Peregrine Bloodstock
“Very early on in my story with Arabians, I found that they occupied my thoughts all the time.”
Our Our Life Life with with thethe Arabian Arabian Horse, Horse, with Quentin Naylor and Mark Wharton of Peregrine Bloodstock
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eregrine Bloodstock, in the famed Kentucky bluegrass outside of Lexington, is situated on part of the historic Overbrook Farm. It is indescribably beautiful, and home to over 200 horses, including Quentin’s and Mark’s Arabians as well as those belonging to clients. “We are full time Arabian breeders,” says Mark. “We’re very proud to be a part of the Arabian horse community and hope that whatever contribution we can make to the breed as a whole is a tiny payback for all that it has given us.” We asked Mark and Quentin to tell us about their lives with Arabian horses. How were you introduced to Arabian horses? Mark: My interest in Arabians started in 1977 when I was introduced to the horses by three friends in Australia. I was on the periphery as they showed their Arabians at the many agricultural shows in Australia at the time. I became obsessed with the vision of what the Arabian horse is, the history of the horse and the travels of the first Europeans going into the desert to find the horses that are the basis for our horses today. Seeing the great horses at the time in Australia cemented my future in Arabian horses. Quentin: It was in the middle ’70s when, purely by chance, I accompanied a friend to one of Australia’s most famous Arabian breeding farms. A flaming red stallion, with flowing mane and tail, was led out for A H W > 12 < 0 3 . 1 9
us to inspect, then turned out on the far side of a small paddock. He snorted and pranced, then trotted directly towards us with an incredible, airy gait, seemingly suspended in flight at each step. The horse was World Champion, Ralvon Pilgrim. I was hooked. How did you know that this horse belonged in your life? Mark: Very early on in my story with Arabians, I found that they occupied my thoughts all the time. As I saw more horses and learned to separate them in my mind as to their positive and negative aspects against the ideal, I wanted to be more involved. They became part of my life when I was a teenager and have been my life ever since. Despite the emotional roller coaster that comes with being responsible for any living animal, my resolve to have these horses in my life has never waned. Quentin: My response to this magnificent horse was so visceral, so completely engaging that it simply seemed inconceivable that my future would not involve or revolve around Arabian horses. What does it mean to you to be able to share this interest or passion with your partner? Mark: Back to the people who introduced me to the Arabian … Quentin was one of those people. It is this interest, this common obsession, that has drawn us together, and that we work on together, every single
day. Although we have some different areas of interest, we are able to exchange thoughts and ideas, discuss the direction we want the breeding program to go and make breeding decisions, tackle the daily issues of care and myriad other issues that go into making a life with Arabians function. In what ways have Arabians enhanced your life? Mark: Arabians are responsible for all that we have and all that we do. We have traveled the world because of them, in search of them and the desire to know more about them. We have met wonderful breeders who have become our friends from all parts of the world. The horses have provided us with a lifestyle that we do not feel we could have any other way. Quentin: My study of Arabian horses has taken me to many lands, and I have met many wonderful and knowledgeable people. I have also been privileged to “meet” some extraordinary Arabian horses who, through their natural desire to communicate, have allowed me to see the world through their eyes, to see into their souls. I have been immeasurably enriched by this contact.
The sta l l i o n
KATAAN A
(*Gazal Al Shaqab x *Killara by *Fairview Klassique)
What is the Arabian’s role in your daily life or career today? Mark: We are involved in the daily operation of the farm, 24/7/365. We are responsible for the care of all the horses right : “Mark and I have an intense interest in ‘all things Oriental’ and over two lifetimes have amassed quite a collection of bronzes, carpets and paintings which now feature prominently in our home,” says Quentin.
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