Marion’s perspective “As a breeder, something that upsets me is certain breeders who, for their own commercial gain, have suggested that certain bloodlines are ‘less pure’ based on their pedigrees,” says Marion. “It has scared away a lot of young breeders and it is unacceptable. Even worse, it’s reducing the quality of horses being bred, which harms all of us who love the breed. This is completely different to having a personal choice of not incorporating a certain horse — for example, you may not like his ears! “The Arabian breed needs enthusiasm in young breeders — people who love Arabians for their unique value, and not simply their monetary value — and mentors who inspire them. “Of course, to make your mark as a breeder, you must have fortitiude. I think all breeders have felt the pain and devastation of losing a gem of a horse that you looked forward to having for such a long time and then you lose for reasons that are no fault of your own,” Marion says. “It’s very difficult to recover from losses like this. However, the joy of producing your dream horse outweighs the grief felt over loss and it is a part of being a longtime breeder.”
Top: Muli-international champion mare *Simeon Sehavi (Asfour x Simeon Sheba), now owned by Dubai Stud, UAE. Above: The 2009 filly Simeon Salaeh (Asfour x Simeon Sibolet by Asfour).
Bahaala) in foal to MB Talmaar (Talmaal x Imperial Orbilahh). Simeon Seda is the result and has developed into a beautiful mare, and when bred to Asfour produced amazing offspring. Seda’s first filly is in Saudi Arabia and her first colt is in South Africa. We kept champion Simeon Se (by Asfour) and she produced a delightful filly by Imperial Madaar, Simeon Seis, who we feel is an almost perfect Arabian. Simeon Seda’s last foal is a superb weanling filly by Simeon Shifran. Simeon Seda is in foal to Mulayh Ibn Maareesa. I admire Seda so much that I purchased another breeding to MB Talmaar and leased an amazing Imperial Madheen daughter, MB Massalina, from Kehilan Arabians, and we now have a superb three-year-old filly named Simeon Shoshana gracing our pastures. These are truly exciting times for Simeon Stud down under.” 67 ▪ PYRAMID ▪ WORLD