In Memoriam: Barbara Griffith and Imperial Egyptian Stud

in memoriam:

Barbara Griffith and

b y a n n e - l o u i s e t o n e r

Barbara Griffith with one of her favorite mares, *Pharrah (Farag x Tamria).

With all our differences, mankind is rife with similarities. One such similarity is a love shared by many for that ethereal desert creature, the Arabian horse. Times change, boundaries change, but one thing has remained constant throughout the centuries: Mankind’s abiding love for the beauty and grace of the Arabian horse. No matter where you go, all over the world, love of the Arabian horse provides its own special communication, its own universal language.

— Barbara Ann Griffith

On Thursday, October 21, the phone rang and I learned the news that Mrs. Griffith had passed away a few hours before. It was as though someone had read the final chapter of a much-loved book, and closed it at last. The last horses had been sold, the last stall door closed on the farm in 2007, and already those horses, the stallions and mares and the last foals to be born carrying the Imperial prefix, have begun to make their mark on breeding programs around the world. The love and inspiration instilled by these beautiful Imperial Arabians among breeders on six continents is perhaps the best, most absolute and eternal reflection of the character and philosophy of a remarkable woman.

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Doug and Barbara Griffith bought their first Arabian gelding in 1967. By 1971, they were showing their own mare, Cedardell Cameo, at U.S. Nationals and winning a Top Ten Mare title. The experience was life-changing, not because of their own success but because of the mare who won the class.

She was *Serenity Sonbolah, an EAO-bred straight Egyptian mare by Sameh. She would change the path of their involvement with the breed.

“Not only did Sonbolah win the championship, but she won us over to straight Egyptian horses. Their beauty, elegance, refinement, and attitiude appealed to us,” wrote Barbara. “There was so much about Sonbolah that epitomized the Arabian horse to all Arabian horse fanciers, whether straight Egyptian enthusiasts or not. She was grace and beauty, incredible courage, wrapped around a heart that loved people and was so big that it could take each of us in and warm us with the love that comes from knowing and sharing life with one of God’s greatest creatures.”

The Griffiths acquired the Al Badeia-bred Egyptian import *Malekat El Gamal, in foal to the stallion Kayed. In retrospect, one can “Athletic see that the Griffiths began as they ability, meant to continue, breeding horses coupled with that would contribute to the best of trainability, the breed, as the resulting foal, the is near first Egyptian Arabian foal to be born the top of at Imperial, was a charming grey filly our list of they named *Imperial Sayyah. Today, desirable her grandson *Al Adeed Al Shaqab, attributes.” has swept the world’s showrings and — Barbara Griffith true to his Imperial foundation, is now siring champions, proving the strength of his pedigree.

The following year, two more Sameh daughters joined the stud. The dark-eyed beauty *Deenaa and *Fawkia, who years later Barbara cited as being one of her favorite mares. Marion Richmond of Simeon Stud, Australia, remembers vividly her first visit to Imperial, and the impact of seeing *Deenaa: “It was at Imperial that I first laid eyes on that magnificent dark brown mare. They let her free in a small arena, and to see that exquisite,

Top: *Serenity Sonbolah (Sameh x Bint Om El Saad), who was 1971 U.S. National Champion Mare and was competing in the same class with the Griffith’s mare, changed their life by winning them over to straight Egyptians.

Middle: The Griffith’s first Egyptian mare was the Albadeia-bred *Malekat El Gamal (Waseem x Nagdia), purchased in foal to Kayed.

Left: Multi-champion stallion *Al Adeed Al Shaqab (Ansata Halim Shah x Sundar Alisayyah), is a grandson of Imperial Sayyah, the first Egyptian foal born at Imperial.

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left: *Fawkia (Sameh x Mamlouka), one of Barbara’s favorite mares, produced many champion show horses, and her granddaughter, Imperial Orianah, is the dam of one of the all-time leading sires of champions in Egypt.

*Fawkia lived up to the Imperial requirement for beauty tied to performance. *Fawkia’s last foal for Imperial was the stallion Imperial Nalaseef. Sired by Moniet El Nafis, he was always an athletic horse, and when a longtime friend of the Griffiths, Howell Wallace, called to ask Barbara if she would support the emerging Arabian racing scene in the U.S., Barbara answered, “Of course!” and Nalaseef was put into race training. He qualified for the prestigious Armand Hammer Classic, the top race of the time in the United States with a purse of $50,000. The day of the race arrived and Howell called Barbara to tell her that her horse looked, in his words, “pretty good,” and would she like to place a bet? Barbara replied, “Whatever you put on him, Howell!” The day went on, the excitement grew, and every time Howell called to say, “I think I’m going to put a bit more on black-eyed mare float in front of her minions was a sight I will Nalaseef!”

Barbara said “Me too!” Howell refuses to disclose the never forget. Many years later, I was able to acquire her grandson final amount that was put on the unproven stallion before post

by Shaikh Al Badi — one of my lifetime favorite stallions — time, but Nalaseef romped home to win at 18-1 and went on to Anaza Bay Shahh, who has sired superbly for Simeon Stud.” a highly successful career on the track, *Deenaa produced one foal for and as a sire, eventually being exported Imperial before going to Bentwood “There are four major to the Royal Stables in Morocco.

Farm, but that one filly, Imperial bloodlines that we In 1975, Barbara and Doug began Fanniya, is the great-grandam of Thaqib incorporate at Imperial to solidify their dream, featuring horses Al Nasser out of Imperial Madanah. He Egyptian Stud. Without one that embodied type, athleticism, and is not only a National Champion Stallion of them we feel our basic balance. They purchased a yearling filly, in Qatar but upon export to Louise goal in our program could Ansata Nile Mist, from Ansata Arabian Cordina’s Saba Arabians in Australia has not be realized. They supply Stud. Deep-bodied, with a beautifully proven to be an exceptional sire. particular characteristics shaped neck, the enormous black eyes “To me, Thaqib has always been that are unique to and forward, powerful movement a unique combination of the Imperial themselves, which we feel with great drive from the hocks that are necessary to produce and Ansata programs,” says Louise. “He was already becoming the hallmark a well-rounded individual has the lines and balance of his sire but of the Imperial mare band, Nile Mist that is capable of passing on with a different level of refinement and these traits. The blood that introduced the blood of Halima and dryness that was clearly evident in his brings these characteristics Moniet El Nefous, and became the dam, Imperial Madanah. Madanah was forward is that of Nazeer, progenitor of a family that has formed a an exceptionally beautiful mare and in Halima, Moniet El Nefous, dynasty of its own. our opinion, one of Imperial Madheen’s and Sameh.”

Her son Imperial Madaar was finest daughters. She had superb eyes,

— Barbara Griffith chosen as a yearling to stand at Simeon a classical, sculpted, typey face with an Stud in Australia. Madaar’s full sister, etched appearance that resembled that of Imperial Misteena, is the dam of Louise a painting.”

Cordina’s beautiful Imperial Orissah, an Egyptian Event Reserve *Fawkia produced many champion show horses, and her Champion Filly who now also makes her home outside of granddaughter, Imperial Orianah, is the dam of one of the Sydney, Australia. all-time leading sires of champions in Egypt, Imperial Madori.

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“Madaar found me rather than me finding Madaar,” says Glenn North. “When visiting Imperial to look for an outcross for the Simeon Stud breeding program, I had wandered off from the group to see what I could find hidden away. I spotted a little tiny nose over a stable door, inquisitively trying to see who was walking by. When he was brought out of the box, I knew immediately that he was what was needed to complement the existing Asfour blood. He had size and type, a strong hind quarter, high tail set, long front, and a beautiful throat and face.”

Ansata Nile Mist’s daughter Imperial Mistilll by *Jamilll is the all-time leading dam of Egyptian champions, with nine of her offspring winning championships in open competition, including Imperial Saturn, MB Mistaz, and Imperial Safillla.

U.S. National Top Ten Futurity Colt Imperial Saturn lives with Jane Simicek of Willow Breeze Arabians in Texas. “Seeing those beautiful stallions of the Imperial Imdal line at the 1997 Egyptian Event really won me over to the Imperial horses,” says Jane. “The next year, the name of Imperial Saturn came up, and the more I learned about him, the more I liked him.

“Saturn has always done what we have asked of him, from country English pleasure, to western pleasure, sidesaddle, hunter, hunter hack, and dressage,” Jane continues. The influence of Imperial lines in our breeding program has brought the beauty, athletic ability, and dispositions that we feel are most important in Egyptian Arabian horses today.”

U.S. National Top Ten Futurity Colt MB Mistaz, another Imperial Mistilll son, is owned by The Mistaz Movement. Jill Girardi Thomas writes, “We have searched the world for a stallion who possesses the qualities of MB Mistaz. He is a direct outcome of the Imperial vision — beautiful, athletic, and smart.

Everything an Arabian should be.”

By 1976, the Griffiths’ collection of straight Egyptian mares included, from Babolna, the ethereal *Pharrah, who founded one of the most successful mare families at Imperial

Top right: The Griffiths purchased Ansata Nile Mist (Ansata Ibn Sudan x Falima) from Ansata Arabian Stud as a yearling filly.

Middle left: Ansata Nile Mist’s daughter, the bay mare Imperial Mistilll by *Jamilll is the All-time leading dam of Egyptian champions.

Bottom: U.S. National Top Ten Futurity Colt MB Mistaz, an Imperial Mistilll son sired by *Ibn Safinaz, is owned by The Mistaz Movement.

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Cheval. She returned to Paris in 1994 to be named unanimous with her granddaughters, Israeli National Champion Mare Imperial Imphayana, Imperial Im Pharida, Reserve Junior World World Champion Mare. Her full sister, Imperial Imphayana was also an Israeli National Champion and winner at the Salon du Champion Filly and World Champion Mare, Imperial Phanilah Cheval. More recently, Imperial’s great-grandson Imperial Baarez and multiple Regional Reserve Champion Mare/Filly, Imperial followed the same path, winning Egyptian Event Supreme Phandala. Dalia, the dam of international superstar Imperial Champion, U.S. National Top Ten Futurity Colt, Reserve World Imdal, was another of Barbara’s favorite mares and was herself a Champion at the Salon du Cheval, and East Coast Champion U.S. National Top Ten English Pleasure horse. Also at Imperial Stallion. were the EAO-bred mares *Wadeea, *Serenity Shahra, *Ameena, Merrie Aiken of Cedar Ridge Farms in Maryland owns one *Serenity Sabra, *Amaala, and *Serenity Sagda. of the few living sons of Ansata Imperial, Imperial ImSirdar In 1976 the Griffiths discovered a little colt who was to (x Imperial Sonbesjul). “He was only two years old when we set the bar for type at Imperial Egyptian Stud, the six-dayacquired him, and he was the most nearly perfect stallion I had old Ansata Imperial (Ansata Ibn Sudan x Ansata Delilah). ever seen, with the most beautifully dry, sculpted who would become face,” says Merrie. “We put Sirdar, at age 13, a regional champion in dressage training. Mrs. Griffith and Beverly stallion and U.S. “I believe it is important that we Sziraky were astonished, but encouraging. Imagine National Top Ten all realize some simple truths: everyone’s delight when he won three dressage Futurity Colt. Ansata that service to the customer, that integrity, honesty, and genuine championships at the 2002 Egyptian Event! He Imperial’s get reflected concern for the well-being of the has sired beautiful, athletic, charismatic foals for the strength of his horse and horse owner are what us. We are forever grateful to Mrs. Griffith for the pedigree, stamped with will keep us strong.” opportunity to be part of the Imperial legacy.” their sire’s smooth body,

— Barbara Griffith The *Ansata Ibn Halima son Hossny was classically beautiful acquired from Gleannloch Farms, and later sold to face and large, well-set eyes. His son Imperial Imdal (x Dalia), was a U.S. Reserve National Champion Stallion, World Champion at the Salon du Cheval and Egyptian Event Supreme Champion.

His daughter, Imperial Phanilah (x Imperial Phanadah) was a multi-champion show mare in the U.S. and Middle East, and Reserve World Champion Junior Female at the Salon du

Above: In 1976 the Griffiths discovered a little colt who was to set the bar for type at Imperial Egyptian Stud, the six-day-old Ansata Imperial (Ansata Ibn Sudan x Ansata Delilah).

Left: Imperial ImSirdar (x Imperial Sonbesjul), one of the few living sons of Ansata Imperial, is owned

by Merrie Aiken of Cedar Ridge Farms, Maryland.

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Count Federico Zichy-Thyssen of Argentina in 1979. Before his departure, Hossny sired a smooth-bodied, graceful, grey filly, Imperial Sonbesjul, who produced the multi-champion Imperial al Kamar (by El Hilal). Al Kamar was a multi-junior champion colt when his injuries sidelined his show career. From then on, his get spoke for him in the ring, including Imperial Kamilll, whose win at Towerlands in the U.K. was with the highest scores ever given in the stallion class. To list the Imperial Al Kamar progeny who have had success in the showring would require an article in itself — 75 percent of his progeny shown have won International Champion or Reserve Champion titles. Imperial al Kamar now lives at Rancho Bulakenyo, with Drs. Jody and Karen Cruz of Los Osos, California.

“For so many reasons we were extremely pleased to add Imperial Al Kamar to our stallion lineup,” says Jody Cruz.

“But at the time we didn’t realize the true impact that Kamar would have on us personally and on the future of our breeding program. Shortly after his arrival at Rancho Bulakenyo a good friend and breeder sent an e-mail that simply said ‘Kamar is magic.’ True.”

In 1978, upon seeing the two-year-old *Ibn Moniet El Nefous son, Moniet El Nafis, Doug Griffith knew he had found

Above: Spotted in 1978 as a two-year-old, Doug Griffith knew he had found the future sire for Imperial Egyptian Stud in Moniet El Nafis (*Ibn Moniet El Nefous x *Hoyeda by *Morafic). He sired not only champions in the showring, but on the racetrack as well.

Below left: Imperial Al Kamar (El Hilal x Imperialsonbesjul) — 75 percent of his progeny shown have won International Champion or Reserve Champion titles. He now lives at Rancho Bulakenyo in California.

the future sire for Imperial Egyptian Stud. Shown successfully in halter, including two Scottsdale Top Ten Stallion titles, Moniet El Nafis sired not only champions in the showring, but on the racetrack as well. Imperial Nalaseef, the Armand Hammer Classic winner was only one of his sons to exhibit brilliance at the track: he was also the sire of track record breaker MHF Eclipse as well as ZT Ali Baba, one of the most popular and successful racehorses of his day, the winner of fourteen races and sire of multiple record-setting racehorses.

In 1980, Doug Griffith passed away but for Barbara, the thought of discontinuing the journey she and her husband had embarked upon together was never an option. For the next 27 years, she carried on the Imperial program.

Barbara surrounded herself not only with an extraordinary foundation of Egyptian Arabian horses but a strong, committed and capable staff. By the mid-1980s, Eileen Verdieck was farm manager, training and showing the Imperial horses to win after win, and Beverly Sziraky, a longtime friend of Barbara’s who had owned Deer Run Farm in Virginia, and in fact leased the beautiful Amaal to Imperial years before, served as breeding manager.

The search for the new generation of stallions to stand at Imperial had begun, and the results have again been the

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In the mid 1980s, a search for the new generation of stallions to stand at Imperial had begun, and so it was that *Imperial Madheen (Messaoud x Madinah), top left, and *Orashan (Messaoud x Ora), below, discovered in Germany by Eileen Verdieck, came to live at Imperial. The results have again been the catalyst for some of the world’s most beautiful and successful show horses.

Left: Imperial Madaar (*Imperial Madheen x Ansata Nile Mist) was chosen as a yearling to stand at Simeon Stud in Australia. He now has progeny worldwide competing both in halter and endurance.

catalyst for some of the world’s most beautiful and successful show horses. And so it was that *Imperial Madheen and *Orashan, discovered in Germany by Eileen Verdieck, came to live at Imperial. Both were sired by the elegant Messaoud, a classic beauty whose pedigree, with its blend of the horses already important to the Imperial program, Nazeer, Moniet El Nefous, and Halima was blended with that of Hadban Enzahi and Ghazal, two of Germany’s premier stallions, and greatly admired by Barbara, provided the opportunity for both consistency and the needed elements of new blood. In addition, the introduction of the blood of Zareefa and Yosreia through their dam lines was important to Barbara. “I expect these new horses to enhance our program while maintaining strength and consistency in siring type, excellent depth of hips and croups, excellent legs and structure, smooth bodies, athletic ability, length of neck with a high and lofty tail carriage,” she wrote

at the time.

Both *Imperial Madheen and *Orashan have now had volumes written about their influence worldwide. Their impact on the Imperial mares was immediate.

In time, Count Zichy-Thyssen of Argentina fell under Madheen’s spell and was able to convince Barbara to sell him the stallion. Years went by and the impact of Imperial Madeen’s foals in the United States, in South America, in the Middle East, Europe, and Australia became legendary. Somehow, Omar Sakr, whose own Imperial Madheen son, Imperial Madori had already sired exceptional show winners in Egypt, including the dearly loved World Champion Mare, Gelgelah Al Badeia, persuaded the Count to sell Imperial Madheen and return him to the land of his ancestors. *Orashan became one of the most successful Egyptian stallions in the U.S. showring in both halter and performance competition. A U.S. National Top Ten Stallion and Canadian National Top Ten in both halter and country English pleasure competition, he was also named Egyptian Event Supreme Champion Stallion. In open company *Orashan won not

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only in halter and country the Imperial stallions, and “You are always looking for an outcross and English pleasure, but show was a champion in English it can be very difficult to find one of the right hack, pleasure driving, and pleasure and pleasure driving. caliber that we want, and one that is not too at liberty. Louise Cordina Barbara said of *Ibn Safinaz, closely bred to our program. It really is a of Saba Arabians, Australia, “He remains in the program constant challenge. You need to maintain hybrid was smitten by the beauty of primarily because of the way vigor in a herd. By that I mean you need to his daughters during a visit he moves. He is so prepotent breed close enough to fix a type, but then you to Imperial several years ago, for that movement that even have to get out. You need to linebreed for the and was determined to bring his great-great-grandget have characteristics that you want, and then you need it. As long as there is Safinaz the elegant old gentleman to go outside of your own herd and bloodlines to in the pedigree, you get that to her beautiful farm in retain hybrid vigor and soundness, both mental and physical.” great shoulder freedom and Sydney. Finally, the dream

— Barbara Griffith really nice movement. Good came true and he joined his hock movement as well.” daughter Imperial Orissah at Pat Platzek of El Masr Saba Arabians, to live as the Arabians in Wisconsin stands cherished and dearly loved the *Ibn Safinaz grandson, EAI Silvereen. She says, “I noted over friend of Louise and Glenn North.

“As an older horse, he stood as a testament to sheer quality,” the years the wonderful type that Imperial Egyptian Farms were says Louise. “He had the best body, hindquarter, and top line producing. *Ibn Safinaz foals were usually my favorite, but all of any horse you will find. Even in his late twenties his body their stallions were amazing. With the purchase of Silvereen, our was absolutely success zoomed. flawless. His face “Mares with Imperial breeding was reminiscent of have given their most exquisite foals his sire’s side of the sired by Silvereen. They are smooth family, short and deep and elegant with beautiful expressions jowled with beautiful black eyes that could melt your heart.

Left: In 1987, *Ibn Safinaz (Seef x Orashan touched Safinaz), was purchased by Barbara so many people on Griffith to both diversify and a level that was way strengthen the Imperial breeding beyond sheer beauty. program.

He had a connection Below: Imperial Shehaab (*Ibn with people and a Safinaz x MB Mazaraa) was chosen zest for life. He had

by Imperial as his sire’s successor. a knowing look that I can only imagine came from the fact that in his life, he had truly done it all.”

In the hours before this was to go to print, the world seemed to tip on its axis as Louise sent the following message: “It is with great sadness that I write to inform you that our dear Orashan has passed away. We will miss him tremendously.”

In 1987, *Ibn Safinaz, a son of the athletic Seef, out of the Alaa El Din daughter Safinaz, a mare declared to be one of the most beautiful at the EAO, was purchased by Barbara to both diversify and strengthen the Imperial breeding program.

Imported from Egypt by Hopeland Arabians, *Ibn Safinaz, like *Orashan, flew the flag for Imperial in the showring with wins in halter at U.S. Nationals, another Top Ten Stallion title for 120 b PYRAMID b WORLD

and refined short faces. They carry themselves high and proud, without a doubt all due to the foresight of Imperial. The Imperial lines are certainly one of the greatest for breeding on champions, and it is now our responsibility to continue breeding the best we can.”

“It is because of Barbara Griffith’s beautiful horses that I ventured into the Egyptian Arabian horse breeding business back in 1984,” says Nina White, Sahra Egyptian Arabians, White Hall, Maryland. “Later, I purchased two mares from her, SKF Habiba (sired by *Ibn Safinaz) and Imperial Janaabah (Imperial Im Jasim x Imperial Fanniya). I was always encouraged

by Barbara’s words of wisdom and encouragement. Her passing marks the end of an era. I hope there are breeders out there who will continue to breed using the Imperial Egyptian Stud bloodlines.”

The handsome dark bay son of *Ibn Safinaz, Imperial Shehaab, was chosen by Imperial as his successor. Upon the dispersal of the herd, Shehaab was syndicated and now stands at Eastern Star Arabians in Pennsylvania. During his first year in the showring, Shehaab was a Class A Junior Champion and twice Reserve Champion Stallion. Polly Schaefer, syndicate manager and owner, with Dr. Jay Chollak, of Eastern Star Arabians, writes, “Imperial Shehaab is the epitome of the Imperial Egyptian Stud breeding program and exceeded their expectations in virtually all aspects. A gentleman in every way, this now mature stallion is kind and responsive, has an aura of mastery, presence, and command. Imperial, in this stallion, has hit another home run!”

In 1996, the horse that was to come closest to realizing Barbara’s lifelong dream of perfection was foaled at Imperial. By the Imperial Imdal son, PVA Kariim, and out of the *Orashan daughter BB Ora Kalilah, Imperial Baarez was extraordinary from the start. “He is simply a ‘once in a lifetime’ stallion,” Barbara said. “He’s the best horse we’ve ever bred, and proving to be the most consistent sire.”

In 1999, having attending only three shows, Baarez was named Egyptian Event Supreme Champion Stallion, East Coast Champion Stallion, and U.S. National Top Ten Futurity Colt.

His continued success in the showring included class A wins in dressage, regional halter champion, and he was undefeated in get-of-sire classes. The decision was made to send Baarez, (like his gransdire before him) to Europe and his “European tour” resulted in the Reserve Champion Stallion title at the All Nations Cup in Aachen, Champion Stallion at the Città de Castello, and finally, Reserve World Champion Stallion at the Salon du Cheval.

For years, the Imperial slogan was, “Your success is our success.” Diana Cantey of Zajaddi Egyptian Arabians in Arkansas proved that Imperial lived up to that ideal. She

Imperial Imdal (Ansata Imperial x Dalia), U.S. National Reserve Champion Stallion, World Champion at the Salon du Cheval, Egyptian Event Supreme Champion, and sire of multiple champions worldwide.

writes, “We felt confident working with Imperial based on their reputation and quality, and Beverly Sziraky was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. We leased them our Tammen daughter who produced a gorgeous filly in 2005 named Imperial Beveerah who was named after Beverly. She went on to be an outstanding show filly, earning the titles of Egyptian Event Futurity Champion Filly for the Imperial Egyptian Stud, and later she was shown to Junior Champion in Italy, and reserve junior champion in Europe.

“We miss our annual visits to Imperial where we would walk the grounds each summer, hear the whinnies of some of the world’s finest Egyptian Arabian mares calling to their exquisite foals, visit the majestic stallions, experience their vision and sense their purpose as one of the most admired and highly respected straight Egyptian breeding farms worldwide.”

Joining Diana in her sentiments, Kristy McGill of Infinity Egyptian Stud, Jarrettsville, Maryland, writes, “I grew up living very close to Imperial Egyptian Stud. We would drive past Imperial and I’d have my face pressed up against the car window trying to see one of their horses. I always dreamed of owning an Imperial Arabian horse since they were so beautiful they would take your breath away.

“Years later, on one of our visits to Imperial,” she continues, “Beverly took us to Imperial Baarez’s stall. I can still remember the moment that Beverly opened his stall door, Randy and I just stood there mesmerized by his infinite beauty. Beverly told me I could go in his stall to pet him. I did, and didn’t want to leave his side, he was that beautiful.

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“We have since acquired Imperial Baaru (Imperial Baarez x to the very end,” says Carol Maginn, Bear Creek Ranch, Imperial Falaah) and he has the same breathtaking beauty along Lockhart, Texas. “I really miss the knowledge, friendship, with a wonderful temperament. We feel very fortunate and honored support, and dedication of a program that made a major to have such a magnificent stallion from Imperial that will be able impact on our program.” to help carry their bloodlines into the future.”

Time marches on, people and horses get older, and Says Lisa Brady, of Brady Farm, Vilonia, Arkansas: “After years in 2007 the breeding program at Imperial Egyptian Stud of concentrating on breeding pure Polish came to a close. Long before making and Polish-related Arabians, I was given her decision public, Barbara worked the opportunity to purchase a filly with together with farm manager, Beverly “One hundred years from Imperial bloodlines, Imdala El Jamaal Sziraky, to place the horses she had now I hope that the blood (Dakharo x Imiellia by Imperial Imdal). bred into breeding programs around of Imperial-bred horses We were blown away by her perfect the world. will have helped shape the conformation, upright stance, and bold, Elizabeth Salmon writes, “In straight Egyptian horse inquisitive attitude. I remembered seeing January 2007, I was asked to come up of the future. I would like that same charismatic presence in Imperial to Imperial to appraise the 30 horses at it to be said that I stayed Imdal when he was named 1988 U.S. the farm. At that time I was told that it true to the original vision of the authentic National Reserve Champion Stallion. was for tax appraisals. Little did I know Arabian horse. If that’s Shown for the first time as a yearling, that a month later it was announced an inspiration to future Imdala El Jamaal was named Supreme that the horses were being dispersed. I breeders to preserve and Halter Champion over 21 horses. Thank was struck by this amazing collection protect these wonderful you, Imperial Egyptian Stud, for breeding of horses built up over 40 years of a animals — then all the Imperial Imdal.” dedicated breeding program.” better.”

“Imperial was truly a pillar in the The impact the Egyptian Arabian

— Barbara Griffith community of straight Egyptian breeding horses bred at Imperial have had, and — not just in the very beginning, but up continue to have, upon horses bred for both halter and performance, at breeding farms large and small around the globe is unparalleled. The character, the grace and goodwill, willingness to share not only of bloodstock but of knowledge and experience, established the people of Imperial Egyptian Stud as leaders in the Arabian horse world just as the successes of their horses has cemented the vision of an exemplary breeding program in the annals of history. Godspeed, Mrs. Griffith, and thank you.

Left: In 1996, the horse that was to come closest to realizing Barbara’s lifelong dream of perfection was foaled at Imperial — Imperial Baarez (PVA Kariim x BB Ora Kalilah). He won many championships, such as Egyptian Event Supreme Champion, U.S. National Top Ten Futurity Colt, Reserve World Champion at the Salon du Cheval, All Nations Cup Reserve Champion Senior Stallion, and East Coast Champion Stallion.

He is now owned by El Farida Stud, Egypt.

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