yeguada Ados.

Silver medal winner the grey Raina Solaimon (Magic Magnifique x Raina Cataleya), bred and owned by Raina Arabians. Bronze medal winner the grey Cap Excel (Wh Justice x Fer Maricielo) bred by Pedro Carriedo and owned by Myt Arabians.

There were also some Special Awards at this fifth Barcelona C-International Arabian Horse Show which went assigned in the following way: Best Movement Fanatico (Suspiro x Campana)

Bred by: Yeguada Domecq Ybarra Owned by: Leila Arabians Best Head and Best in Show D Wannas (Fa El Rasheem x D Sayedah) Bred by: Dubai Arabian Horse Stud Owned by: Al Jood Stud Best Handler David Pujalt Best Amateur Handler Oana CONCLUSION: Mr Víctor Rockrose and his wonderful family placed many hopes on the fifth edition of the show. The cancellation and shortage of morphologic competitions in Spain has been quite frequent lately, raising many concerns among local breeders and experts in the sector. But

good things do happen to good people. This beautiful equestrian event attended by genuinely passionate people managed to offer the best it could despite the troubles of these pandemic times, first and foremost its unconditional love for the Arabian horse. Mr Victor is a perfect host, helpful and caring, but, above, all a meticulous organizer. We thank him and all his family members wholeheartedly for all of the efforts they made and the exquisite hospitality we got offered. On Saturday night, the Gala Dinner held at Màs Tulsa Rural House, nearby Girona, was impeccable. We had the opportunity to taste some fine typical local dishes. We all appreciated that and felt at home, enjoying a well-deserved relaxation in good company. We will be holding you in our hearts until we meet again!

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Yearling Fillies FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

SILVER

RANEEM AL DAWLA FA EL RASHEEM x GW FRIDA

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BREEDER: DIAA KARA-ALI - AL DAWLA ARABIANS OWNER: DIAA KARA-ALI - AL DAWLA ARABIANS

IRALDA AL SHIRAA GOLD

FA EL RASHEEM x ERALDA

BREEDER: AL SHIRAA STABLES OWNER: AL SHIRAA STABLES

BRONZE

ISABELLA AL SHIRAA

AJ PORTOFINO x JEWELS TEMPTATION BREEDER: AL SHIRAA STABLES OWNER: AL SHIRAA STABLES

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Yearling Colts FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

SILVER

LOHENBERG HADIL

SHIRAZ DE LAFON x LOHENBERG VICTORIA BREEDER: M.CARAYON JÉRÔME OWNER: M.CARAYON JÉRÔME AHM | 190

D WANNAS

GOLD

FA EL RASHEEM x D SAYEDAH BREEDER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD OWNER: AL JOOD STUD

BRONZE

SA ZATOPEK

SA FAEZ SIMBAD x SA ZEIN BREEDER: SCIPIONI ANGELO IMP.IND. OWNER: SCIPIONI ANGELO IMP.IND. AHM | 191

Junior Fillies FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

SILVER

D JAMAYEL

FA EL RASHEEM x D JAREEN BREEDER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD OWNER: AL SHIRAA ARABIAN HORSE STUD AHM | 192

D SABAHEYYAH

GOLD

FA EL RASHEEM x D SAHABAH BREEDER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD OWNER: AL JOOD STUD

BRONZE

LAZEEZA DE GACIA

LAZEEZ AL SHAHANIA x ABHA YAKARTA BREEDER: M. MICHEL COMBETTE OWNER: BERNAT TOLRA AHM | 193

Junior Colts FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

SILVER

HANI AL SHIRAA

FA EL RASHEEM x AJA ARABELLA BREEDER: AL SHIRAA ARABIANS OWNER: AL SHIRAA ARABIANS AHM | 194

ABHA EJAR

GOLD

ABHA ZANZYBAR x ABHA YITI BREEDER: ...

OWNER: ...

BRONZE

SAHAB AH STUD

EXCALIBUR E.A. X MAGNOLIA NWA BREEDER: SA’ID BSOUL OWNER: GLITTER ARABIANS S.R.L. SOCIETA’ AGRICOLA AHM | 195

Senior Mares FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

SILVER

WLODAWA

POMIAN x WOLOGDA BREEDER: SK JANOW PODLASKI SP. ZO.O. OWNER: AL JOOD STUD AHM | 196

LA DOLCE DEA

GOLD

WADEE AL SHAQAB x COL CARISMA BREEDER: ZOPPELLARO ARABIANS OWNER: AL SHIRAA STABLES

BRONZE

EKSTERNA

EKSTERN X EMANTA BREEDER: FALBOREK ARABIANS OWNER: AL JOOD STUD AHM | 197

Senior Stallions FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

SILVER

RAINA SOLAIMON

MAGIC MAGNIFIQUE x RAINA CATALEYA BREEDER: RAINA ARABIANS OWNER: RAINA ARABIANS AHM | 198

ADOS JUNCO

ZEUS EA x ADOS BRISA

GOLD

BREEDER: YEGUADA ADOS OWNER: YEGUADA ADOS

BRONZE

CAP EXCEL

WH JUSTICE X FER MARICIELO BREEDER: PEDRO CARRIEDO CUBILLAS OWNER: MYT ARABIAN AHM | 199

Special Moments

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Interviewed by Sonia Smaldone Cristina Valdés y Colon de Carvajal needs no introduction to the Arabian Horse world community. She is an ECAHO A Judge, breeder and owner of Yeguada Valviejo and Chairman of Ancalpe (Asociación Nacional de Caballos Árabes de Líneas Puras Espaňolas). She answered some questions I made to her about her duties as a Chairmain of Ancalpe, the Association general activities, and their goals. But also the challenges it is facing under current times.

When and why was ANCALPE founded? What is the project behind it?

The beginning of this project was the will of a group of breeders, who were mainly breeders of Pure Spanish Arabians, not to lose these ancient bloodlines and to put them in the place they deserve. Associations like this already existed many years ago in other countries like Germany or the USA, but not in Spain. Nearly five years after many talks with the breeders here and the breeders abroad, we finally founded ANCALPE as an Association to promote our Spanish lines. Those lines that not so long ago had been winning all over and have a lot of desirable qualities to offer, and most importantly, it would be a shame and a significant loss if they disappear. We agreed on the date for a horse to be considered PS in our Stud-book, which is mainly the only distinction

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we have from the rest of the horses registered in our Stud Book, which by the way, is the oldest in the world. What is also crucial to consider is that our Stud-book is the only one in the world to have fourteen bloodlines going straight back to Desert bred horses, plus all the horses imported in the late XIX century and the beginning of the 1900s. Spain has a broad and rich foundation for the breed.

How long have you been Chairman of Ancalpe? What are your duties as a Chairman?

I have been a Chairman for the first four years or so. I left the post for some time, and it almost coincided with this disgraceful pandemic. For two years we have had no activities at all.

A Chairman mainly has to run and organize whatever activities, shows, publications, information, representations abroad, and so on that our General Meetings agree to do, and with the help of the Board members, we have tried to do our best in this direction.

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Val Luison Val Idris x Val Raina

What´s your leadership style?

I don´t see myself as a leader, but rather like an Executive doing what the General Meeting decides to do. I usually give my opinion and ideas in those meetings and try to convince the rest of what I consider is best.

However, the final word is the decision of the majority of our members. Once a decision, it should be accepted by all, and I have to do my best to implement that will.

How many Executive members are there?

There is President, Vice-president, Secretary, Treasurer, and two or more delegates for shows and sports.

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How many horses got enrolled in the Spanish Studbook?

Not all the horses in the Spanish Stud-book are what we shall consider Pure Spanish!

The notion of Pure Spanish only refers to the horses with their ancestors registered in the SSB before 1950. In other words, their bloodlines trace back to horses existing in our Studbook in 1950. Any horse having even one horse in its pedigree imported to Spain after that date (1950) is not considered Pure Spanish. We fixed that deadline date following other foreign Associations of PS. We all agreed that is after 1950 that new importations got done, and before then, it was mainly the old imports of the late XIX and early XX century, which is the basis of our breeding. In those days, private bree-

Val Idris Val Durban x Val Ulema

ders started breeding pure Arabians and did an especially remarkable job by creating what is now known as PS. They were knowledgeable horsemen and fixed in their breeding many of the typical characteristics of our horses today, good temperament, good

body structure, good legs, big eyes, movement. Well, I like them. However, this does not mean I only like them. I like any good horse! The Spanish Studbook for Arabians, which started in 1846, has nowadays some 18.000 horses registered, and about 25-30% could be considered Pure Spanish.

How does ANCALPE motivate/ promote private breeders? How many shows does it organize every year?

We are a young and just starting Association, but so far, we have organized three specific PS shows, but, last year and this year, due Cristina Valdes & Val Raina with her 2021 black filly Val Olimpia (by Val Idris)

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to the pandemic circumstances, we have not been able to make them. Hopefully, we will recover the shows in the future.

These shows were a way of promoting and showing our horses in old-style shows, where the owners themselves would show their horses, and we tried to make them as affordable as possible. Distances and transport are always a problem, so we did them all around Madrid, the heart of Spain, to make it easier for the participants, and the winners and all entries got published in a Bulletin we had on FB, where we also post articles and news and free ads to our members. We also named the best PS at the end of the year, considering its winnings; it could be in shows or sports because there is a consistent group of Arabians doing beautifully in sports, mostly Eventing, with several winners in National Championships. So the winner garnered an award and, of course, it got published in our bulletin. Now AECCA that runs the Studbook is also promoting our PS with

Cristina & Javi

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special prizes for the best PS in our National Show.

What benefits do Spanish breeders have from joining the Association?

I would say the most important benefit is to get to know each other, plus our efforts to promote them with the shows and prizes. By getting to know each other, we also find out where we can find bloodlines we look for, stallions and mares that maybe are not the main focus but have good origins or carry bloodlines interesting for other PS breeders.

What role does ANCALPE play in this change? What challenges does it face concerning the preservation and development of its bloodlines?

For some years, the PS was sort of out of the scene, new types became fashionable, and we were no longer the winners!

When the Spanish Arabians were winning everything around, we had the horrible

is breeding just for the market, and the market is sometimes inconsistent. I think breeding is something different! We should look a bit further. Of course, we all want to win, but there must be a broader scope, or we will end up with clones.

Val Isamar Lamor Alqamar x Val Persa

luck of getting the African Horse Sickness brought by some zebras for a Zoo. A fact that locked us up for enough years to lose the train. A different type of Arabian was in the ring, some Spanish breeders introduced these new winning stallions in their breeding programs with good results, and some of us stuck to the PS. We also got new PS bloodlines, sometimes from abroad but as a particular and different decision. What I have noticed about this trend is that many of the successful results of the breeders with winning stallions were due to the group of good consistent PS mares they had. It further consolidated my idea that we should preserve our lines. Some things never go out of fashion. As the quality and gene pool of such bloodlines. As a personal choice, I do not breed for the market. I have been breeding horses to get my ideal horse, feminine mares, stallions that look as such, and, of course, always trying to improve on whatever point I consider should be improved. In our case of PS, I emphasize heads and necks that lately have been the weak points of males.

Are there any upcoming projects you and all the other ANCALPE members are carrying on? Would you like to give us a clue?

We have not been able either to meet or to discuss any future project lately. The pandemic has stopped us from the start. What we will first do, as soon as we can, is to renew the Board and discuss what about our plans.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I hope to continue around and do what I like most: breeding horses!

Would you like to leave a message to the readers of this interview?

I think you should always fight for your dreams, they come true more often than we think, and if they do not, at least you have the satisfaction of having worked for it and tried to reach it, which is also gratifying. The worse work is that which got never done!

In your opinion, is the high-level competition in National shows an appropriate way to select horses?

Yes, why not! It is a way but, it should not be the only one. The problem with these high-level competitions is that they might confuse the inexperienced breeder, and the winning horse might not mix well with his mare, and also the belief that if you breed with this or that horse, the product is going to give you big profit, but then it AHM | 213

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he long-awaited 9th edition of ‘Purebred Arabians in Bergamo’- an International-B show affiliated with Anica (Italian National Arabian Horse Association) and Ecaho (European Conference of the Arabian Horse) - took place at the exhibition centre in Lunga street, Bergamo, as part of the 18th edition of the Fiera di Sant’Alessandro, a regional reference event for the world of farmers, breeders, producers and en-

dustry, and Crafts, Agriculture of Bergamo and Intesa Sanpaolo), sponsorships (Province and Municipality of Bergamo) and supports: from Ecaho, Anica and Fitetrec Ante, the Coldiretti and Confagricoltura trade associations up to the Val Brembana Local Action Group (GAL).

Entirely sponsored by the very well-known AlWajba Stud, with Arabian Horse Magazine as a media part-

thusiasts of the local agri-food chain, organized by Ente Fiera Promoberg led by Mr Mauro Fermi (Italy) in cooperation with Bergamo Fiera Nuova. But, also thanks to the strong network of partners and sponsors (Banco BPM Credito Bergamasco, Chamber of Commerce, In-

ner, the B -International Echao show witnessed the participation of about a hundred specimens belonging to dozens of owners, many of whom came from afar, especially from the Arabian Peninsula. The show grabbed the attention of a large international audience of

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breeders and enthusiasts that followed the competition Livestream on HTTP:// www .arabianessence.tv both in English and in Italian.

Carefully observed by the attendants, in addition to the health and safety regulations still in force, the operations put in place in the show-ring by an international Jury composed of Mrs Martine Van Hee (Belgium) - Mr Eric Gear (France) - Mr Nikolaus Jung (Germany) – and Mr Nashaat Hegazy (Egypt).

The Disciplinary Commissioners were: Mrs Barbara Raso (Italy) Mr Roberto Ceccaroni (Italy) and Dr Vet Manuel Zanchi (Italy) Ring steward: Mr Alberto Manerba (Italy) Collecting ring: Mr Gian Carlo Soresini (Italy) Speaker and Results: Miss Alessia Kyrylyuk (English language) and Miss Giorgia Arrigoni (Italian language).

Official photographers: Mr Alessio Azzali (Italy), Mrs Paola Drera (Italy), Mrs Sunita Sassudelli (Italy) and Mrs Laura Santelli (Italy).

The show started on Saturday 4th September at 10:00 and ended on Sunday 5th September at 20:00 with the following results: In the FUTURITY FEMALES CHAMPIONSHIP, Gold medal winner the bay MiahMartina Ashiraf (Ajman Moniscione x Sophie Mca) bred by Boscarino Giacomo, ownedt by Azez Arabians and presented by handler Giacomo Boscarino. Silver medal winner, the bay Norma Regalis (Sa Faez Simbad x Nohiba Regalis ) bred and owned by Regalis Arabians and shown by handler Giuseppe Vetrò. Bronze medal winner, the grey Emrata (Makisa Adaggio x Estrella), bred and owned by Francesco Auriemma and shown by handler Luca Oberti.

In the YEARLING FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP, Gold medal winner the bay D Narjeseyyah (Fa El Rasheem x Exxaltress) bred

by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, owned by Lubochnia Arabians, and presented by handler Paolo Capecci. Silver medal winner the bay Nemesis Regalis (Sa Faez Simbad x Nashira By Chawy Na) bred and owned by Regalis Arabians and presented by handler Vetrò Giuseppe. Bronze medal winner, the bay Angy By Kanz (Kanz Albidayer x Virginia By Vergil) bred by Gimondo Damiano Michele, owned by Agricola AV Arabi di Vitaro and presented by handler Vetrò Giuseppe.

In the JUNIOR FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP, Gold medal winner the chestnut Aj Bdoor (Aj Azzman x Aj Bahja) bred by Ajman Stud – HH Sheikh Ammar, owned by Adnan Abdulla Alsheihhi and presented by handler Capecci Paolo. Silver medal winner the grey Madama Moniscione (Ajman Moniscione x Medea Moniscione) bred and owned by Buzzi Giancarlo and presented by handler Capecci Paolo. Bronze medal winner the grey Aba

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Monfara (RFI Farid x Monna Rose Chandra), bred and owned by Barbaro Andrea and shown by handler Vetrò Giuseppe.

In the SENIOR MARES CHAMPIONSHIP, Gold medal winner the grey Radegonda By Tresca (Shanghai Ea x Del Mar Crispy) bred by Az. Agricola Tresca, owned

by Sparapan Amadio and presented by handler Zaniboni Roberto. Silver medal winner the grey Juwanda OS (Wh Justice x Shak Lavanda) bred by Gestut Osterhof, owned by Alkazemi Talal and presented by handler Capecci Paolo. Bronze medal winner the grey Medea Moniscione (Psytadel x Miss Moniscione), bred and owned

by Buzzi Giancarlo and shown by handler Boscarino Andrea.

In the FUTURITY MALES CHAMPIONSHIP, Gold medal winner the chestnut Rasheed (Invictus x Essaouira B) bred and owned by Angioletti Oscar Simone and presented by handler Oberti Luca. Silver medal winner the bay Pharaon El Khatib (Mabel Star Ka x Jumanah P) bred and owned by Bayoumi El Khatib and presented by handler Zaniboni Stefano. There was no Bronze medal contender at this 9th edition.

In the YEARLING COLTS CHAMPIONSHIP, Gold medal winner the bay D Wannas (Fa El Rasheem x D

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Sayedah) bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, owned by Al Jood Stud and presented by handler Capecci Paolo.

Silver medal winner the grey Amin By Shamira (Sa Madison x Shamira Ashiraf) bred by Rullo Davide, owned

by Ballotti Diletta and presented by handler Boscarino Andrea. Bronze medal winner, the bay Exactlynoon Acnaibac (After Sunset W x Er Aspressiva), bred and owned by Rota Alessandro and presented by handler Boscarino Andrea.

In the JUNIOR COLTS CHAMPIONSHIP, Gold medal winner the grey D Fannan ( Excalibur Ea x Elle Flamenca) bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud and presented by handler Capecci Paolo. Silver medal winner the chestnut Halul Al Khor (Excalibur Ea x Psl First Light) bred and owned by Al Khor Stud and presented by handler Boscarino Andrea. Bronze medal winner the grey King Arthur ( Invictus x Andreia), bred and owned by Soc. Agr. Allevamento Badia di Cartabia.

In the SENIOR STALLIONS CHAMPIONSHIP, Gold medal winner the grey Piccadilly (Ajman Moniscione x Shakira By Kir) bred by Sparapan Amadio, owned by Scalvini Maria Angiola, and presented by handler Zaniboni Roberto. Silver medal winner, the grey Jasmin Z (Nagels Z x Yamala Z), bred by Zupancic Marjan, ow-

ned by Pasi Angelo and presented by handler Zaniboni Stefano. Bronze medal winner the chestnut Ganador Ah (Shiraz De Lafon x Shanghai Ea) bred by Avraham Halak Construction, owned by Mahmud Muhammad – Diab Ali, and presented by handler Vetrò Giuseppe.

A FEW ENDING WORDS...

We need to praise the organizers of the Purebred Arabians in Bergamo 2021 and let them know that we appreciated this 9th edition very much and felt privileged to be there and give our humble contribution to its successful outcome. It was a well-organized show to suggest that the Italian breeding and show industry is slowly easing back into it. The 18th edition of the Fiera di Sant’Alessandro offered for sure an exceptional parterre for the competition along with the plethora of local farmers, breeders, producers and related activities.

There was a beautiful atmosphere inside and outside the ring. On the spot, many local authorities representatives and prominent personalities, well-known foreign entrepreneurs and some of the most talented photographers of the Italian circuit. The Sant’ Alessandro Fair, Promoberg Fair, Anica and Ecaho, all acted in synergy with a single common goal: to guarantee the continuity of an event that has been able to become a fundamental stage of the Ecaho and one of the few equestrian even-

ts on the schedule in Europe to date. We are all aware that there will be no Aachen show this year, and the rumours about a cancellation of the Paris World Championship have already spread out on the web and social media. So, thank you very much for this beautiful event.

We experienced a well-organized show, and we realized it could happen due to all the fantastic people involved, the superlative team’s hard work, effort, creativity, and the providential support of an outstanding sponsor like Al Wajba Stud. To them, go our most sincere thank you.

In addition to the Fiera Sant’Alessandro organizers and the Promoberg Fair Agency led by Mr Mario Fermi, it behoves us to thank the Chamber of Commerce of Bergamo, the institutional sponsors such as BPM Bank and UBI Bank; the Municipality of Bergamo, and local public transports included, that accepted to host this beautiful initiative wholeheartedly. Finally, we would like to congratulate everyone involved in the show: the winners, the judges, the disciplinary commissioners, the handlers, the photographers, the general secretariat and the entire Arabian Essence team. The next appointment is for the year 2022. It will be another great experience in the company of our beloved Arabian horse!

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YEARLING FILLY

ECAHO B International Show | Final Championship

SILVER

NEMESIS REGALIS SA FAEZ SIMBAD X NASHIRA BY CHAWY NA BREEDER: REGALIS ARABIANS SRL OWNER: REGALIS ARABIANS SRL

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D NARJESEYYAH

GOLD

FA EL RASHEEM X EXXALTRESS

BREEDER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD OWNER: LUBOCHNIA ARABIANS - POLAND

ANGY BY KANZ

BRONZE

KANZ AL BIDAYER X VIRGINIA BY VERGIL

BREEDER: GIMONDO DAMIANO MICHELE OWNER: AGRICOLA AV ARABY DI VITARO ALBERTO AHM | 219

YEARLING COLT

ECAHO B International Show | Final Championship

SILVER

AMIN BY SHAMIRA SA MADISON X SHAMIRA ASHIRAF BREEDER: RULLO DAVIDE OWNER: DILETTA BALLOTTI

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D WANNAS

GOLD

FA EL RASHEEM X D SAYEDAH BREEDER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD OWNER: AL JOOD STUD

EXACTLYNOON ACNAIBAC

BRONZE

AFTER SUNSET W X ER ASPRESSIVA BREEDER: ROTA ALESSANDRO OWNER: ROTA ALESSANDRO

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JUNIOR FILLY

ECAHO B International Show | Final Championship

SILVER

MADAMA MONISCIONE AJMAN MONISCIONE X MEDEA MONISCIONE BREEDER: AZ. AGR. BUZZI GIANCARLO OWNER: AZ. AGR. BUZZI GIANCARLO

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AJ BDOOR

GOLD

AJ AZZAM X AJ BAHJA

BREEDER: AJMAN STUD - HH SHEIKH AMMAR BIN HUMAID AL NUAIMI OWNER: ADNAN ABDULLA ALSHEIHHI

ABA MONFARA

BRONZE

RFI FARID X MONNA ROSE CHANDRA BREEDER: BARBARO ANDREA OWNER: BARBARO ANDREA

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JUNIOR COLT

ECAHO B International Show | Final Championship

SILVER

HALUL AL KHOR EXCALIBUR EA X PSL FIRST LIGHT BREEDER: AL KHOR STUD OWNER: AL KHOR STUD

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D FANNAN

GOLD

EXCALIBUR EA X ELLE FLAMENCA

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

KING ARTHUR

BRONZE

INVICTUS X ANDREIA

BREEDER: SOC. AGR. ALLEVAMENTO BADIA DI CARTABIA OWNER: SOC. AGR. ALLEVAMENTO BADIA DI CARTABIA AHM | 225

SENIOR MARE

ECAHO B International Show | Final Championship

SILVER

JUWANDA OS

WH JUSTICE X SHAK LAVANDA BREEDER: GESTUT OSTERHOF OWNER: TALAL ALKAZEMI AHM | 226

RADEGONDA BY TRESCA

GOLD

SHANGHAI EA X DEL MAR CRISPY

BREEDER: AZ AGR TRESCA OWNER: SPARAPAN AMADIO

MEDEA MONISCIONE

BRONZE

PSYTADEL X MISS MONISCIONE

BREEDER: AZ. AGR.BUZZI GIANCARLO OWNER: AZ.AGR. BUZZI GIANCARLO AHM | 227

SENIOR STALLION

ECAHO B International Show | Final Championship

SILVER

JASMIN Z

NAGELS Z X YAMALA Z

BREEDER: ZUPANCIC MARJAN OWNER: PASI ANGELO AHM | 228

PICCADILLY

GOLD

AJMAN MONISCIONE X SHAKIRA BY KIR

BREEDER: SPARAPAN AMADIO OWNER: SCALVINI MARIA ANGIOLA

GANADOR AH

BRONZE

SHIRAZ DE LAFON X SHANGHAI EA BREEDER: AVRAHAM HALAK CONSTRUCTION OWNER: MAHMUD MUHAMMAD - DIAB ALI

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STRAIGHT EGYPTIAN EVENT YEARLING FILLY

GOLD

AMANI AL RAYYAN

FARHOUD AL SHAQAB X MARWA AL RAYYAN BREEDER: AL RAYYAN FARM | OWNER: AL RAYYAN FARM

SILVER

NADEEMA AL RAYYAN FARHOUD AL SHAQAB X DURRA AL RAYYAN

BREEDER: AL RAYYAN FARM | OWNER: AL RAYYAN FARM

BRONZE

JOWHARA PPJ EZZ ALDANAT X UMAI AL ADEED

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BREEDER: PRISCO DONATO | OWNER: PRISCO DONATO

STRAIGHT EGYPTIAN EVENT YEARLING COLT

OR MAK

GOLD

OR HASHISH X OR MAGNOLIA BREEDER: OL-RÍ ALLEVAMENTO DI CAVALLI ARABI DI SCANZI F. | OWNER: OL-RÍ ALLEVAMENTO DI CAVALLI ARABI DI SCANZI F.

SILVER

BANDAR AL RAFIEF NASEEM AL RASHEDIAH X BAHARIYAH

BREEDER: AMIR KHEIR - AL RAFIEF ARABIANS | OWNER: AMIR KHEIR - AL RAFIEF ARABIANS

BRONZE

SAABRIZZ PPJ

NASEEM AL RASHEDIAH X DALILA BY SABAH BREEDER: PRISCO DONATO | OWNER: PRISCO DONATO

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STRAIGHT EGYPTIAN EVENT JUNIOR FILLY

ASSA BARIZAH

GOLD

SM BARIQ X SAHMA BY MARDUK

BREEDER: SOC. AGR. ASSA DI CHIARA CARRER | OWNER: SOC. AGR. ASSA DI CHIARA CARRER

SILVER

SHAHILLAA DS FRASERA MASHAR X SHAMIRA DS

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BREEDER: ROTA PIERLUIGI | OWNER: ROTA PIERLUIGI

STRAIGHT EGYPTIAN EVENT JUNIOR COLT

AFAS AL RAYYAN

GOLD

EZZ ALDANAT X SULIMA AL RAYYAN

BREEDER: AL RAYYAN FARM | OWNER: AL RAYYAN FARM

SILVER

MARTIAL PPJ

NASSEM AL RASHEDHIA X DALILA BY SABAH BREEDER: PRISCO DONATO | OWNER: PRISCO DONATO

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STRAIGHT EGYPTIAN EVENT SENIOR MARE

GOLD

AL JOHARA AL WAAB ANSATA SELMAN X AL ANGHA AL RAYYAN

BREEDER: SHEIKH ABDULLA BIN KHALID AL THANI | OWNER: MR. NASSER ABDULLA N A AL MANSOURI

SILVER

MAGGY

ARRIDAIOS AL QUSAR X MARESHA AL KIDIR BREEDER: GUGGINO ANGELO | OWNER: GUGGINO ANGELO

BRONZE

ALICIA DE PIGALL FA NILE SAFIR X MAS MAGIDAA

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BREEDER: AZ. AGR. GRAZIANO PIGATO | OWNER: AZ. AGR. GRAZIANO PIGATO

STRAIGHT EGYPTIAN EVENT SENIOR STALLIONS

NASHME AL ZOBAIR

GOLD

AL SAEEDI X HASINA AL ZOBAIR

BREEDER: SHAIKH ABDULLA MOHAMED ALTHANI | OWNER: AL HINDAL STUD

SILVER

AARON DE PIGALL FA NILE SAFIR X MAS MAGIDAA

BREEDER: AZ. AGR. GRAZIANO PIGATO | OWNER: AZ. AGR. GRAZIANO PIGATO

BRONZE

BK LANESH

AUTHENTIC DAHMAN X LATIFAH AA BREEDER: LEONHARD BECKER | OWNER: COLOMBO ESTELLA

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The training and handling of the Arabian horse is a very demanding profession for both a man and a woman. However, Italian Cristian Franceschina is undeterred. His love for horses is overwhelming to the point of spending twenty-four hours with the most elegant animal in the world. Cristian is originally from Narzole, nearby Cuneo, Piedmont, and works at his Arabica Training Center.

He lent us some of his precious time to welcome our interview and give us his invaluable contribution.

Hi, Cristian. Thanks for accepting our interview! Could you give us some information about you, your family and your education?

Thank you for choosing me and for giving me some room in your beautiful Magazine! How shall I start? I am a simple person born in Turin and raised in a very modest family. My parents have always tried to make me study. But since I was a child, studying was not for me. I’ve always been a too free soul to allow anyone to make me sit behind a desk for hours. At school, I would spend hours staring out the window chasing my only big dream.

When you are a little boy, people ask you what you would like to do when you grow up, and many answers go like the pilot, the astronaut, the scientist and things like that. Me, I knew already I would have worked with horses. So, I left school very early, and I immediately wanted to start doing what I knew that in life would allow me to be free, but above all, to be happy!

Can you tell us more about your first steps in this sector? Who is your mentor or inspiration?

As I mentioned before, I started with horses very early. I was only ten years old AHM | 242

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when I showed up in a stable of show horses, and I asked the owner for permission to go to work for him in exchange for some riding lessons. At first, he did not want to accept but, years later, he confessed to me that he consented to this strange request of mine because he understood that I did not want to study and that if I had not learned a job in life, I would probably have ended up like many of those guys who spend their days waiting for a job to rain down on them from the sky.

But he didn’t know that I would never give in to a rejection of him, and therefore, I would insist until I got what I wanted. Then, at age 13, a friend of mine took me to the first Arabian horse show.

That day, I knew that it was going to be my life.

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I have since started following this path through the newspapers and, when I could, I would go to the shows.

Cristian, have you developed a systematic training/handling program for Arabian horses at your training centre? Can you describe this program for us? There is a limit to what you can teach an Arabian horse through handling?

I don’t follow a set pattern when I want to teach a horse something, and I’m talking about teaching in general, not just training. I am sure that each horse has its character and personality and, therefore, it is not possible to manage them all in the same way, a bit like with people! There are the

most intelligent or the most stubborn ones. It is me who has to adapt according to different needs.

What relationship do you have with the horses that get assigned to you?

It is essential to establish a relationship of total trust with your horses. They have to trust me as I trust them. Only in this way can mutual respect and cooperation be obtained.

What are your favourite bloodlines?

Why? Many people ask me which bloodlines I AHM | 245

prefer, but I always answer with the utmost sincerity. I love all purebred Arabian horses regardless of their bloodline. In reality, I love all horses in general regardless of their breed, size, colour, physical characteristics, age, sex and, above, all the sporting discipline for which the horse gets trained. A horse is always a horse.

What do you think defines a good handler?

What skills or competencies are required to become a successful handler?

In my opinion, a good handler can be considered a good one when he gets the results he is working for. In my opinion, it does not depend on the results you get at shows. It has happened to me many times that I do not AHM | 246

achieve good results at competitions, but if the horse did his best to get noticed by the judges and still showed his commitment, at that point, I have already won.

What advice would you give to those who would like to pursue this career?

It’s not an easy job at all, and, if you want to go on vacation with your family or friends, or even you wish to sleep late on Sundays, then it is better to choose another job!

To what extent do the shows organized in the Arabian countries differ from the European ones?

I don’t think there are relevant differences betwe-

en the shows, but I must admit that in the Arab countries the number of participants in the shows is much higher than in Europe, so the competition is more felt.

Cristian, to what extent has the pandemic affected your work?

The pandemic has unfortunately ruined not only our sector but also many others. Let’s think about our colleagues in show jumping or endurance races for a moment. And in all other disciplines in which they got stuck for months. In some ways, we have been more fortunate because our horses can get worked without the rider. After all, they are not mounted. While in other disciplines, there are two to train, a horse and his rider.

What else would you like to achieve at this stage of your professional career?

I do not ask for more than what I have and what I have been able to achieve. I have obtained my satisfaction with the work and stubbornness that distinguishes me. Therefore, if I had the magic

wand to make a wish, I would not ask for the fame that many want to achieve, but I would ask to continue doing the job that I love so much.

How and where do you see yourself in ten years?

I would love to say to the Maldives, but then I would miss my world, so I see myself exactly where I am now. In the stable with the horses for the next show.

Would you like to leave a final message to the readers of Arabian Horse Magazine?

Yes, of course, I would like to tell them that the passion for this world is not only made by those who think only of money, but we need to look deeper to understand who has the genuine passion and who has not.

Thank you so much, Cristian. Your words smell of humbleness and genuine love for the Arabian horse. We wish you so much happiness and luck in your future endeavours!

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C

Written by Sonia Smaldone

harlie Watts was born on June 2, 1941, in a very different London than we know. He is the last of the band to join the Rolling Stones. The fame will reach him in 1965 with the song Satisfaction when the band definitively took over the world music scene.

The drummer develops a passion for music thanks to his great friend Dave Green, an English jazz musician and his teenage neighbour. Initially, Watts made his bones in the London blues environment, only later he became passionate about the sound of DJ Fontana, Elvis’s drummer.

Charlie Watts is probably one of the most experienced drummers who ever lived and one of those who most influenced the world of music. The magic of him lies in that he was and always considered him-

self mainly as a jazz drummer. Analyzing the Rolling Stones drummer’s way of playing, Australian music historian Alan Howe comments that Charlie Watts “had a curious way of playing”. Watts’ power lay in the fact that he “has always played like a jazz drummer because he has always perceived himself as a jazz drummer”.

In a rock ‘n roll world of excess, Charlie Watts has always been an anomalous rock star. He was a reserved person and known by all for his elegance.

His impeccable way of dressing earned him two quotes. The British newspaper The Daily Telegraph named him as World’s Best Dressed Men. And, in 2006, the Vanity Fair newspaper cited him on the International Best Dressed List.

A single great love accompanied him throughout his life for his wife Shirley Ann Shepherd, a London painter. Their love story began before the drummer met AHM | 251

the Rolling Stones and continued until the last day. After their marriage in 1964, they had a daughter, Seraphina, born in March 1968.

Watts was never a person who liked to flauAHM | 252

nt his wealth and his fortune. So much so that while his bandmates collected luxury cars, he never even got a driver’s license. He considered cars to be objects that were simply beautiful to watch.

The English artist has always felt a relationship of love and hate for touring.

During an interview in 2003, he stated that, while he loved playing with the band, on the other hand, he had never been interested in “becoming a pop idol always surrounded by screaming girls”.

Preferable to harrowing sound checks and dressing room fug, however, was the peace and fresh air of his and Shirley’s manor farm at Dolton in Devon.

Hunting, fishing and shooting never sounded appealing to the vegetarian couple, but outbuildings included the stables of Halsdon Arabians that Shirley will continue to run.

Superlative quality care and pragmatic intuitive husbandry have always been at the central core of the Halsdon management philosophy. This hands-on practical approach to the daily life and routine of equine residents has served Halsdon well over the past three decades, as it has grown from a small collection of riding horses to a uni-

versally esteemed powerhouse of over 250 horses. At the epicentre of the

breeding

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Halsdon approach to all horse, husbandry is the tried and true philosophy and practical approach to the State Studs of Poland.

Perhaps, nowhere in the world is the social nature of the equine more appreciated and nurtured than in the stables and paddocks of Janów Podlaski, Michalów and Białka With so many mares and stallions of Polish origin comprising the Halsdon herd, the Watts were astute enough to understand the needs of their horses and were quick to adopt many of the housing styles and daily routines of the Arabian horse in Poland.

The Polish-influenced stables design is most evident at Elder Park and Sunridge Farm, two of the busiest properties falling under AHM | 254

Halsdon jurisdiction. New and converted stables got built according to the ‘open stable’ concept, which is the cornerstone of mare and foal in Poland. The couple has always admitted to greatly admiring the concept and the social interaction it inherently provides for all the horses. For them, it was only logical that Halsdon should duplicate this successful approach in the UK. “The open barns are great for sociability,” Shirley once explained.

Except for the stallions, all horses are housed full-time or part-time for daily turn-out in a socially intensive herd environment.

As they grow, young fillies and colts continue to live in the open stables that maximi-

PIECHUR (1979) (BANAT X PIERZEJA BY BANDOS)

ze the health and well-being of the horses housed within.

While the well-being of the horses was the primary consideration in designing the open stable concept at Halsdon, the sights and sounds of horses living in these stables have continued to be immensely rewarding. The sounds of munching hay, limbs rustling through the straw, the rhythmic swishing of tails, the soft nicker to a foal or a friend – this is the music of the stables. At Halsdon, horses know where they belong,

SIMEON SADIK (1989) (ASFOUR X SIMEON SAFANAD)

their place in the herd. There is understanding and a sense of peacefulness.

As in Poland, stallions are housed close to each other by interactive access afforded via the open bars surrounding the upper half of each box stall on three sides. Sniffing, nuzzling, licking and generally, rambunctious stallion behaviour is allowed and encouraged, the result of which is a collection of exceptionally content and socially well-mannered stallions.

The stallion stables at Halsdon are surprisingly quiet and peaceful, given the machismo and testosterone levels present in many world-famous residents. The first stallion to captivate Shirley was Piechur (1979) (Banat x Pierzeja by Bandos), who lived on Halsdon for more than 22 years. Another stallion that has always taken her breath away is Simeon Sadik (1989) (Asfour x Simeon Safanad). As for the current stallion roster,

WN STAR OF ANTIGUA

Shirley talks about three of them with a particular fondness. Preferans, his sire HS Etiquette, and the newest addition WN Star of Antigua, a son of Monogramm on lease from Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar, residing in the stable of honour nearest the stud office and client room.

Mares, the symbol of Halsdon excellence worldwide, comprise the bulk of the equine herd. Over 120 breeding aged mares reside on the 800 lush acres of Halsdon Stud, most of which get housed in paddocks equipped with shelters year-round. Gestating mares AHM | 255

ALBULA (1994) (FAWOR X ALGERIA)

are brought into the open stables in the final months of pregnancy to receive additional rations. Once mares foal, they remain stabled with their foals in the open- barns until weaning, usually five to seven months later.

Albula (1994) (Fawor x Algeria) was Charlie’s favourite mare as well as her two daughters: HS Albertina (2014) and HS Altesse (2005). At the Pride of Poland Sale in 2009, he paid the highest price for a lot, taking home the Polish mare Pinta (2005) (Ekstern x Pilar) for the amount of €500,000 ($ US 707,000). Ten years later, at the Pride of Poland Auction 2015, Charlie made another crucial step for his breeding program, ac-

PINTA ( EKSTERN x PILAR/FAWOR )

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quiring the stunning Janów Podlaski mare Altamira (2005) (Ekstern x Altona) at the price of € 250.000.

When asked what they most enjoyed about horses and the wonderful life they have lived alongside them, The Watts once affirmed without hesitation: “Just being among them. We love to feel the heat of their bodies, to listen to the rhythmic cadence of their breathing, to relish in the quiet satisfaction of belonging. They make us feel like we belong. Charlie used to enjoy the

ALTAMIRA EKSTERN X ALTONA

company of those extraordinary creatures more than humans. Once he said: “Not that I loathe my species, but they’d find me a miserable little man after a while.”

Shortly before his death, media reported that he had undergone surgery and that Steve Jordan would be taking his place on the Stones’ No Filter Tour of the US. To the news of his death, everyone bowed down before paying homage to him. Even the ex-Beatles Paul McCartney, who on Twitter remembered him as “a lovely boy” and “a fantastic drummer” who was “steady as a rock”. Ringo Starr wrote, “ Rest in peace, Charlie Watts.

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Interviewed by Sonia Smaldone WHO IS LETICIA DAVID? I always had a hard time with that question. But, in a few words, I can say I am a very driven and passionate woman about life, my dreams, my career, my family and most of all, my animals. I enjoy my life. If you are alive and able to interact with the universe, it’s already a gift and, for that, I am grateful. “What we put out into the Universe, we get back like an echo.”

WHENCE THIS LOVE FOR HORSES? WHAT KIND OF RELATIONSHIP DO YOU HAVE WITH HORSES IN GENERAL? My love for horses started when I was two years old. I remember as if it was yesterday, my dad took me to see my uncle’s farm in the countryside of Rio de Janeiro.

His farm was an old coffee farm that, at the time, used to be home for more than one hundred horses of the breed Mangalarga Marchador (Brazilian performance breed).

There I fell in love with a mare called Adjane. Adjane and I developed the most extraordinary relationship. I had my first ride and my first fall on her. (laughter) It was years of a good partnership. The AHM | 264

day she got sold in the auction, I cried for weeks.

I shared my passion for horses with my dad so, he finally heard his insistent daughter and bought us a piece of land in the countryside of Rio, where we acquired some quarter horses for us to run barrels and herd cows.

When I grew older, I decided that just spending the weekends and holidays at the farm wasn’t enough, and I wanted to do more, so I decided to enrol in Vet school and became an Equine Repro Vet. WHEN HAVE YOU FIRST MET AN ARABIAN HORSE? My first contact with an Arabian horse was when my dad surprised me with a half Arabian half quarter horse. He was indeed (for a teenage girl) the most beautiful horse I have ever seen. He was a liver chestnut and had a beautiful head, big eyes, big nostrils and a freaky dish. I immediately started to research to learn more about that intriguing breed.

HOW AND WHEN DID YOU GET A

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JOB AT MICHAEL BYATT ARABIANS? WHAT ARE THE BEST TEACHINGS FROM THAT EXPERIENCE? I was in my last year of Vet school in

Brazil, and I was chasing an experience abroad with horses in the breeding department specifically. Therefore, I had the fantastic opportunity of applying for a breeding assistant position at Michael Byatt Arabians, and I passed.

I came there in 2017 to work at the world-famous training and breeding centre facility Michael Byatt Arabians, a total dream!

It’s hard to describe in a few words how much I learned there. The whole experience proved unique and worth living it! It was true immersion. I could live with Arabian horses and breathe their essence.

I learnt how to develop the most sincere and honest relationship with them. What you can experience at Michael Byatt’s will be with you for the rest of your life.

His lessons and beliefs get passed through his exceptional staff that goes above and beyond for the horses. As if

my passion for horses and all the learning experience wasn’t enough at MBA, I also met the love of my life, Austin Colangelo. During that period, he was Michael’s head trainer. He is also an incredible horseman. He taught me and still teaches me so much every day.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CURRENT OCCUPATION AT STELLA BELLA ARABIANS. WHAT DO YOU DO EXACTLY? Doctors Benjamin and Michelle Bassichis, whom I am very grateful for, hired me in 2018 to assume the position of breeding manager at their Stella Bella Arabians Training Centre located in Dallas, Texas.

I am responsible for the entire breeding department that includes managing and following up on the mare herd, donors and recipient mares, the inseminations, the flushes, embryo implants, foaling, neonatal care, and so forth!

I am not toughly responsible for the bre-

eding decisions. I prefer to leave that to the experts.

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WHO PROPOSED YOU MODELLING WITH HORSES? WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE EXPERIENCES MODELLING SO FAR? Modelling with horses has always been a

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE PHOTOGRAPHER? I don’t think I can say I have a favourite photographer. We have so many exceptional professionals in the Arabian horse

dream. I cannot tell you when that dream started, even though I have always been quite shy in front of a camera.

My first experience as a “Riding model” was actually in front of Morgan Moore’s camera, she and I are good friends, and she offered herself to take some engagement pictures of Austin and myself with some of her horses. The outcome was so beautiful, and I had such a blast being in front of her camera that I just decided to embrace that feeling.

industry that can do such an incredible job capturing show horses, broodmares, foals, riders, trainers, or models! I have learned how to appreciate each work that every artist can produce!

I believe every photographer has a single way of looking at each scenario and, therefore, you have different results in many beautiful ways.

Then I had the great opportunity to have a photoshoot with April Visel, a unique exquisite photographer that I deeply admire! We spent the whole afternoon shooting at Morgan and Ryan’s farm in Valley View in Texas. It is a heavenly place. We had outstanding horses to ride, lots of fun, and took stunning pictures. So far, it’s been my favourite experience!

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WHAT ELSE DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT WITH YOUR HORSES? When I am not with horses, rare moments, I love spending quality time with my family, friends and my pets.

I enjoy having a good workout in my routine. I enjoy going to the gym, running, and some outdoor activities like hiking, playing soccer or volleyball, even though I am not talented in the last two.

I love dancing. Dancing used to be a big part of my life as I danced professionally

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for ten years. And now, every time I have the opportunity to go out dancing, I will go, or I dance in the shower or the parking lot with my dog.

Whenever I have the chance, I also love travelling and getting to know new places, trying different food and meeting other cultures.

WHICH ARABIAN HORSES SHOW IS YOUR FAVOURITE? WHY? Unfortunately, I have never been to an Arabian Horse Show outside the U.S. So inside the U.S., one of my favourite shows is the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show because it is so versatile!

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There are many different classes and different categories. There is space and an opportunity for everyone in the industry, from the small breeder to the bigger breeder, from the person that just started to the most experienced one.

I believe that being part of a Horse Show and feeling included, is essential and it nurtures our horse community.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS? I cannot tell you faithfully where I see myself in five years. I think that as much as you try to plan, life can throw you in different directions. However, I can tell

you what I want to keep doing in five years, and that is to keep chasing my dreams and enjoying life. Happiness is a choice.

LASTLY, WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU WANT LESS OF IN YOUR LIFE? WHAT ABOUT MORE? I would love to have more time to travel, especially to visit my family back in Brazil!

I miss spending time with my friends and family from Rio and walking by the Ocean on the magnificent beaches we have down there. Those are true paradise!

Nowadays, I have a busy life here in the U.S. as a full-time veterinarian and breeding manager. Working with horses and

for horses makes my heart happy every day, and I can’t see myself doing anything else.

But I have to be honest. Sometimes, I tell my husband I wish my days had more than 24 hours, and he laughs! I understand that life is about stages and phases, and I know we will be travelling more in the future!

I can’t think of anything from the top of my head that I want less in my life. I honestly think I am very blessed, and I am just grateful for everything life has given me.

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Interviewed by Sonia Smaldone Successful photographers often become idols of new generations. It’s always interesting to see them in life, to take a glance behind the scenes, and hear their unique stories on how they got into photography. That’s the aim of the interview with Egyptian photographer Ahmed Taha, a very talented artist with a soft spot for Arabian horse photography.

Hello, Ahmed. Welcome on board! Let’s start from the very beginning. Why did you choose to pursue a career as a photographer?

Did you go to school to study photography, or are you self-taught?

Hello, it is such an honor to be interviewed by you. I started it as a hobby, and by the time I realized that practice makes it perfect.

So people started asking me to attend shows as a photographer and photograph their horses at their farms, and this when it turned into a career and, yes, I’m self-taught.

What does photography mean to you? How would you describe your photography style?

Photography is my life. It is also my chance to show the world the beauty that can pass by without notice every day in one second with one shot. After all, I consider myself an artist meaning

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that my style must have an artistic balanced touch, and the more it is natural, the more it is better, and it can touch the soul.

Who were your early influences?

The one and only Gigi Grasso! I was struck by his talent and the constancy of quality in his photography from the beginning.

What is your favorite subject to photograph? Why? Arabian Horses: I like to photograph the elegance and the pride in the Arabian Horses, in the way through generations of purity and heritage.

Dogs: I love them, and I love their loyalty that you can see in their eyes with every shot.

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but most of all, the horse expression. When you take the shot in one nanosecond, and it might not be seen or captured ever again because this shot is the real Spirit of the Arabian horse. It is the topical moment of the session, which might take an hour or days to come.

How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

Practice, practice, practice, by knowing more about the angles though self-teaching myself from other colleges work too.

Among your photo-collections, which one is your favorite? Why? The one with the grey stallion standing so proud showing his ultimate beauty, with a wide colorful chest band and the Arabian red saddle. The atmosphere of the photo and the angle, and the look in his eye are everything. I wished to capture in this horse the moment I saw him coming from far away.

The Sea: I like diving and taking pictures under the water because I believe that what’s underwater is another ally’s life that is always hungry for discovery.

Which is your favorite lens? Why? My favorite is 70/200 because it can show so many details, and it can isolate the background if it is not needed, which helps a lot when photographing animals.

What makes the good picture stand out from the average?

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What kind of tools do you use for post-processing?

Mostly color correction programs and tones of coffee!

How did you get involved in the Arabian horse world as a photographer? What’s your favorite national or international show-competition? Why? I’m a horse lover so, I started photographing the Arabian Horses in shows from the audience rows and at the collecting arena when the grooms are preparing the horses. I had no chance of photographing any Arabian Horses studs at this time, and after three years of learning and asking people like judges and breeders on choosing the best phots that I captured

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and asking them why you prefer this rather than that one. From their choices, I knew what is preferable and what is not.

Then, I studied some Arabian Horses conformation books. During these three years, I never published anything at all. I had to work hard! I also had to study Arabian horse’s behavior so to be able to capture the best of each horse too. Then, I started publishing on my page on Facebook. People started noticing me and asking me to photograph their horses which led me to the show arena.

Each show venue is different in a way or another, but defiantly my favorite always is the show/area with a good view or background, or the sun is in a good position for photography.

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Who are your best friends in this sector?

It’s a privilege that almost everyone is a friend in his way to me. I can’t say names. I might forget anyone.

What is the least enjoyable part of being a photographer for you? And the most rewarding part?

I get going to photograph a horse, and the people around him do not know how to deal with him or are not hearing my instructions to reach the best angles. Or even when a horse is not in good condition health-wise, this can break my heart as an artist and a human being. The most rewarding for me is finding the horse that is screaming out his characters in his look and attitude, plus the appreciating look in the owner’s eyes when he sees the outcome.

What are your hopes and dreams or future goals?

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

My hopes and dreams are to be more International and that people know me more. That is why I’m happy about this interview, and I believe it’s a step toward my dreams. In five years? I have no clue except that I’m sure that I will work so hard to be better every day, and I hope I’ll be in every title show in the world one day.

Thank you so much, Ahmed. Have faith in yourself, and you can make everything come true.

Think beyond your ability, go beyond your dream, have such courage to handle any situation.

It is your journey, and you can make it smoother with your dreaming. Best of luck from all of us on the AHM Team!

Ahmed Taha arabian_horse_focus

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INTERVIEWED BY SONIA SMALDONE

Driven by a lifelong love of horses, Cristiane Pravaz has made a name for herself as a well-known horse painter.

The French-native artist has developed an unexpectedly expressive style that enables her to capture “the essence of these noble creatures”. Her portraits are both evocative and energetic, showing a side to the animals not many of us have had the chance to explore.

Welcome on board Mrs. Cristiane Pravaz!

Just to set the scene for our readers, will you please share with us some background to you, your family and your education?

I was born in Lyon, France, and I spent part of my childhood in the Alps, at my grand-parents ‘s farm, with dogs, cats, chickens, an incredible mule, one horse named Coco… and I was always talking to them, trying to understand what they said also.

Can you talk a little about your formative years as an artist? Have you been trained, and if so from what Institution? Or are you self-taught?

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Being an artist in a very old school family was not seen as a good omen… but I wanted to study Art and learn the techniques. I did the “Beaux Arts de Lyon” in evening classes, and I left for Paris to do specific training, especially with a great designer and master in trompe l’oeil such like Jean-Pierre Bouillon.

Which came first, the horses or the art? What first attracted you to the horse as an artistic subject?

First came horses because I used to ride a lot when I was a child, though only on the trail. Unfortunately, a moped accident left me in a coma long enough and I could no longer practice a risky sport. I had amnesia too. Art became the way to find myself again. First, I was exploring human emotions, then as I started taking dance classes to work on my coordination and balance I had lost in the accident, I got fascinated by the body language. It said a lot about what I could not remember.

At some point, the smell of the horse came back in my life and I could not resist the attraction… I had stayed almost 20 years far from them. That was enough! I met one particular horse, Comrade, who became my first model and

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Acrylique on canvas | The escape | 92 cm x 102cm AHM | 284

my guide. He is a “Morgan” horse, a breed with Arabian blood. Like all the horses, he chooses his human. I had this privilege.

When and where have you first met an Arabian horse?

Who was she/he? Tell us a bit about this encounter…

I just remember a few in a field, as a child, their lightness, their grace, their ardour… The memories of this part of my life are often just feelings. Later I met King, and all the Arabian horses that my friend Sarah Gibault was training in liberty: Artistry, Amurah, Ness, Éfendi, Shangri, Sanjar.

They are so clever, so playful…They make me laugh.

How do you capture the horses’ personalities in your works?

They are dancers, able to restore their balance in the air with a simple move.

I see them as tribes, nomads, with their own culture. Into the wild they cross each other at the water pond or on the roads and they share information.

I feel so far from their mystery…I hope to get closer and closer.

I try to dive into their eyes.

Who are your main artistic influences?

For drawing: Henri de Toulouse Lautrec.

For the light: Vincent Van Gogh.

For the instinct: Theodor Géricault.

But I do not try to look like, I do my own way of paint.

Do you have any secret rituals you do to help you get in the zone for your art?

It’s a secret… I need silence.

Is there a particular place that brings you inspiration?

Wherever animals and humans feel safe and free, big natural space.

What effect do you think the Internet will have on art in the future? Has it had an effect on yours?

For me, the Internet is a tool for disseminating and sharing. That’s enough.

Art must be seen with your eyes, in real. It’s the only way to feel the depth, the energy of a brushstroke. You share a passion.

Which one is your personal favourite piece and/or collection?

In the “Space of a Moment” collection, “The Fly” that was inspired by Amurah (Rofann x Aslah), a wonderful Straight Egyptian Arabian horse trained by my friend Sarah.

And, actually, the “Nomads” collection, which is devoted to the wild horses from the Sand Wash Basin, where I was for a week last year. Still working on it.

Acrylique on Paper marouflé | The fly | 110cm x 115 cm

How many exhibitions have you done so far?

Around fifteen exhibitions when I was in France… I’m also Key Painter for performing Art (Cirque du Soleil, Céline Dion, Arturo Brachetti) and ci-

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Hangover_Mahogany and China ink on aquarelle paper - 56cm x 76 cm - sold AHM | 286

Pianoforte Mahogany and China ink on aquarelle paper - 56 cm x 76 cm - sold

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Rock and Roll | Mahogany and China ink on aquarelle paper - 56cm x 76 cm.

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nema, I work a lot.

In Canada, actually ten, not so many.

Three new ones have been cancelled this year due to Covid-19 pandemic…

What is the best way for a potential client to reach you? What does your package normally include?

By messenger on my Facebook Page: Art of Paint – Cristiane Pravaz – Artist.

By email : humanimour@gmail.com On my website: cristianepravazset.weebly.com I send my Artworks by post. In Canada you can live far from your neighbours.

I talk about the shipping costs with my clients, I always take a share of the charges.

What are your hopes and dreams or future goals, where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I live in a Paradise, “Les Écuries du domaine Avalon” in Sutton, Québec, in Canada.

I see myself there, in my workshop.

I want to continue my travelling where the horses are free. To also show that they are in danger of disappearing. I might be in north Africa to meet free Arabian horses … I never project myself so far.

My horse once told me: “There is no time, just space. Fall in love and stay there”.

Thank you very much Cristiane. The Art world is anxiously awaiting your future creations. It was a pleasure speaking with you!

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