Reflects on the tReasuRes sale a n d f o Rt y y e a R s w i t h a R a b i a n h o R s e s b y Denis e Hea r s t
Judy Sirbasku with RHAPSODY IN BLACK (Thee Desperado x Aliashahm RA), the homebred she names as the one who comes the closest to her ideal Arabian. She is represented in the auction by several lots.
fter 40 years spent building one of the most influential Egyptian Arabian breeding programs in the world, along with her late husband, Jim Sirbasku, Judy Sirbasku feels that the time has come to downsize. Few breeders have seen as many superstars come through their gates. In the Sirbaskus’ case, it was their stallion, Thee Desperado, that had the greatest impact on the farm and the breed. Today at Arabians Ltd., in Waco, Texas, some 200 Arabians graze the pastures. This October 12-13, fifty of Judy’s finest will be offered in the Treasures Sale. “My husband Jim and I had talked about an auction many years ago, but the time was never right,” she says. “But now I think it’s time. So that’s what I have finally come to do.”
Until recently, Arabians Ltd. was a busy training and marketing center, but that aspect of the operation will wind down by the end of the year. However, Judy’s stallion barn will remain open, with breedings available to her six stallions: Bellagio RCA (Alixir x Rhapsody In Black), Shah Mishaal RCA (*Mishaal HP x Bint Asila RCA), Marbach RCA (The Sequel RCA x Alia Galal RCA), Luxe RCA (*Mishaal HP x Thee Scarlet Lady), Infinity RCA (Bellagio RCA x Kamil FA), and Elegant RCA (Bellagio RCA x Mishaals Lily RCA). Judy also has an inner sanctum she visits at the farm. “We finally built the little barn that Jim always wanted to build,” she says. “I’m sorry he missed it. It is a wonderful 10-stall barn – we call it JJ’s barn, for Jim and Judy — for a few of my sentimental favorites and old friends.”