Preserving the Abbas Pasha Heritage, Part II by Bev Davison
The SpiritWind Horses SpiritWind Desert Arabians, LLC 1991-2021 Update Part I of this article presented a glimpse into the genesis of the Babson/Doyle group and the passion involved in maintaining its duration over 60-plus years. These unique Arabian horses represent a deep and rich heritage, tracing to the finest of the old-world Desert blood — blood that reaches far beyond its current labels. Much of this heritage was ensured by Egyptian ruler Abbas Pasha I (1848–1854), and later through those who followed, inspired by his meticulous breeding values. Today, what remains of that ancient Desert blood continues to be preserved in high concentrations within the Babson/Doyle-bred horses.1 Genetic expression is multifaceted and complicated. The genetic diversity and depth of this unique group were introduced in Part I. Part II provides a visual journey through the history of today’s blood and its links to the ancestors whose influences are most apparent. The Babson/Doyle horses are a perfect blend of “WarHorse” and “TentDweller,” superb working animals with family presence and an Old World flair that captures the eye of any would-be horse-loving partner. The physical appearance, temperament, and personality of this group, paired with what is known of the following ancestors, personify the essence of this ancient Desert blood. Its availability keeps us connected to another time. The specific ancestor horses included below represent what I see as the primary influencers in the blending of these old jewels of ancestry, today recognized as tracing from the Blunt, Brown, Babson, Pritzlaff and Doyle breeding programs. These individual horses are not by any means alone in their influence, but they are worthy of specific highlight. The intensity and purity of this old blood speak clearly generation after generation, especially when the physical resemblances over time are unmistakable. Some ancestors influence directly, others more indirectly, but their specific contributions are present without question once you know what you are looking for. The obvious influence of one ancestor does not imply that the influence of others is omitted. For this reason, you may notice some horses featured within multiple sections. The hope is that the following photo series will start to illuminate these concepts and deepen the appreciation for this diverse and precious blood. Mesaoud Mesaoud (Aziz x Yemameh), 1887 Chestnut Stallion: Bred by Ali Pasha Sherif and purchased by the Blunts as a two-year-old to be used in both their Sheykh Obeyd Stud in Egypt and their Crabbet Park Stud in England. Upon Mesaoud’s arrival to the Blunt’s Crabbet Stud, this was his entry into their herd-book: “[Mesaoud is] a bright chestnut with four white feet and blaze, a mark of white under his chin, also group of white hairs under his jowl. Beautiful head and ears, very fine shoulder, great depth in front of girth, powerful quarter, large hocks and knees, and remarkably deep cut sinews. Very fine mover, fast walker and trott er. Tail set on very high and carried magnificently. Dark line along back. Ht. 14.2½, girth 69”, below knee 7¾”.2 His presence and influence in today’s horses are significant and amazingly abundant. Here is a look at his early presence in the Doyle and Babson root stock, expressed in the number of appearances in their pedigrees: Gulida – seven times; Nusi – five times; Ghadaf – three times; *Bint Bint Sabbah – two times; *Bint Serra I – one time; *Fadl/*Maaroufa – 0, but they do share earlier lineage through Bint Yamama and her dam, the 1872 grey mare, Yemameh (APS); *Bint Bint Durra – 0, but she also shares related lineage through the 1876 chestnut stallion Aziz (APS); and *Bint Saada – 0, who shares lineage through the 1880 grey stallion Saklawi I (APS). It is important to keep in mind that the shared genetic heritage provided within these numbers and back through time is more important than the mere number of appearances on paper. Here, Mesaoud’s likeness is demonstrated in the 1998 chestnut Babson/Doyle stallion Sierra Cheyenne, or “Dude.” He is of the rare Fay-El-Dine sire line and owned by Chris Mellen in Utah. He is still available for stud service to the public at age 23. His potential
Part I of this article is in Khamsat Vol. 31 No. 3.
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