Preserving the Abbas Pasha Heritage, Part Two by Bev Davison Halawa and the Arabian Horses of W.J.G. Bentley

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

influence from Mesaoud appears in an impressive 186 crosses compounded over 111 years (to the best of my calculations)! Sierra Cheyenne, like his paternal grandsire Sierra Sand, is a solid 15.2h masculine creature, yet is handled daily by a barely 110-pound woman — including for breeding and riding.

Left, Mesaoud (APS), 14.2 1/2h, 1887 chestnut stallion, Aziz (APS) x Yemameh (APS), 100% Abbas Pasha (AP). Center, Sierra Sand 15.2h 1967 chestnut stallion, Mahrouss x Gulnara, owned by Rich-Mar Arabians, 66.26% AP. Right, Sierra Cheyenne 15.2h 1998 chestnut stallion, Sierra Sandarac x Sally-O-Doyle, owned by Chris Mellen, BjDavison photo, 64.45% AP.

Top, *Rodan 1906 chestnut stallion, Harb (BLT) x *Rose of Sharon, 1927 Maynesboro Catalog photo, 50% AP. Below: Subanet Jabbar SDA 2007 chestnut stallion, Summer Sonnet SDA x Bint Bint Subani, BjDavison photo, 63.94% AP.

*Rodan *Rodan (Harb x *Rose of Sharon), 1906 Chestnut Stallion: *Rodan, a 15.1½ h, 980-pound chestnut, was bred at Crabbet Stud and imported in utero by Colonel Spencer Borden in 1905. Later, in 1918, he was purchased by W.R. Brown of the Maynesboro Stud, along with the remainder of Spencer Borden’s herd. He was one of the first Arabian stallions purchased to be used as a sire of half-Arabians in the U.S. Army Remount program, contributing attributes he demonstrated in feats such as this: “In 1913, Colonel Spencer Borden and the Morgan Horse Club sponsored a long-distance weight-carrying test trial, a distance of 154 miles in two days with speed alone to count, and of the nine entries, *Rodan placed fourth overall with a time of 30 hours, 40 minutes, and carrying a weight load of 160 pounds. What was more remarkable was that *Rodan, without prior conditioning, trekked all the way to the test from Interlachen and back to the starting point for a total of 507 miles in 10 days (including some rest time). Condition: Excellent.”3 *Rodan sired Gulnare (1914 grey mare) who was the dam of both Ghadaf (1929 chestnut stallion) and Gulastra (1924 chestnut stallion), the latter of whom sired Gulida (1939 chestnut mare), and Nusi (1928 chestnut stallion). Ghadaf, Gulida and Nusi are all cornerstones of the Doyle breeding program. *Rodan is not present in the Babson imports, but the Doyle and Babson horses share common lineage from him much earlier in their heritage through Bint Yamama (KDV), 1895 grey mare, and her dam Yemameh (APS), 1872 grey mare. Bint Yamama, incidentally, is a half-sibling to Mesaoud. Additionally, *Rodan is a grandson of Mesaoud through Harb.

Clearly, *Rodan is a key individual. In modern references, the 2007 chestnut stallion Subanet Jabbar SDA carries 45.25% Babson breeding and 54.75% Doyle breeding, representing a fairly balanced mix of historical influence, yet the photo similarities between *Rodan and Jabbar are striking at 101 years apart!

Subanet Jabbar SDA reflects the first and only direct combination of the three initial foundation horses in the SpiritWind effort: Sierra Sandarac (Sierra Sand x Sierra Sable), Bint Sierra SS (Parnell x Sierra Summersong), and Bint Bint Subani (Ibn Saafaddan x Bint Subani). This is significant because it brought together three distinct and unique combinations of this type of breeding, offering variety in the genetic options for future progeny. Jabbar’s natural big walk and fast extended trot are reminders of the wellhoned attributes that this group has for Endurance. He is in Idaho and available for live cover or shipped cooled semen.

*Bint Serra I *Bint Serra I, 1923 Bay Mare: (Sotamm (BLT) x Serra (BLT)) Babson import. At 75% Abbas Pasha heritage, *Bint Serra I is the primary link between the Babson and Doyle groups for this source. Her presence is a foundation that is undeniably influential in the blood of today’s herd. Her sire Sotamm (not Sottam) was sired by *Astraled, a well-known son of Mesaoud. Sotamm also links to Ghazieh (Mesaoud’s granddam) through Sotamm’s dam, Selma (BLT), and her dam Sobha (APS), whose sire Wazir (APS), 1863 grey stallion, was a full sibling to Mesaoud’s dam Yemameh (APS).

It is a lot to comprehend, but the point is that there is great reason to merge what currently appears simply to be two separate groups of more modern family-name labels and breeding. Research shows that the mere presence of an animal in a pedigree does not directly translate into a simple predictable influence, as in the coefficient of inbreeding (CoI) concept, but instead is much more complex! The real truth of what actually is shared genetically can only be explored through a look into the genomes, and this data suggests that not only is it complex but also that influences over *Bint Serra I, 1923 bay mare, Sotamm (BLT) x Serra (BLT), bred by long periods of time may indeed be present and maintaining a con- Prince Kamal al-Din, Elliott S. (Jack) Humphrey photo, 75% AP. tribution.4 The cascade of this ancient and asil heritage from *Bint Serra I is a great blend of both common ancestry and diversity.

Frustratingly, the photos of *Bint Serra I reflect an image of a horse that is known here in the flesh only on occasion. It seems to appear in young, immature stock, and by the time they mature other features become more prevalent. As a result, there are no striking images in adult form from Babson/Doyle stock that seem to be a clear comparison to share here.

Visuals of ancestors in a pedigree are great tools in breeding decisions; good, bad, or indifferent. They are a reminder of the importance of preserving hard-copy images, even video, of today’s horses. They are the ancestors of tomorrow. It is important to give a glimpse into the past, long after the horses and those who knew them are gone. Many photos distort or unfavorably highlight in odd angles or lighting, consequently it is greatly appreciated when there are numerous examples to view and compare. Often, descriptions are significantly more enlightening than photos. Serra (BLT), 1915 grey mare (aged and heavy in foal), Sahab (APS) x Jemla (BLT), Elliott S. (Jack) Humphrey photo, 100% AP. *Bint Serra I’s dam, Serra, was described by the highly respected Dr. A.E. Branch, Director of the Royal Agriculture Society (RAS) of Egypt. He considered her “the best mare he had ever seen, a flawless pearl.”5 *Bint Serra I herself was described as “an impressive dark bay mare of high quality and was already nine years old in 1932 when Jack Humphrey saw her. He was very taken by her, trying very hard to negotiate a price but was unable to buy her. She had long, powerful shoulders, prominent withers and fine carriage of neck and was said to be an excellent mover.” 6 *Bint Serra I’s concentrated presence has undoubtedly influenced the generations that followed in both straight Babson and Babson/Doyle breeding. Despite good blood and good intentions, time sometimes alters the course. Joe Ferriss elaborates on the eventual loss of the *Bint Serra I blood as a tail female presence: “Over time the tail female line to Bint Serra I failed to continue via daughters within the straight Babson breeding program. It was Bint Serra’s sons Fay-El-Dine and Fa-Serr who became prolific and popular sires carrying on Serra’s influence at the Babson Farm. Often Fa-Serr would be bred to daughters of Fay-El-Dine thereby doubling the influence of Serra.” 7

It is this intensified lineage through *Bint Serra I’s son Fa-Serr that provides the most apparent link to her presence and the fusion of the Abbas Pasha genetic influence brought forward today within the Babson/Doyle stock. (See Fa-Serr section below.) In addition, the influence of her other son (and full brother to Fa-Serr) Fay-El-Dine is also present in tail-male heritage within the Babson/Doyle group. This sire line is now nearly extinct elsewhere and is, sadly, completely lost within the straight Babson breeding.

Gulastra Gulastra (*Astraled x Gulnare), 1924 Chestnut Stallion: “Good himself from the best blood that produces better than himself,” according to Albert Harris.8 Bred by W.R. Brown, the 14.3h Gulastra sired a total of 117 purebred foals and became the greatest producer of the Mesaoud line in the United States. Both during his lifetime and to the present day, Gulastra was a horse of great influence worldwide. He was recognized for his presence in the show ring, and still today, horses with his influence excel in various working and sport activities, particularly in Endurance. He was noted to have a fast flatfooted walk with lots of impulsion, a trait he passed on to his foals and something experienced in the SpiritWind horses as well. Suzi Morris of Arieana Arabians shared these details of Gulastra’s unique characteristics: “Purchased by General J.M. Dickinson and moved to Dickinson’s Travelers Rest Farm in Tennessee where he was highly regarded as the sire of quality foals with excellent dispositions. Peggy Fleming (General Dickinson’s daughter) also recalled in a personal communication that Gulastra was schooled by her father’s old groom in five gaits (walk, trot, canter, running walk or slow gait, and rack) and was able to present them quite creditably, winning prizes at the five gaits in horse shows, and that Gulastra was ‘...very showy and willing, never a problem in any way.’ (Fleming, May 14-17, 2002).”9

Denny Tirral, owner of Binis (1944 chestnut stallion) a son of Islam (1939 chestnut stallion), who was a direct son of Gulastra, shares this description: “Describing Islam is much like giving a run-down of his sire, Gulastra. The head was of good classic type, excellent prominent bone structure throughout, eyes well placed and large, ears small and well placed, and the head going into a fine long neck with a light throatlatch, enabling him to use himself with perfection. Shoulders long and well layed [sic] back, and good withers. The top line was very good, and the croup of the most desired type being very flat with tail coming off high and gay. His legs were square, true, and absolutely straight throughout. Personality and temperament, he inherited from his sire in full measure. A hot horse with loads of presence and fire, yet a sweet guy and easy to handle. One of the foremost characteristics of Gulastra bred horses is some kind of unexplained desire or tendency to be the fellow ‘up front’, high man on the totem pole, and be as it may absolutely supreme.”10

Top, Gulastra, 1924 chestnut stallion, *Astraled x Gulnare, Maynesboro photo, 62.5% AP. Left, Maloof Hassan, 1984 chestnut stallion, Kaerconan x Devlin, Bruce Maloof photo, 64.05% AP. Center, SpiritWind Hassana, 2007 chestnut mare, Maloof Hassan x Sand Dancer SDA, BjDavison photo, 64.07% AP. Right, Mandalay Wind SDA, 2019 chestnut stallion, Mandalay DE x SpiritWind Hassana, BjDavison photo, 64.17% AP.

His intelligent, bold, forward personality is treasured here. The SpiritWind horses all have a lot of “go” and possess a confident work ethic like no other, but they also fit the description of being “yet a sweet guy and easy to handle.” Amazingly, Gulastra appears 62 times in the pedigree of the 2019 chestnut stallion Mandalay Wind SDA (Mandalay DE x SpiritWind Hassana). At 87.5% Doyle breeding and with the resultant strong Gulastra influence and considering the potential depth and balance from this genetic material, Mandalay Wind SDA’s contribution to the maintenance of this fascinating old Desert blood is greatly anticipated. Fa-Serr

Fa-Serr (*Fadl x *Bint Serra I), 1947 Black Babson Stallion: Fa-Serr was a direct son of the influential *Bint Serra I, yet noteworthy on his own. In 1955, he was named Champion Stallion at Halter at one of the most prestigious shows of the time, the Chicago Livestock Show. Considered “one of the rare, good blacks,”11 he was used heavily, with many show records also earned by his offspring and beyond.

While having the Babson horses present in the show world was good for business, both Henry Babson and his Farm Manager, Homer Watson, personally considered the Babson horses “doing” horses. Fa-Serr’s sire, *Fadl, was known to pull a hay rake, and the mares pulled the manure spreader.12 Known for their “in the tent” temperament and all-around utility and sport attributes, the Babson horses’ influence is a gift to the Babson/Doyle group.

Walter Schimanski, a well-known Babson breeder, shared his first impression of Fa-Serr: “I will never forget the day I saw Fa-Serr. It was my first visit to the huge cypress show barn. Seeing him has such an impact that I can still picture him in my mind’s eye, just as if it were only yesterday. Fa-Serr was standing quietly in the stall looking out of the window, his head turned away from me. Even in this position I could see his huge black eyes protruding from his head. His tail was always held in a high arch, even as he stood quietly. When he was led outside for me to photograph, his blue-black coat gleamed as he pranced around Homer Watson. He was the blackest horse I have ever seen. He set himself up naturally, arching and stretching his neck to an advantage, He was an elegant, typey, exotic and obviously loved old gentleman. It was one of those horse thrills one never forgets.”13

The likeness of Fa-Serr is seen and appreciated here regularly in his many descendants. The 2020 filly Ginger Snap SDA (Subanet Jabbar SDA x DA Ginger Moon) is an example of the Pritzlaff, Babson and Doyle blend. She is powerfully built in the Fa-Serr manner and bold, curious, intelligent, colorfully marked with unique white splashes, topped off with a bit of a “war mare” attitude.

Fa-Serr, 1947 black stallion, *Fadl x *Bint Serra I, Arabian Horse Trust photo, 69.53% AP.

Left to right, Bint Sierra SS, 1981 chestnut mare, Parnell x Sierra Summersong, BjDavison photo, 65.07% AP. Summer Sonnet SDA, 1997 chestnut stallion, Sierra Sandarac x Bint Sierra SS, BjDavison photo, 65.39% AP. Subanet Jabbar SDA, 2007 chestnut stallion, Summer Sonnet SDA x Bint Bint Subani, BjDavison photo, 63.94% AP. Ginger Snap SDA, 2020 chestnut mare, Subanet Jabbar SDA x DA Ginger Moon, BjDavison photo, 61.72% AP.

As a four-month-old, only occasionally seen at her mother’s side, Ginger Snap objected to new mommas and their babies “moving in” to her space. She boldly chased and did her best to threaten them to leave, even turning on her haunches to imply she would kick or take on an adult mare. It was quite the show of confidence, bravery, and attitude. Fortunately, the co-mingling mother mares did not take her too seriously and they are all now happy to share their hay peaceably! Subani

Subani (Ghadaf x Im Gulnar), 1955 Chestnut Doyle Stallion: A favorite and prevalent influencer in this group, Subani was bred by Dr. J.L. Doyle and left the Doyle farm by age five. He moved through three owners and bred several mares over those years. Cattleman Jerry Smith was drawn to Subani, seeing him for the first time at a show in Colorado. He later acquired his son Bani. He described Subani’s physical appearance: “He was a bright sorrel with a blaze face and white stockings with a somewhat flaxen mane and tail… He was an extremely well-balanced horse with absolutely straight legs, long hip well stifled, good withers, good bone and a pleasing head with a large eye.”14

Deborah Hawley, who owned him for 14 years, had this to say of Subani’s personality, “…he was always a joy: good natured, patient, he did it all…parades, trail rides, horse shows, searching for horses that escaped into the hills, climbing out of a ditch we had both fallen into through no fault on his part, to having my father wade him out of shoulder deep water when the Riverside stable where we kept him flooded. He was ever trusting and patient with those who handled him — a true gentleman.”15

Subani’s influence was mainly brought forward through two daughters: Maloof Sahara and Bint Subani, and her two daughters Yasmin Khanum DC and Bint Bint Subani. The latter became a foundation mare for SpiritWind. Subani’s presence and influence are treasured in the Babson/Doyle group. GulastraSpirit SDA (2000 chestnut mare) aka “Gus”, a daughter of Bint Bint Subani, and a great granddaughter of Subani, has added two daughters to the group: Summer Sonatina SDA (2007 chestnut mare), and Tanami Sand SDA

Top: Subani, 1955 chestnut stallion, Ghadaf x Im Gulnar, 62.7% AP. Left to right: Bint Subani, 1979 chestnut mare, Subani x Dolly-O-Doyle, 63.78% AP. With foal Paul Maud Dib. Bint Bint Subani, 1983 chestnut mare, Ibn Saafaddan x Bint Subani, BjDavison photo, 62.49% AP. With foal Bint Sandarac SDA. GulastraSpirit SDA, 2000 chestnut mare, Sierra Sandarac x Bint Bint Subani, BjDavison photo, 64.01% AP. Kinza al-Arab, 2019 chestnut mare, Subanet Jabbar SDA x DA Ginger Moon, BjDavison photo, 61.72% AP.

Bint Gulida, 1956 chestnut mare, Ghadaf x Gulida, Wentworth Tellington photo, 64.45% AP.

(2019 chestnut mare), and as of April 12, 2021, her first colt sired by Maarakesh (Babson/Hallany Mistanny breeding), which will be her second foal after colic surgery.

Another filly, the 2019 chestnut Kinza Al Arab, owned by Edouard Al-Dahdah, is sired by Subanet Jabbar SDA (a Bint Bint Subani son) and out of DA Ginger Moon. Her breeding is Babson/Doyle combined with Pritzlaff. Neither of her parents strikingly represent the Subani phenotype, but she does. She is a granddaughter of and, without question, in the likeness of Bint Bint Subani. Seasoned breeders will acknowledge that genetic expression often appears to skip a generation. Kinza is testament to this. The 1955 chestnut stallion Subani’s willing and capable demeanor, as well as his “chrome,” are clearly present in his descendants today.

Bint Gulida

Bint Gulida (Ghadaf x Gulida), 1956 Chestnut Doyle Mare: Within the current Babson/Doyle lines, Bint Gulida is found in the pedigree of the 2019 Babson/ Doyle-bred colt Mandalay Wind SDA. He is sired by the Doyle stallion Mandalay DE (Huntington Doyle x Maloof Hadiya) and out of the Babson/Doyle mare SpiritWind Hassana (Maloof Hassan x Sand Dancer SDA). It is fun to note here that SpiritWind Hassana is fifth-generation Saqlawi Jidran of Ibn Sudan, pure in the strain, and her son is sixth generation!

Despite the lack of Bint Gulida’s presence in the pedigrees of the majority of the Babson/Doyle horses, her physical likeness (phenotype) is very present. The pedigree influence of her dam, Gulida (1939 chestnut mare), however, is well represented. This is another example of noting the influence of the blood (genome information) and not simply what is on paper. Here are some examples in number of times Gulida appears in the pedigrees of current SpiritWind horses: GulastraSpirit SDA – ten

times, Summer Sonatina SDA – 19 times, Tanami Sand SDA – 26 times. It would be interesting to do a genomic comparison with these two mares and the modern descendants!

The Doyle mare Bint Gulida (Ghadaf x Gulida) was an outstanding Endurance horse, which should not come as a surprise for a Gulastra granddaughter. She remains highlighted as one of Linda-Tellington Jones’s historical moments in her long and successful career: “In 1961, Linda Tellington-Jones won the Jim Shoulders 100-Mile Endurance Ride in Oklahoma an astonishing five hours and 30 minutes ahead of the second-place rider. Her Arabian mare, Bint Gulida, received the Best Condition award in the event. That same year she rode the mare to a Tevis top-10 completion, something unheard of in that era.”16 Susan Mayo, former assistant instructor to Tellington-Jones, was present at the Jim Shoulders endurance ride and had this summation of Bint Gulida: “She was a real endurance horse, never wearing out, but she was not affectionate or as personable as so many Desert Arabians are.”17 Bint Gulida’s endurance prowess was historic. This genetic influence is intensely woven into these lines throughout the SpiritWind horses, and in time, the hope is to have representatives of today’s youngsters out on the Endurance trails again to demonstrate the attributes of this heritage.

Left to right, GulastraSpirit SDA, 2000 chestnut mare, Sierra Sandarac x Bint Bint Subani, BjDavison photo, 64.10% AP. Summer Sonatina SDA, 2007 chestnut mare, Summer Sonnet SDA x GulastraSpirit SDA, BjDavison photo, 64.74% AP. Tanami Sand SDA, 2019 chestnut mare, Sierra Cheyenne x GulastraSpirit SDA, BjDavison photo, 64.27% AP.

Saafaddan, 1958 bay stallion, Faddan x Saaba, John Riedlinger photo, 61.04% AP.

Saafaddan

Saafaddan (Faddan x Saaba), 1958 Bay Babson Stallion: Photos of Saafaddan have always captivated me. When the 1994 bay Babson/Doyle stallion Sanda FaaBani SDA (Sierra Sandarac x Bint Bint Subani) was born, I knew instantly that he was in the likeness of this ancestor, and his name reflected my thoughts on that. This powerful description by Joe Ferriss of Sanda FaaBani SDA’s maternal grandsire, Ibn Saafaddan (a Saafaddan son), gives some insight into both of their characters: “He had a very sensitive temperament but an excellent disposition.”18

Sanda FaaBani SDA is a dear, sweet soul with a keen awareness and intelligence. He has an elite sensitivity that raises the wind in his mane if something seems amiss. He is a mix of a completely trusting partner and one whose spirit is akin to attempting to hold the wind in your hand. To ride him is an elite and exhilarating experience and something beyond words. It includes descriptors such as powerful, effortless, fluid, floaty, elastic, big, willing, forward, smooth, confident. It’s an experience similar to imagining yourself on a fantasy dragon that responds to your mere thoughts — like riding the wind! He is currently 27 years young, enjoying life with his own herd of six SpiritWind mares, and getting back out under saddle.

Susan Mayo wrote of Saafaddan’s temperament: “What I remember about him was his extreme presence. Even when he was not showing off for a mare he was ‘up’ and ready to show off. Walter [Schimanski] loved his disposition, though he was a bit more lively than many Babson stallions,

he was very kind and easily handled.”19 Joe Ferriss adds his impression of his physicality: “A horse of great presence, style and movement. He was quite noble and proud. Dark rich bay almost seal brown. Compact, yet elegant, relatively short head, deep jowls, and broad forehead. He was a superior mover.”20

Today, similar words — “superior mover, very fast and quick, extremely athletic, great feminine presence, refined type, having a bold curiosity and a royal attitude” — describe Sumatra Sand SDA (Subanet Jabbar SDA x Sand Allaya SDA). Sumatra Sand SDA, aka Sumi (Zoomie), is a dark bay Babson/Doyle filly who arrived quietly at dawn in September, 2020. She is a granddaughter of Sanda FaaBani SDA, and her mother, Sand Allaya SDA (2009 dark bay mare), is his only asil offspring. Through them, Sumatra Sand SDA has three crosses to Saafaddan, and is, in my opinion, also in his likeness.

Left to right: SandaFaaBani SDA, 1994 bay stallion, Sierra Sandarac x Bint Bint Subani, BjDavison photo, 64.10% AP. SandDancer SDA, 1998 bay mare, Sierra Sandarac x Bint Bint Subani, BjDavison photo, 64.10% AP. Sand Allaya SDA, 2009 bay mare, SandaFaaBani SDA x SandDancer SDA, BjDavison photo, 64.10% AP, with newborn Sumatra Sand SDA, 2020 bay mare, Subanet Jabbar SDA x Sand Allaya SDA, 64.02% AP.

Above, Jady, 1961 chestnut mare, Jadib x Im Gulnar, 62.11% AP. Below, Sierra Sady, 1966 bay mare, Serg x Jady, Sheila Harmon photo, 64.55% AP.

Jady

Jady (Jadib x Im Gulnar), 1961 Chestnut Doyle Mare: One of the most striking visual reminders of the complicated dimension of genetics is the comparison of the two fullsibling Doyle-bred mares, Jady and Jadera. Some influences are exceptionally strong and obvious. Jady’s influence appears to be very strong. A Jady granddaughter, the 1971 chestnut Babson/Doyle mare Lon Sara (Sierra Sand x Sierra Sady), came to SpiritWind Desert Arabians as an aged mare with the hopes that we might get one last foal from her. She and Sierra Sandarac were potentially 15/16th siblings through Sierra Sand and Sierra Sady, and it was a chance to capture and intensify some of that old blood up close. It was not to be. She was a treasure, though — bold, lively with a confident “go,” and that constant “parade” look about her. She was comfortably in your pocket at all times and fun to ride. Nothing ever rattled that mare. I was told by her former owner, Robert Doherty, that she was used as a pack horse in the mountains earlier in her life.

In 1978, Lon Sara had been bred to the well-known and beautiful stallion *Lancers Sahm (Sabeel (EAO) x Aziza (EAO)), producing the 1979 chestnut daughter EDA Sahmantha. “Sammy” came to me in a group of mares, along with her mother, from Gerry Klinginsmith. She was, in my opinion at that time, an “extra,” until she produced a black stud colt by Sierra Sandarac in 2001, SpiritWind Ahsahm. His name is a play on “Sahm” and my initial reaction to finding a black stud colt on that zero-degree April 1st morning: “AWESOME!” His intelligence and rock-solid temperament are among the best and his locomotion is huge and smooth. His mother proved me wrong. He was a keeper! (He is featured in Part I of this article.)

Phenotypically, it is clear that breeding outside of the tighter pattern of simply using Babson/Doyle blood by using *Lancers Sahm on Lon Sara produced a slightly different look in EDA Sahmantha, yet Jady’s influence remained apparent.

DA Ginger Moon (1998 chestnut mare) is also a Jady granddaughter. She is of the Pritzlaff/Babson/Doyle combination, and also shares the link through Sierra Sady, her

paternal grandmother. Ginger’s resemblance to both Jady (Doyle) and Lon Sara (Babson/Doyle) is clear despite the seemingly different directions from which they were bred.

The 2020 chestnut Babson/Doyle filly Jabbara Sand SDA has zero presence of Jady in her pedigree, yet through Jady’s sister Jadera, it is possible to implicate their sire Jadib with his high concentration to have imparted this influence. More will be revealed about this young filly as she matures, but she appears to be a distinct “throwback” genetically at the present (more on her below). It may be more relevant to explore her expression of genetics as the result of her complex heritage rather than that of any specific animal listed on a pedigree.

The Doyle program breeding is definitely intense, and the influence of Jady appears to present itself phenotypically through many generations. In addition to her color, markings, and more angular frame, it seems she also imparts height from her sire Jadib, who was described as 15.2h by Jerry Smith in his stallion-promotion material.21

Above, left to right: Lon Sara, 1971 chestnut mare, Sierra Sand x Sierra Sady, BjDavison photo, 65.41% AP. EDA Sahmantha, 1979 chestnut mare, *Lancers Sahm x Lon Sara, BjDavison photo, 58.65% AP. DA Ginger Moon, 1998 mare, DB Destiny Moniet x Kumence RSI, BjDavison photo, 59.5% AP. Right, Jabbara Sand SDA, 2020 chestnut mare, Subanet Jabbar SDA x Sand Dancer SDA, BjDavison photo, 64.02% AP.

Left to right, Jadera, 1962 chestnut mare, Jadib x Im Gulnar, Dave Bohart photo, 62.11% AP. Bint Sierra SS, 1981 chestnut mare, Parnell x Sierra Summersong, BjDavison photo, 66.07% AP. Subanet Jabbar SDA, 2007 chestnut stallion, Summer Sonnet SDA x Bint Bint Subani, BjDavison photo, 63.94% AP.

Jadera

Jadera (Jadib x Im Gulnar), 1962 Chestnut Doyle Mare: Bred by Ellen Doyle and later acquired by Jerry Smith, Jadera became one of Sierra Caballos, Inc.’s top mares. Al Khamsa database lists 11 foals for her between 1967–1984, one being Sierra Sable (Negem x Jadera), featured in Part I of this article, and also the dam of SpiritWind’s senior sire Sierra Sandarac.

By the photo, Jadera was a beautiful mare with elegant lines and a soft eye. Her resemblance is shared here in her great granddaughter, and in her great-great-grandson, who has two crosses to her. Jadera is a full sibling to Jady (above), who has a completely different phenotype. It is a striking reminder of the diverse potential in offspring, and the complexity of genetic expression, particularly in groups with intensely woven asil heritage. The DNA genomic scientific data of this ancestral influence would be fascinating to explore!

As mentioned above, the phenotypical outcome in the 2020 chestnut mare Jabbara Sand SDA is a present-day example of this possible genetic jump back in time. She is the product of a bay mare and a darker chestnut stallion. Both are direct offspring of the “sabino” influenced chestnut mare: Bint Bint Subani (see her photo string below). Both Jabbara Sand SDA’s sire and dam have ties to Jadera, but not to Jady. While Jabbara currently has commonalities with her granddam Bint Bint Subani, she may very likely take on more of a resemblance to Jady given her long white legs, more angular frame, and belly spots. Time will tell. She is featured above with Jady, and below with Bint Bint Subani.

Parnell

Parnell (Ibn Gulida x Bint Ghadaf) 1968 Chestnut Doyle Stallion: Parnell was a third-generation Doyle-bred stallion and has had a noteworthy contribution to this breeding. In 1990, I had the good fortune to see him in person at the Maloof ranch in Colorado. He was curious, friendly, and a bit full of himself that day. He was 22 years of age and sharing pasture with the 27-year-old mare Shillala, a 1963 chestnut mare (Gulson x Gulnara). In hindsight, I recall he was quite intelligent and likely knew his visitors were yet to completely understand his kind. He proudly strutted around to demonstrate that he was the boss and the docile old mare, who ignored all of us, was his. Maloof described him as “one of the most balanced and athletic horses I have ever known.”22 Parnell’s daughter Bint Sierra SS, out of the Babson/Doyle mare Sierra Summersong, had four foals with Sierra Sandarac. She was 75% Doyle and 25% Babson breeding. Bint Sierra SS was a bigwalking, confident, quiet, yet undaunted mare. She was not big in stature, but she was in heart. We had pastured a group about a mile and a half down the road from our property and it was time to bring them home. I had not ridden her, although I knew the kids at her previous home had, so I hopped on with the rope and Parnell, 1968 chestnut stallion, Ibn Gulida x Bint Ghadaf, Bruce halter and off we went, arriving uneventfully at our destination Maloof photo, 65.45% AP. shortly after.

The 1997 dark chestnut stallion Summer Sonnet SDA was the only representative of her Babson/Doyle progeny to survive long enough to have offspring. Tragedies really, each of those stories. And in the end, Sonnet also died before his time from what a field autopsy revealed as liver cancer. He was in utero when strangles hit the herd. His mother had it course through her body and exit through and damage one of her teats. I always suspected that had something to do with Sonnet’s early demise. He was a very dark liver chestnut and not a big horse in stature either, but everyone who visited liked him. His willingness and calmness were remarkable, and I recall getting him ‘broke” to ride amounted to just getting on. He wanted nothing more than to please. As the sire of Subanet Jabbar SDA (2007 chestnut stallion), Summer Sonnet SDA’s presence here is apparent now and then. Recently, the 2020 chestnut filly Ginger Snap SDA has been in a phase that resembles him greatly. That likeness is featured under the Fa-Serr section. Parnell’s balanced, powerful stature can be seen in the following descendants.

Left to right, Bint Sierra SS, 1981 chesnut mare, Parnell x Sierra Summersong, BjDavison photo, 65.07% AP. Summer Sonnet SDA, 1997 chestnut stallion, Sierra Sandarac x Bint Sierra SS, BjDavison photo, 65.39% AP. Subanet Jabbar SDA, 2007 chestnut stallion, Summer Sonnet SDA x Bint Bint Subani, BjDavison photo, 63.94% AP. Summer Sonatina SDA, 2007 chestnut mare, Summer Sonnet SDA x GulastraSpirit SDA, BjDavison photo, 65.75% AP.

The Preservation View Today

As demonstrated, the Babson/Doyle group has a powerhouse of genetic diversity and excellence from which to produce quality representatives of the asil Desert Arabian. The influence of Abbas Pasha’s efforts to gather and maintain the best he could find to bring this heritage forward also weighs in, as its presence is maintained within this group in some of the highest percentages of combination available today. Incredibly, though this group is small, it has persisted 62 years since its inception, from 1959 to 2021. Over the years, many individuals had their hands in keeping this blood alive. Robert Doherty is one to mention as he imparted his heart and soul into this group in its early years. He bred at least five horses in this manner, though again a small percentage carried forward. One special mare who did was Bint Bint Subani. She became a foundation mare for the SpiritWind herd, and like Sierra

Sandarac, deserves special recognition. She went on to produce the following Babson/Doyle progeny: 1994 bay stallion Sanda FaaBani SDA, 1995 dark bay mare Bint Sandarac SDA, 1998 bay mare SandDancer SDA, 2000 chestnut mare GulastraSpirit SDA, and 2007 chestnut stallion Subanet Jabbar SDA, all of whom now have offspring, and even grand-get, of their own.

She was the very essence of a war mare. Nothing escaped her attention, and her boldness and confidence to face any challenge were recognized by both human and equine. The day she was relieved of her aged body, the entire herd lined up at the fence, all perfectly still, but seemingly quite aware that their matriarch had moved on. Bint Bint Subani Bint Bint Subani (Ibn Saafaddan x Bint Subani), 1983 Chestnut Babson/ Doyle Mare: As mentioned previously, genetic expression can be unique in concentrated, asil, old desert blood. Below is a closer look at an example of this observable influence in genetic expression of one or more generations removed. This notion suggests that the outcome of a breeding results in a foal that does not look or act like either parent, but instead displays the phenotype, and usually the temperament, of a grandparent or an even more distant relative, possibly an unusual expression of deep old features that have been pulled forward with just the right combination. Bint Bint Subani is the dam of both Sand Dancer SDA and Subanet Jabbar SDA. Their mating together produced Jabbara Sand SDA. Although admittedly concentrated on her granddam, Jabbara Sand SDA does not resemble or have the temperament of either parent, but instead looks and acts more like this grandmother. As previously noted, though, she seems to display more resemblance to Jady as she develops, especially given some of her current physical features (long legs!) that are not consistent with Bint Bint Subani or any obvious Bint Bint Subani, 1983 Babson/Doyle mare, Ibn Saaf- closer ancestors. Maybe it is more fitting to suggest Jadib (15.2h) as the influaddan x Bint Subani, BjDavison photo, encer in some remote concentrated manner, as it is Jadera (Jadib x Im Gulnar) who is present in Jabbara’s pedigree and not Jady at all. Possibly it comes from *Rodan and his dam *Rose of Sharon. The possibilities extend beyond current measure of what a simple paper pedigree can tell us. It may seem a stretch of the imagination, but we truly do not know such elusive details of heritage and genetic expression yet. It is early to be certain, but Jabbara is already proving to have Bint Bint Subani’s lovable, confident, unrattled, yet bold war mare persona for now! DNA genomic science is providing fascinating information on Arabian horse heritage and with time will hopefully become useful data that we as breeders can utilize in making meaningful decisions for the future of this breed — decisions that will guide us in the pursuit of a healthy balance between diversity and consistency.

Above, left to right, Bint Bint Subani, 1983 chestnut mare, Ibn Saafaddan x Bint Subani, BjDavison photo, 62.49% AP. SandDancer SDA, 1998 bay mare, Sierra Sandarac x Bint Bint Subani, BjDavison photo, 64.10% AP. Subanet Jabbar SDA, 2007 chestnut stallion, Summer Sonnet SDA x Bint Bint Subani, BjDavison photo, 63.94% AP. Right, Jabbara Sand SDA, 2020 chestnut mare, Subanet Jabbar SDA x SandDancer SDA, BjDavison photo, 64.02% AP.

From Serg to Today

This truly ancient blend of Desert blood from the earliest days of Bedouin-bred Arabian horses is a unique treasure. The journey of its management and influence is long and varied. Many recognize its peak to have been under the care of Abbas Pasha and the Bedouins he employed to maintain the essence of the Desert horse into the future, but many hands have played a role in this journey. The core group of these horses now found in the SpiritWind Babson/Doyle (B/D) horses were gathered from all over the United States beginning in 1991. Today, they descend from the following foundation animals: 1974 black bay stallion Sierra Sandarac, 1983 “sabino” chestnut mare Bint Bint Subani, 1981 dark chestnut mare Bint Sierra SS, 1984 chestnut stallion Maloof Hassan, 1971 “sabino” chestnut mare Lon Sara and her daughter 1979 chestnut mare EDA Sahmantha, and 1988 chestnut mare Sally-O-Doyle. Successful breeding efforts in recent years have produced the eighth generation of foals descending from Serg with feet on the ground! Four generations of Babson/ Doyle foals have been produced so far during the SpiritWind years. Serg represents the first of this type of blending of this historic old blood. He is another example of a specific animal whose personal presence in the pedigree history is actually minimal in numbers, but whose essence or likeness is strong. Many photos of Sierra Sandarac or his son Sanda FaaBani SDA, and even his (SFB’s) daughter Sand Allaya SDA, are dramatic look-alikes to Serg. Genetic expression is fascinating, complex, and amazing. The ability to understand and predict its actions and influence is a fluid and challenging art, and an area where the science is quickly progressing. One thing is certain, as commented by Edouard AlSerg, 1959 bay stallion, Fa-Serr x Gulnara, Leslie Neppel photo, Dahdah, “The greater the percentage of Abbas Pasha blood in a horse, 66.99% AP. First blend of Babson and Doyle breeding. the better the horse.” Left to right, Sierra Sandarac, 1974 bay stallion, Sierra Sand x Sierra Sable, BjDavison photo, 65.7% AP. SandaFaaBani SDA, 1994 bay stallion, Sierra Sandarac x Bint Bint Subani, BjDavison photo, 64.10% AP. Sand Allaya SDA 2009 bay mare, SandaFaaBani SDA x Sand Dancer SDA, BjDavison photo, 64.10% AP.

The Journey of Preservation Breeding Continues

In the ’80s I considered a horse, a horse, and putting miles in the saddle on anything that would go all day was all I cared about. I barely knew the difference between an Arabian and any other breed of horse. At the time, I was riding Endurance with my mentor and dear friend, Lynette (Engevold) Mitte, a National Top Ten Endurance competitor. The endurance ride hosted by Bernie and Anne Ness in Pillager, Minnesota, was a favorite to attend, and it was there that she gently started to introduce me to the idea of the Al Khamsa horses. Bernie and Anne were breeding Babson/Turfa horses (NAHR Arabians), and their property and horses were nearby. I remember Bernie holding the first brown Al Khamsa reference book up in my face and asking — no, encouraging — me to learn about the original Desert Arabian horse of the Bedouins. “Beda-who’s?” I said, flipping through the book. The type was small and full of words I could not pronounce. I handed it back to him as graciously as I could and said, “Thanks, but I just want to ride.”

Preservation breeders are persistent, if anything (like Endurance riders)! They are as unique as their horses and their commitment to them rivals that of the nomadic Bedouins. It is a passion-filled endeavor and not one for the faint of heart. It involves dedication, sacrifice, loyalty, joy and broken hearts. It is not unlike a love story.

It was over 30 years ago now, but I remember it well, that first time I went to the Ness home and saw these much-discussed Al Khamsa horses in person. Even as a “green” horse person in the sense of breeding and evaluating stock, I knew instantly that I was in the presence of animals so completely unique and at a level of distinct excellence from any I had ever before observed. I was awestruck. Their presence, their sense of royalty, their bodies, their bone and stature, the way they moved, even their silly backing up to have their heinies scratched, were all so completely and intimately impressive. They were so connected and present. I was intrigued.

Soon after, I attended meetings with the regional Al Khamsa group where I learned about the history and purity of the Desertbred Arabian, its people and their culture. Most importantly, I saw more and more of these unique horses in person. Foals, youngsters, aged, and the eloquently “mature” were all cared for with so much amazing devotion.

In 1989, Lynette and I departed for an extended road trip to see more Al Khamsa horses. This visit included an unanticipated overnight stay at Darrell and Merle Perdue’s Rudalaro Ranch, in Lamar, Colorado. I remember the introduction to each horse that day. We followed Darrell around for hours. Being physically among the horses, seeing their beauty up close, appreciating their history and rarity, and feeling their in-your-tent demeanor were beyond words. Near the end of the day, we met AK Sharouf, a 1984 black stallion, a blend of Babson (old Egyptian) with new Egyptian. I was captivated. I had been captivated by many beautiful horses in recent months, but that night I did not sleep. I knew then I wanted an Al Khamsa horse of Desert heritage of my own.

Soon after, in 1990, we trekked to Colorado to see Sierra Sandarac and the Maloof collection of Doyle-blooded horses in person. I had almost worn out the promotional video of their horses that he had sent previously. The next year we attended the 1991 Al Khamsa convention in Illinois. The final assurance that I wanted to be involved in the preservation effort of the Desert-bred Arabian took place on that trip. It was all adding up. At the Craver Farm, I was again overwhelmed with the magnificence of these Arabians of ancient type. The visit to the Babson Farm was like stepping back in time and into the pages of a history book. I remember it as if it were yesterday and often wish I could revisit that day, those horses, and that big cypress barn today. It was the final experience to solidify my passion for pursuing a lifelong future with the Desert Arabian horse. That thrill, that awe, has remained with me since.

I soon inquired into the likelihood of having my own Desertbred Arabians. This was not an opportunity with numerous options at that time. It led me to the Babson/Doyle horses, a long shot really. I was convinced that the need for their protection was imminent and that enough individuals were alive to resurrect the program… if… I could locate them, get cooperation from their current owners, get them home, and replaced! As I explored this possibility, I learned more about the specific background of these horses. As noted previously, one of their unique and alluring features was their rare and high concentration of Abbas Pasha breeding; another that resonated with my personal interests and experiences was their excellence in the sport of Endurance. My excitement grew as I learned more about their specific attributes and endearing characteristics.

The gentle temperaments and physical silhouette of the darkcoated mares in the Babson ads had me pining for such a specimen. A 1978 Doyle ad, describing their stock as being “forward reaching with cat-like locomotion,” stirred my endurance interests. The Babson/Doyle group began to tug at me. Despite my initial resistance, novice awareness, and questionable timing, it was a perfect fit. The “Spirit of the WarHorse” in the intensely bred Doyle horses, with the “Temperament of the TentDweller” in the graceful Babson horses.

Those early experiences touched my soul. The horses lit a fire in my heart. Those early breeders wanted others to know their beloved horses and to understand their passion as well. They knew what it involved, but also that it was deep with reward in the long run. For those of us with this passion, it is indeed a love story of sorts.

It is not an easy task to carry the torch of a preservation breeder and today’s digital world is in no way a substitute for the in-person experiences described. Seeing and being in the presence of these finely bred horses so closely tied to ancient times is the beginning of a relationship that will touch your heart and remain there forever. Take the time, make it a priority, take photos and videos, and go see as many of these fine animals as possible. Come visit the SpiritWind horses, too. See and feel for yourself, the presence of the past in the flesh before you!

Bibliography

1) The practice of combining the percentage of heritage from Abbas Pasha/

Ali Pasha Sherif (AP/APS) breeding into simply AP% and of calculating

Eid’s AP/APS% at 50% were both derived from personal correspondence with Edouard Al-Dahdah based on new research. Supporting calculations of AP/APS% were taken from: Fippen, John: Heirloom Egyptian

Arabian Horses 1840-2000. 2) Carpenter, Marian: “The Pages of History: Mesaoud,” The Arabian Horse

Times, April 1992, The Pyramid Report: 48. 3) Morris, Suzi, Arieana Arabians: CMK Heritage Notebook; Pedigree and

Photo Gallery R: *Rodan. 4) Brooks, Dr. Samantha: Genomics of the Arabian Horse: History Written in the DNA. Online presentation, 2021 Al Khamsa Spring Gathering. 4-10-2021. 5) Saurez, Ralph: Blog: all for the love of a horse. April 10, 2019. “*Bint Serra

I: An Extinction Story.” 6) Ferriss, Joe: “Serra – The Beautiful Old White Mare.” TuttoArabi Archive,

BloodlinE: 122-132. 7) Id. 8) Tirral, Denny: “Gulastra AHCR 521,” Arabiana: 35. 9) Morris, Suzi, Arieana Arabians: CMK Heritage Notebook; Pedigree and

Photo Gallery G: Gulastra. Fleming, Peggy. Correspondence May 14-17, 2002. 10) Tirral, “Gulastra,” 65. 11) Credit for the source of 11 remains unknown at this time. 12) Credit for the source of 12 remains unknown at this time. 13) Ferriss, Joe: “Fa-Serr, A Prince’s Dream,” Khamsat 18:3; 7, 9. 14) Maloof, Bruce E: “An Interview with Jerry Smith,” Foundations, 4:4 (Winter 1994-1995): 13-15. 15) Maloof, Bruce E: “An Interview with Deborah Hawley,” Foundations, 5:1 (Spring/Summer 1995): 13-15. 16) Yewell Weil, Shannon: Turtlerockpress.com, Welcome to Strike a Long

Trot 9-22-18 blog entry, “Bint Gulida’s Story.” Transcribed from handwritten letter 3-17-2008 by Danica Cuckavich Piers Dubois. 17) Mayo, Susan. Personal correspondence. 12-5-2020. 18) Ferriss, Joe. Personal correspondence. Saamir advertisement. 11-30-2020. 19) Mayo, Susan. Personal correspondence. 11-24-2020. 20) Ferriss, Joe: Personal correspondence. Saamir advertisement. 11-30-2020. 21) Latigo Ranch Reference Sires Descriptions, Jerry Smith, hand-typed copy. Personal collection of Bev Davison. 22) Maloof, Bruce. Promotional video. Personal collection of Bev Davison.

STRAIGHT BABSON EGYPTIAN

JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT

For information contact Jody Dvorak at backatyousoon@gmail. comor go to Facebook — Babson Egyptian Arabian Enthusiasts

Clockwise from top left: Fa Maarlina with Jacqueline Kruglick; Serr Kazmeen with Righ Westby; Taliid Faye Neblina with Monica Respet; Serr Mashkour with Don Vance; SS Baaroufa Dani with Paula Rice; SS Fabahs Kahrisalys and Family; Khebirs Akelah and Friend; Mahr Rou with Travis Braden; Center: SS Dandee Rises with Paula Rice. Photos from private collections. Known photographers as noted.

Nancy Bliss and Jon Michael went to great effort to preserve the legacy of LD Rubic by breeding her to HHP Manabi. Rubic was an old mare at the time, and had not foaled for some years. She had a wonderful long life with Nancy. Jon lit the fire in Nancy to continue the *Nufoud line and a wonderful filly was born the following year. She was named Dafiinah, meaning “hidden treasure”, because the vet said that Rubic wasn’t pregnant, she was just overweight. Well, a wonderful black bay filly was born. Everyone was thrilled! She lived her early life in Kentucky with Nancy and Bob Bliss. Linda Uhrich was learning about Al Khamsa and preservation breeding. She had aquired two Al Khamsa mares who were sired by the *Nufoud tail female stallion, AEP Kamar. Linda saw the ads for Dafiinah in the Khamsat. One day we said, this filly should one day be bred to Kamar, the pedigree and “look” made sense. Linda and husband Jim purchased the mare and Dafiinah was brought to PA to spend the rest of her days. The breeding was successful to Kamar and Dafiinah graced us with a lovely filly, Niinah Nufoud in 2013. That made another of the endangered tailfemale *Nufoud family. She was nearly a carbon copy of her dam, black bay but with no white markings. Meanwhile Dafiinah’s sweet, kind temperment and beautiful feminine face and body won over everyone who met her. She was truly a grande dame. Dafiinah had beautiful movement and a good work ethic. She learned dressage and trail riding, and was a wonderful mare to live with. She was truly a darling. We are thankful to have shared many years with this kind, sweet, beautiful mare. She is remembered kindly by all those who knew her. Warm appreciation to her owners, Jim and Linda Uhrich, who shared great love with this grand rare mare. She leaves behind Niinah Nufoud to carry on the family line: there are very few others. Niinah has very big hooves to fill. Rest in peace, sweet soul, you are missed by all.

Monica & Patrick Respet Husaana Arabians 6635 Central Road New Tripoli, PA 18066 monicarespet@gmail.com