Desert Heritage n.63

Desert Heritage Magazine n.63

iscr. trib. di Milano n. 466 del 20/09/02

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Pag. 12 The Story of Al Rayyan

Pag. 36 Bar Van Buggenhout interview

Pag. 43 Vichy Egyptian Event Europe

Pag. 60 Egyptian Dams Lines

Pag. 73 The Modern Kuhaylans in Egyptian Breeding

Pag. 82 Simone Bergamaschi Photogallery

Pag. 92 The New Book by Judith Forbis

Pag. 108 Agricon Logistic

www.desertheritagemagazine.com

THE STORY OF AL RAYYAN

Those who think they know a story often only know its end. To get to the heart of it, however, you must start at the very beginning, therefore I will begin with the history of Al Rayyan.

HH The Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani

The Straight Egyptian Arabian Horse has had an extensive history of guardianship by Bedouin Sheikhs, Pashas, Ladies and Notables. Their dedication still inspires horse enthusiasts who seek a deeper meaning than can be gained from horse show competitions.

MOST

Most Straight Egyptian Arabian breeders truly seek the essence of breeding for the sake of preserving this unique group of Arabian horses. This story highlights such a breeder and his farm that have been doing just that for over four decades. There have been ups and downs, but the Straight Egyptian Arabian horses of Al Rayyan are still safely holding their place in that handful of south wind from which legend says the Arabian horse was created.

Our tale begins in the late 1980’s when a young man in love with Arabian horses began to travel.

His enthusiasm for horses was known by his brothers, nephews and friends, and his father, who certainly had different future and hopes for his son, Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Khaled Bin Hamad Al Thani was born in the Old Rayyan district of Doha, Qatar. The young sheikh was literally at home in the riding school where each horse was known to him as well as nearly all the horses in Qatar. His passion for horses had no borders and soon he began traveling abroad to expand his knowledge.

It was my pleasure much later in life to talk to a few of the breeders he met in his early wandering days.

One of them was famed English opera singer Dame Josephine Anderson whom Sheikh Abdul Aziz had visited. She was so impressed by his love for horses that she cleared her busy schedule and went on a road trip with him looking at horses and meeting their breeders.

Another well-known enthusiast was the late Mrs. Wegdan El Barbary from Egypt who whispered to me with the brightest smile: “Sheikh Abdul Aziz is one of the most charming young men with a passion for horses that I ever met “.

Only a few Arabian horse breeders know that his love and understanding for Straight Egyptian Arabian horses came after the start of his travels. Sheikh Abdul Aziz first owned just a few horses of mixed Arabian blood.

STRAIGHT EGYPTIAN ARABIAN BREEDERS TRULY SEEK THE ESSENCE OF BREEDING FOR THE SAKE OF PRESERVING THIS UNIQUE GROUP OF ARABIAN HORSES.

A VISIT TO EGYPTAND BEYOND

It is my belief that his love for Straight Egyptian Arabian horses started in Egypt - the preserver of these bloodlines where he visited El Zahraa Stud, the Egyptian Agricultural Organization’s state farm, the Al Badeia Stud of the late Dr. Nasr Marei, Shams El Asil Stud of the late Mrs. Wegdan El Barbary and other serious breeders.

What he saw certainly must have made a huge influence on this young man whose mind could absorb every name in the pedigrees shown to him. And it was in Egypt that he made his first purchases of purebreds.

From Egypt Sheikh Abdul Aziz continued to Dr. Hans Nagel’s Katharinenhof in Bremen, Germany, a breeder who had close ties with Egypt. Dr. Nagel was already renowned for his interesting imports, besides holding a good relationship with the Babolna State Stud in Hungary. While at Katharine Hof something happened: the young man had his first real revelation. Little did he know the impact it would have on the Arabian breed - even in today’s world!

Sheikh Abdul Aziz’s moment of enlightenment was bound to the beauty and balance of Dr. Nagel’s Ansata Halim Shah daughters. He now realized exactly what it was he had been seeking. Unfortunately for him, Dr. Nagel was equally enlightened and not eager to sell such prized mares. However, as others have also experienced, Sheikh Abdul Aziz is quite convincing in getting his way! Several purchases were finally made, with the two daughters of Ansata Halim Shah gaining particular importance: Aisha, aka Bint Halim Shah (out of Ghazalla) and Amar (out of Ameera).

Aisha Amar

Does anyone remember the beautiful photographs of these mares taken by Rik Van Lent Jr.? Those are the pictures that make me dream of Qatar and its long history with the breed.

Egypt and Germany were a good start, but more than they could offer was desired, so the next best step was to go to the source … Ansata Arabian Stud in Mena, Arkansas, USA, home of Ansata Halim Shah himself.

Judith and Donald Forbis, the breeders and owners of Ansata Halim Shah, were impressed by Sheikh Abdul Aziz’ knowledge of horses and pedigrees. A respectful friendship grew over the years and soon more Ansata-bred horses were transported to Qatar and Al Rayyan. A new era for the Straight Egyptian Arabian horse in the Middle East began to take serious root. The Sheikh added more Ansata Halim Shah daughters and granddaughters, among them Ansata Majesta, one of the most successful mares in Qatar until today, who was accompanied by her full sister, Ansata Magnifica. Added to the group was Bint Amal, who had been bred by Dr Nagel, sold to Robert Brunson in USA and shown by Ansata. Then some years later Ansata Selket arrived.

In life one can have the funds, the heart-felt desire and the ambition to start a new breeding program, but the truth is that in the end something special must happen - and in this case it was the Forbis’s who provided Sheikh Abdul Aziz with the best opportunity to start his own breeding program. Master breeders understand each other; they know with whom to share, when to do it, and what is most important for the interests of continuity and preservation of the breed!

A NEW ERA FOR THE STRAIGHT

EGYPTIAN ARABIAN HORSE IN THE MIDDLE EAST BEGAN TO TAKE

SERIOUS ROOT.

The foundation for Al Rayyan was laid mostly existing of Ansata Halim Shah daughters, a few daughters of Jamil (Madkour I x Hanan) and several mares sired by other famed stallions such as Prince Fa Moniet (The Egyptian Prince x FaMoniet).

Sheik Abdulaziz with Ansata Sharifa

INSPIRATION BORNE IN A briefcase

Ansata Halim Shah

Ansata Halim Shah

Do you remember the remarkable photographs of Ansata Halim Shah by American photographer Jerry Sparagowski? Especially the one with Halim Shah, tail up high, known as “The Fountain”. It set a new precedent for Arabian horse photographers.

Well, those photographs went around the world in the briefcase of Sheikh Abdulaziz. Wherever he went the briefcase, and the photos went with him... and perhaps to this day they are still there. These images were his inspiration before even seeing this horse in the flesh.

Logically Ansata Halim Shah himself became the desired objective. Over the years several stories have been told about how Ansata Halim Shah came to Qatar. Here is the one I relate to most.

HH The Father Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, was a keen admirer of Arabian horses and from the time he was young he had his own horses and stable. While he was the Heir Apparent in the early 1990’s the gentleman in charge of his farm was Mr. Youssef Al Romaihi. He was known to be a kind man with a love and passion for horses, especially those of Egyptian breeding. At the behest of HH The Father Emir Sheikh Hamad, Mr. Al Romaihi was instrumental in importing several mares from Egypt to the farm that was soon to became known throughout the world as Al Shaqab Stud. HH The Father Emir Sheikh Hamad greatly appreciated the Straight Egyptian Arabian horses that were also acquired over the next few years. Mares like Meseda (Maher x Nagwa) from Egypt and the flea-bitten World Champion Imperial Phanilah (Ansata Imperial x Imperial Phanada) from the United States were among his favorite imports.

Mr. Al Romaihi unfortunately passed away and Al Shaqab’s management came into the hands of Sheikh Hamad Bin Ali Al Thani. Young, enthusiastic and ambitious, Sheikh Hamad Bin Ali Al Thani steered the farm’s course towards shows and global competition at the highest level. He achieved many glorious show successes for Al Shaqab Stud and by breeding the stud’s influential Arabians and world champions of purebred pedigree. Nevertheless, the appreciation for the Straight Egyptian Arabian horse by HH The Father Emir was still well known.

It so happened that when HH The Father Emir saw Ansata Majesta winning Champion junior mare at her first show in 1993; he was struck with admiration and inquired of Sheikh Abdulaziz about her breeding.

As fate would have it, she was by Ansata Halim Shah! A year later, shortly before HH The Father Emir became the newly crowned Emir of the State of Qatar, he received a gift worthy only for a statesman of his caliber. This legendary stallion, Ansata Halim Shah, was privately obtained and presented to him by Sheikh Abdul Aziz’s brother HE Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khaled bin Hamad Al Thani, currently owner of Al Waab Stud. Therefore, there is no doubt Sheikh Abdul Aziz played an important role in choosing that precious gift. Although Ansata Halim Shah’s life in Qatar was unfortunately short, it nevertheless was highly significant. At Al Shaqab, he produced several beautiful daughters and a stallion second to none: World Champion Al Adeed Al Shaqab (x Sundar Alisayyah) Until today, Al Adeed Al Shaqab, who passed away in 2018, has had a significant influence at Al Shaqab and worldwide.

HH THE FATHER EMIR SHEIKH HAMAD BIN KHALIFA AL THANI,WAS A KEEN ADMIRER OF ARABIAN HORSES AND FROM THE TIME HE WAS YOUNG HE HAD HIS OWN HORSES AND STABLE.

HH The Father Emir and Ansata Halim Shah

SOWING THE SEEDS

At Al Rayyan Ansata Halim Shah brought a decisive impetus for the future to the existing base. In 1995, some of the best foals by Ansata Halim Shah were born: RN Sultana, RN Azbah, RN Marwa and RN Dananeer. RN Sultana is still of significant influence through her daughter and granddaughter. Within the same year, several granddaughters of outstanding quality were born: RN Farida (Salaa El Dine x Noha) and RN Ajeeba (Ruminaja Ali x Bint Amal).

Meanwhile the Rayyan collection was impressive in total. Only 130 horses were bought and imported and approximately 150 foals were bred over the first decade. By the late 1990’s, Sheikh Abdul Aziz had become a man with clear vision and determination of what he wanted. Now he made one of the most important decisions of his breeding career! He figuratively “cut the forest so he could see the trees within”! He reduced his herd of horses from three places to just one location, keeping only the best and focusing on those. While some good horses were sold, the vacated space meant Al Rayyan had room to grow!

Sheikh Abdul Aziz now aimed at bringing good conformation and beautiful big black eyes to be dominant traits in his program. He wanted bodies that were in balance: good shoulders, wide breast, defined withers, short back, muscular loins, long hip, high tail set with a thick tail bone carried high and straight. And once again I must mention beautiful big dark eyes! A trait somewhat elusive within the overall breed today.

Sheikh Abdul Aziz tried some outcrosses. However, he was not successful with most, probably because they changed the look he was concentrating on. Over the years, only three Alidaar daughters - Al Mansoura Al Rayyan, Al Aangha Al Rayyan and Dana Al Rayyan - found a place in the program. Ali Kamal left one daughter named RN Safia, likely kept because of the Sheikh’s love and appreciation for RN Safia’s dam Ansata Splendora, a beautiful chestnut Jamil daughter.

REAPING THE HARVEST

THE MOST CONSIDERABLE SUCCESS FOR THE BREEDING PROGRAM OVER THE FOLLOWING DECADE 2000 – 2012, WAS CROSSING BACK TO ANSATA HALIM SHAH WITH DIFFERENT DAM LINES.

Ashhal Al Rayyan

The most considerable success for the breeding program over the following decade 2000 – 2012, was crossing back to Ansata Halim Shah with different dam lines.

Safir sired by Salaa El Dine (by Ansata Halim Shah out of Aisha by Ansata Halim Shah) had a superbly successful cross with Ansata Majesta (by Ansata Halim Shah). This produced the pride and figurehead of Al Rayyan, the magnificent, white, Napoleonic stallion named Ashhal Al Rayyan. He was a splendid show horse and sire of exceptional quality and is still highly valued in the continuing generations of Al Rayyan.

Ashhal Al Rayyan’s three crosses to Ansata Halim Shah made him a powerhouse sire: Safir Al Rayyan, Nadrah Al Rayyan, Noor Al Rayyan, Darine Al Rayyan, Salsabel Al Rayyan, Sulima Al Rayyan, Majdah Al Rayyan, Durra Al Rayyan, Farasha Al Rayyan, Ghuwa Al Rayyan are just a few examples of the excellent offspring bred and born at Al Rayyan.

Ashhal’s influence wasn’t limited to Al Rayyan: Bint Mesoudah M HP, Rayyana Al Alia, Barraq Al Aliya, Jouna Al Naif, Ajmal Farasha, Noof Al Nasser, Ghalia Al Zobara is a few of his creations for other breeders.

Several of Ashhal’s outcrosses achieved the highest accolades: namely World Champion Insh Allah, World Champion Anood Al Nasser, World Cup Champion Athenaa, Reserve World Champion Sundos Al Nasser. And there are more - such as the unforgettable horses Dorar, Hadeel Al Shaqab, Jamila Al Zobair and Remal Al Nasser. The achievements of Ashhal Al Rayyan can only be summarized here to a limited extent.

More of the Ansata Halim Shah blood was introduced to Al Rayyan via his sons: Salaa El Dine (Ansata Halim Shah x Hanan) sired Safir (out of Aisha) who was a foundation stallion to the program as mentioned before. Foundation mare RN Farida and the imported daughters of the mares Ansata Ken Ranya and Helala also brought forward the blood of Salaa El Dine. Al Adeed Al Shaqab (by Ansata Halim Shah) produced Jamila Al Rayyan (out of Ansata Selket by Ansata Halim Shah) and her sister Asrar Al Rayyan, the dam of previously mentioned Rayyana Al Alia and Barraq Al Aliya, with five crosses to Ansata Halim Shah each. He also sired Selma Al Rayyan (out of G. Shafaria) who became the dam of Sulima Al Rayyan, a Champion Mare in her own right.

Ansata Hejazi (by Ansata Halim Shah) produced International Champion Jalila Al Rayyan and two full brothers. First son being Farres Al Rayyan who has two daughters of breeding age at Al Rayyan: Rubi Al Rayyan and Menouah Al Rayyan.

Second son being Ansata Selman left one good-producing daughter named Mamlukah Al Rayyan. Ansata Nile Echo (Ansata Hejazi x Ansata White Nile), owned by Al Naif Stud, sired Wadha Al Rayyan, Furat Al Rayyan and Lamaar Al Rayyan.

Proof Positive: It is now proven that Sheikh Abdul Aziz’s visionary use of Ansata Halim Shah, through his daughters and sons, granddaughters and grandsons, was indeed the essence of the Al Rayyan program.

The Mares of Al Rayyan Completing the Vision

THE DAHMAN SHAHWAN STRAIN

Of course, a stallion cannot do his job without good mares, and those mares became the foundation of Al Rayyan by test, trial and error. The mares that most significantly defined stamped Al Rayyan are those from the Dahman Shahwan Strain; more specifically, descendants from the foundation mare Bukra (by Shahloul) through her daughter Ansata Bint Bukra (by Nazeer).

From this Bukra tail female lineage Ansata Sharifa (out of Ansata Samantha) was the most important. Ansata Sharifa had two valuable daughters for Al Rayyan. One was the imported G Shafaria, sired by Prince Fa Moniet, and second was the home bred Al Wajba Al Rayyan, sired by Safir. Both produced exceptionally well, and the branch is still within the farm. Today G Shafaria is represented by Selma Al Rayyan and five granddaughters and great-granddaughters, while the blood of her sons Farres Al Rayyan and Ansata Selman is woven throughout. Al Wajba Al Rayyan has only two daughters left, still, she is also well represented through her son Sinan Al Rayyan, sired by Ansata Sinan (Prince Fa Moniet x Ansata Nefara by Ansata Halim Shah), adding more influence of Ansata Bint Bukra. Three valuable Sinan Al Rayyan daughters were integrated into the breeding program. His most important contribution, however, is his son Nasser Al Rayyan (out of Nadrah Al Rayyan). He is the new chief sire at Al Rayyan with some outstanding upcoming young stock.

Nasser Al Rayyan

Another branch of the Ansata Bint Bukra family is represented by the full sisters Ansata Samarra and Ansata Samaria (Jamil x Ansata Samantha). From Ansata Samarra one daughter was imported: Ansata Selket, truly a queen in her own right and an excellent producer. She founded a fantastic family with exceptional beauty, strength and depth, including mares like Jamila Al Rayyan, Salsabel Al Rayyan and Rayyana Al Alia. Just two of this family are still present at Al Rayyan; one daughter from Rayyana Al Alia, named Eseilah Al Rayyan and one daughter from Salsabal Al Rayyan, named Batoul Al Rayyan.

Although prettier than her sister, Ansata Samaria was not an easy producer. She established a small branch thanks to her Alidaar daughter Dana Al Rayyan. Only Dana Al Rayyan’s daughter Durra Al Rayyan and a granddaughter named Nadeema Al Rayyan remain at Al Rayyan.

Ansata Bint Bukra’s daughter Ansata Rosetta not only made herself immortal through Ansata Halim Shah. But she also produced Ansata Prima Rose (Jamil), the dam of heart-stopping daughter Ansata KEN Ranya (Salaa El Dine), who belonged to Dr Nagel. Sheikh Abdul Aziz negotiated with Dr. Nagel for a long time to purchase Ansata KEN Ranya. Finally, in 2007 he managed to get Ansata Ken Ranya’s daughter NK Rubba (by NK Hafid Jamil ). She produced a daughter, Rubi Al Rayyan, and a granddaughter Al Zahira Al Rayyan for the farm.

However, The powerhouse broodmare from the Bukra family was Ansata Nefer Isis (Prince Fa Moniet x Ansata Nefertiti by Ansata Halim Shah). Ansata Nefer Isis was a rich producer of most excellent daughters during her life, a total of eleven, of which only three were born outside

Al Rayyan. She produced two stunning International Champions by Ashhal Al Rayyan. First came Nadrah Al Rayyan, who passed away young. Fortunately, she left the young stallion Nasser Al Rayyan and a unique daughter, Nawaal Al Rayyan (by Ansata Sokar). Nadrah’s full sister Noor Al Rayyan is an internationally crowned superstar, now owned by Al Aliyah Stud in Qatar and building a beautiful family of her own. Ansata Nefer Isis also produced three stunning daughters by Sinan Al Rayyan.

The grand belle of the three is undoubtedly Nabila Al Rayyan, internationally crowned and owned by Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdul Aziz Al Thani, a son of Sheikh Abdul Aziz. From the two other sisters, Narjis Al Rayyan is at Al Waab Stud and Nafisa Al Rayyan, looking glorious at thirteen years old, still resides at Al Rayyan. Three other daughters out of Ansata Nefer Isis by different stallions were sold: Reem Al Rayyan, Alia Al Rayyan and Najlah Al Rayyan. The Ansata Nefer Isis family at Al Rayyan may be small with just four mares remaining, but they are intended to build upon and preserve their precious heritage.

Sulima Al Rayyan

Rubi Al Rayyan

Sinan Al Rayyan

Nawaal Al Rayyan

Firmly Rooted iN History

FABULOUS QUALITY WITHIN THIS LINEAGE HAS BEEN DEMONSTRATED, ONES MORE PROVING THAT QUALITY CAN BE FOUND WITHIN.

The Dahmah Shawanieh line has many valuable branches, one of which is the Malikah family, The Ghazal daughter Malikah (out of Malacha) became the foundation mare of German breeder Dr. Filsinger and her sire Ghazal (Nazeer x Bukra) was the full brother of Ansata Bint Bukra. This tail female line is represented at Al Rayyan by Ansata Majesta.

Let us take a small step back at this point! Aisha was out of Ghazala, one of the few Straight Egyptian Ghazal daughters ever produced. Aisha produced Safir who was bred to Ansata Majesta producing her crown jewel, Ashhal Al Rayyan. Fabulous quality within this lineage has been demonstrated, ones more proving that quality can be found within.

Today Ansata Majesta is spectacularly represented not only by all the offspring of Ashhal Al Rayyan but also by the produce of his full sister Naama Al Rayyan. Naama

has three daughters at the farm: Marwa Al Rayyan (by Sinan Al Rayyan), Hilalah Al Rayyan (by Farhoud Al Shaqab) and Ameera Al Rayyan (by Al Adeed Al Shaqab), in addition to Marwa’s daughter Amani Al Rayyan (by Farhoud Al Shaqab).

It was sometime around 2006 when Sheikh Abdul Aziz set his mind on the mare Maida Bint Bint Mohssen, who was sired El Thay Shah Mabrouk - an Ansata Halim Shah grandson and out of the mare KP Bint Mohssen. Maida Bint Bint Mohssen strengthens the Malikah family, and two of her daughters are being kept. The older one, Mamluka Al Rayyan (by Ansata Selman) is doing well with two producing daughters. My favorite, is Amjaad Al Rayyan (by Safir Al Rayyan). She is a truly complete and a stunning individual. Amjaad also has a younger half-sister, Shamaa Al Rayyan (by Farhoud Al Shaqab).

Of the two Maida Bint Bint Mohssen daughters, Majdah Al Rayyan (by Ashhal Al Rayyan) is the more prolific. So far, she has produced three remarkable daughters by different stallions, Hilal Al Nakeeb, Farhoud Al Shaqab and Ezz Al Danat. The fourth and youngest daughter, this year’s filly by Fahad Al Rayyan, now outshines the other three. Sometimes you see that “special something” from birth! Without a doubt this combination is going to be repeated.

RN Farida represents the Dahmah Shawanieh line through the Nefisa branch at Al Rayyan. When a mare as exceptional as RN Farida is born, you know as a breeder that you must sit back patiently and wait a few generations for that particular type of individual to return. The waiting is on for a new RN Farida! One of her daughters is Noof Al Rayyan, sired by Ansata Nile Pasha, a unique stallion in some ways similar to RN Farida.

This combination seems to have worked well, as Noof is doing an excellent job for Al Rayyan. Her son Fahad Al Rayyan (by Sinan Al Rayyan) is again that extremely classiclooking stallion with that fabulous flea-bitten color and the much sought after beautiful black eyes! His first foals are on the ground now and they are promising. Fahad Al Rayyan also has a full sister named Fayruz Al Rayyan. Other daughters from RN Farida are Furat Al Rayyan (by Ansata Nile Echo) and Raneen Al Rayyan (by Al Adeed Al Shaqab).

Al Rayyan Farm no longer owns Safir Al Rayyan ( Ashhal Al Rayyan x RN Farida ), but his excellent career as a sire is worth noting. The already-mentioned Amjaad Al Rayyan attests this; however, many Straight Egyptian Arabian lovers’ rate Obeyyah Al Rayyan, who now belongs to the Al Waab stud, even higher.

Safir

Al Rayyan

Fahad

Al Rayyan

Decendents of the Nile Queen

THE SAQLAWI JEDRAN STRAIN

Considering the different families within this strain, the most famous representative was the elegant chestnut mare, Moniet El Nefous (Shahloul x Wanisa), often referred to by her admirers as “Queen of the Nile”! Of course, this family is also represented by excellent horses at Al Rayyan. Bint Mesoudah M HP (by Ashhal Al Rayyan), bred by Mr. Horst Preuss in Germany, is prolific in building a beautiful family. She is a daughter of Mesoudah M, a full sister to the famed sire Imperial Madheen (Messaoud x Madinah). Bint Mesoudah M HP seems to be a filly producer with eleven daughters, from which six have been kept so far! Among these six mares, the famous Menouah Al Rayyan ( by Fares Al Rayyan ) is hailed as the International Champion Mare; she outshines the other sisters... for now! The full sisters Maisoon Al Rayyan and Mayada Al Rayyan are sired by Authentic Ibn Nawal, himself by Maysoun ( by Ansata Halim Shah ) out of the glorious AK Nawal. Mayada Al Rayyan could become a show mare and shine in her light! The other daughters

are Hessa Al Rayyan ( by Al Adeed Al Shaqab ), Kennoz Al Rayyan ( by Al Rasheed Al Rayyan ) and the youngest and promising Arkiyah Al Rayyan ( by Ezz Al Danat ).

Toya El Zahraa, the source of Straight Egyptians Arabians, came from the state stud farm El Zahraa, a Moniet El Nefous great-granddaughter through her acclaimed mother, Tee. Only a few individuals from this branch have been kept; however, this year a filly by Fahad Al Rayyan out of Toya El Zahraa might be the one to wait for. Another Toya daughter, Sudari Al Rayyan ( by Shagran Al Nasser ), is also a beautiful contribution to this family.

From the former Inshass Stud of King Fuad and Farouk of Egypt, Al Rayyan still has a few mares through the imported mare Rababa, tracing to Rayana. Rababa was one of Sheikh Abdul Aziz’s very early imports from Egypt. Blind on one eye but trusting and kind, she produced a beautiful daughter by Safir named Turkiya Al Rayyan. Two of her outstanding daughters ensure the heritage of this

line: the stunning Ghuwa Al Rayyan, sired by her halfbrother Ashhal Al Rayyan, has five crosses to Ansata Halim Shah, while her half-sister Nawader Al Rayyan is by Egaab Al Rayyan (Ansata Nile Echo out of Nadrah Al Rayyan).

THE OBEYYAN OM GREES STRAIN

From the Obeyyan Om Grees strain, all Al Rayyan horses trace back to Dr. Nagel’s foundation mare Hanan.

Aisha ( by Ansata Halim Shah ) was bred to her grandson Ashhal Al Rayyan, which resulted in the stunning mare Darine Al Rayyan. She was all you could want for in an excellent broodmare, influential, well-built and blessed with big dark eyes. Unfortunately, only one of her precious daughters still remains at the stud: Lamaar Al Rayyan, sired by Ansata Nile Echo. With just a little more presence than her dam, Lamaar has the same love of life and activity as her mother. With her filly Barraqah Al Rayyan (by Ezz AlDanat ), Lamaar ensures the continuity of this branch.

The homebred Ansata Halim Shah daughter RN Sultana (out of Ameena by Jamil x Ken Amal), produced six daughters. Only the 17-year-old and still formidable Sundos Al Rayyan (by Ansata Hejazi) continues this family. Her daughter Sahla Al Rayyan is one of the few Ansata Sokar daughters kept at the farm, and she, in turn, has a daughter by Bahhei Ezzain.

RN Sultana’s close relative is Bint Amal (by Ansata Halim Shah x Ken Amal). Bint Amal only produced two great daughters. The elder one is RN Ajeeba (by Ruminaja Ali), a stunning International Champion who unfortunately left no produce. Her full sister in blood, the younger and exotic snow white Al Mansoura Al Rayyan is by Alidaar the full brother to Ruminaja Ali. At a young age, Al Mansoura Al Rayyan produced the outstanding filly Obeyyah Al Rayyan (by Safir Al Rayyan). The cross was repeated, and another filly named Muhra Al Rayyan was born that has been kept. Honestly, Muhra Al Rayyan does not come close to her full sister. But as the saying goes, sometimes the lesser sister is the better producer. And above all, hope keeps you alive!

THE HADBAN ENZAHI STRAIN

The Hadban Enzahi Strain has never been a primary focus at Al Rayyan. Just one mare came from this strain; Farasha Al Sharq, born and bred in Kuwait by a good friend of Al Rayyan, Mr. Talal Al Nisf of Al Sharq Stud. Ansata Al Murtajiz sired Farasha Al Sharq out of Farasha Al Rayyan by Ashhal Al Rayyan. This family traces back to Yosreia who achieved worldwide fame through her Nazeer son Aswan, an influential sire in the UdSSR. Thanks to Maymouna Al Rayyan (by Farhoud Al Shaqab), the Farasha Al Sharg family thrives.

Sundos Al Rayyan

Ghuwa Al Rayyan

Changes in the WindA BRAND New Philosophy

In the past six-to-seven years since Sheikh Abdul Aziz has not been present, several new mares and families have been added to the program. I have not mentioned them because they have not had any effect yet. Hopefully, this will happen, but one might wonder why they were added in the first place and why so many of the proven, strong lines were released before they were replaced to carry on!

Let’s take another step back in history: We can justifiably say that HH The Father Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani was the first to show great interest in returning the Arabian horse to its region of origin. His Al Shaqab stud was one of the first major Arabian studs to be established in the Gulf States. Under his influence, other breeders and owners in Qatar followed so that for many years the nation was the true leader for the Arabian horse in the Gulf. Indeed, today it is being challenged by other Gulf states. Nevertheless, under the leadership of HH The Father Emir, Qatar was undeniably the first to initiate this renaissance of the Arabian horse.

HH The Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani inherited the fondness for Arabian horses from his late father, HH The late Emir Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad Al Thani. He had a keen interest and maintained a beautiful stable near the sea with splendid Arabian horses. Of the five sons of HH The late Emir Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad Al Thani, four own Arabian horses and all enjoy competing with them, whether in races, endurance races or shows. The trend seems to continue in the Al Thani family as several sons of HH The Father Emir are also active with Arabian horses, as are uncles, cousins and nephews - all pursuing the sport. The passion for this homeland breed is now deeply rooted in Qatar’s society and especially in the Al Thani family.

In 2012, HH The Father Emir bought Al Rayyan with the vision to continue Sheikh Abdul Aziz’s breeding program. However, after a few years, a change in direction came in the form of Sheikh Hamad Bin Ali Al Thani who took over the breeding management of Al Rayyan.

UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF HH THE FATHER EMIR, QATAR WAS UNDENIABLY THE FIRST TO INITIATE THIS RENAISSANCE OF THE ARABIAN HORSE.

THE PASSION FOR THIS HOMELAND BREED IS NOW DEEPLY ROOTED IN QATAR’S SOCIETY AND ESPECIALLY IN THE AL THANI FAMILY.

In Sheikh Hamad Bin Ali’s own words, he once told me: “Always just one painter on the canvas!” Sheikh Abdul Aziz’s and Hamad Bin Ali’s visions and goals turned out to be different.

With the strong support of HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani, son of HH The Father Emir, changes have been made and the director’s position was recently given to Mr. Khalifa Bin Mohamed Al Attiyah who is the Director of Al Shaqab Stud and Al Shaqab Racing. Mr. Al Attiyah is known for leading with calm determination and keeping the big picture in mind to achieve the best interests and wishes of HH the Father Emir.

Mr. Al Attiyah, in turn, selected Mr. Fahad Bin Ali Al Sulaiti as General Manager for Al Rayyan. Mr. Al Sulaiti studied Archaeology, and it became evident that this is exactly how he approaches decision-making as he digs to find out what came before - what worked and what didn’t. With his two supervisors’ encouragement, he met with Sheikh Abdul Aziz and sought advice on how to proceed with the operation. He carefully studied all the Al Rayyan pedigrees and breeding records from the past 20 years and soon came to some proven conclusions that must be followed in order to bring Al Rayyan back to the level it had been under Sheikh Abdul Aziz, whose vision created the blueprint and foundation of the breeding program. You can not steadily build something new and worthwhile if you don’t understand the structure upon which the original was created. A perfect lesson observed by Mr. Al Sulaiti was this: Be careful with extreme outcrossing because you may lose more than you gain. Stay with what you know and what has already been proven to work.

Mr. Al Sulaiti decided to give Nasser Al Rayyan and Fahad Al Rayyan most of the mares to breed in the coming season

- exactly continuing those ideas of Sheikh Abdul Aziz. A few other mares will be covered by Fares Al Rayyan and Safir Al Rayyan, thus a total of 90 percent will be bred within the program to preserve and bring back the type and look Al Rayyan stands for.

Another plan of action Mr. Al Sulaiti is preparing, is like that of Sheikh Abdul Aziz - to figuratively “cut down the forest once more”, so the trees can be seen, keeping only the very best, giving them space to grow and form a strong foundation.

Breeding vERSUS Showing

A good breeding horse is not always the same as a good show horse. Al Rayyan had several great breeding horses in the past that never performed in shows, and vice versa - good show horses that never produced in the breeding barn.

In Sheikh Abdul Aziz’s own words: “Count on the blood, blood will tell, and blood always comes through. “At the same time, Mr. Fahad Al Sulaiti knows full well that Al Rayyan may not have the top winners now that it has possessed in the past. However, Al Rayyan still has the blood; it just needs to be given the chance. Like the trees, the soil and water are in place. Now they need tending and time to flourish.

The focus will currently be on the older mares to ensure everything is done to help them produce and continue the lines and families. However, at the same time, some younger mares will get an extra chance to come forward and fill in the gaps.

BADR AL RAY YAN

BADR AL RAYYAN , born in 2013 at Al Rayyan farm, Qatar, belongs to the Obayan branch, tracing to Hanan.

He is a splendid stallion and sire of quality foals. At Al Qusar Stud and other SE breeding stables in Europe he is highly valued for continuing to create generations of value.

His dam, Darine Al Rayyan, is one of the finest foundation mares in the Al Rayyan stud. Her sire Ashhal Al Rayyan, the " power house sire" is a son of Safir (Salaa El Dine x Aisha) and Ansata Majesta. Famous Aisha (Ansata Halim Shah x Ghazala) is also his grandmother, female family line.

Badr Al Rayyan's sire is Fares Al Rayyan, who is one of the leading sires at Al Waab Stud today. His sire Ansata Hejazi was a son of the world's best Ansata Halim Shah. Ansata Sharifa is a daughter of Ansata Samantha, Sharifa's most famous daughter is G Shafaria, foundation mare at Al Rayyan farm, the dam of Fares Al Rayyan.

BADR AL RAYYAN IS OWNED BY AL QUSAR STUD IN GERMANY. HIS FRESH SEMEN CAN BE SHIPPED ALL OVER EUROPE.

ANSATA HE JAZI

FARES AL RAYYAN

BADR AL RAYYAN

CA / SCID negativ

DARINE AL RAYYAN

G SHAFARIA ASHHAL AL RAYYAN AISHA

ANSATA IBN HALIMA

ANSATA SUDARRA

PRINCE FA MONIET

ANSATA SHARIFA SAFIR

ANSATA MA JESTA

ANSATA HALIM SHAH

GHAZALA

alqusar@aol com - v wettengl@web de | Rober t +49 1712175741 - Volker +49 1606356674 AL QUSAR

We need to think about new Ways of breeding Arabian Horses

in Europe

Monika Savier asks Bart Van Buggenhout about the different Arabian horse breeding realities in East and West

Bart Van Buggenhout is a personality in the horse industry, and he has left his mark in several places of top-level horse breeding. Whether as owner and trainer in Arminta Farm in Belgium, or as the successful stud manager of Al Rayyan stud in Qatar or Al Jassmiya in CA, Bart was always looking for innovations, for solutions and experiments. In doing so, the not uncontroversial reproduction technology was as important to him as the good quality of life for the horses entrusted to him.

When I visited Bart for an interview in Qatar in 2008, he explained his various attempts to optimise breeding. These included improved natural nutrition and husbandry of the horses in what has become a climatically critical country for horse breeding. With his sensitivity and knowledge about ecological problems that affect the horses, he was ahead of his time. Today he is an interface between the cultures of horse breeding on the different continents.

In this interview now, Bart told me his assessments and suggestions for the future of Arabian horse breeding, which is flourishing in the Gulf and in crisis in the West.

Bart with Maida Bint Bint Mohssen in the desert

M Bart, you were stud manager of Al Rayyan Farm in Doha, Qatar for many years, and as you said yourself, a motivated student of Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Thani. You then became the successful stud manager of Al Jassimya Stud in California, USA for 10 years. Now you are back in Qatar? What is your current position? Where are you standing today?

B Currently I work as a breeding and farm consultant both for Al Rayyan - Qatar and Danubius Arabians - Romania. It’s fun to be back in my old roots and try to re-establish the breeding philosophy as was under Sheikh Abdul Aziz but of course much has changed, also horses and access to stallions. It’s a whole new challenge but I love it. Besides all that I started an app that features articles and stories of Arabian horses, mostly focused on the Arabian we keep at home. My home now is really back Belgium and Europe.

M How do you see the situation of show horse breeding in the USA today?

B USA breeding is becoming rather small for such huge country! Their registration fell from 20.000 plus to just 2000 plus in less than 20 years. Frankly these numbers are so low some of the performance trainers are complaining they cannot find horses and what they find is not of standard. If

you look at performance classes now the average age of the horses competing has dramatically increased. These are pointers to say … the situation might not be in a healthy level now.

M How has horse breeding in Qatar developed in the meantime?

B Qatar has as the whole Middle East increased their numbers, still not to the level to compensate the old numbers from USA or Europe that are lost. But it’s a clear sign that the Arabian horse has found its roots back in its native land and thankfully regains a new appreciation.

M Is there still the conservation breeding of the Bedouin heritage as Sheikh Abdul Aziz wanted?

B I think there is now a bigger diversity of breeders and ideas. When Sheikh Abdul Aziz started, he was one of the first and a keen student, he had a good following and it is still there it is still living on and I am very happy to experience it and meet the old friends back … and some new ones joining in for those goals. But also, there are other ambitions now at play, more competitive and just gold directed. It is not 100% my world and my love or believe but then diversity lives and should live.

Sheikh Abdulaziz with Ashhal Al Rayyan

M The invention of frozen semen heralded the end of the diversity of the Arabian race. Because globalised trade routes enabled a boom of champions never before possible. Regional horse breeding is now a thing of the past. The global breeders’ world changed greatly as soon as shipping semen became a working option – you simply buy that champion’s semen, no matter where in the world it is stored. The price, breeders pay for easier access to the international stallion markets is a severe narrowing of the gene pool. How do you see that point?

B I think we have to be very careful how we use and how we proceed with all the frozen semen worldwide, because it limits the diversity of the gene pool. It is very much the time that we must start to look for more diversity. The breeders of Arabian hoses must go their own way, taking some risks but using stallions which are probably not the top stallions in the show ring but they bring back diversity of the blood and provide us with some new out crosses.

M Is breeding criteria today based on the use of a few big names, beauty aspects but nobody cares about functionality?

B Having lived in the States and having send horses too performance trainers and winning National titles under saddle with horses I intended to breed for the show and even won in the show ring with horses and later under saddle won I have become a strong believer in functionality. In the end each horse should be able to carry a saddle no need for me to finish the marathon but it needs to be able to carry me around if requested and needed.

Conformation, good legs and movement is most certainly something that has been lost over the past 20 years, level of horse man-ship I fear too! But I do no longer believe in staying at home and have horses just for your own at home. No, I do believe now horses as in the past should be exposed, ridden, show, hikes, or extended pasture life. They should use their legs and feed and develop good bone, how don’t matter but they should.

M The famous title shows were almost all imported to the Gulf. Many Shows are held there during the winter months. Is it over with the meetings and open house events between the studs? Is it now primarily about the hunt for champion titles?

B The farms in the Gulf countries are breeding a lot of horses at the moment, why because same like 30 years ago in Europe or USA there is a good demand. This demand at some point will stop and so the growth will stop these are just fluctuations that happen and we see them everywhere … the past teaches us that. With it the Gulf Countries have now many shows and they do breed amazing horses. Right now, it’s fair to say they breed most of the best horses born currently and competing currently. So that they require high level shows is understandable. And we in the west

Al Rayyan mares photographed in Qatar Desert

Bart and Brazilian breeder Murillo Kammer and Soren Stanescu, Danubius Arabians owner on right side, Dr. Raphael and Ioana – the Danubius Arabians vet and manager on left side

should let them but we need to think about new ways of breeding Arabian horses in Europe. We should go and find what we need to do to enhance our own local market again and for that we need to stop pointing fingers at others but only at ourselves because the solutions are with us and not with others. The farms in the Gulf countries are still doing big open houses and absolutely do plenty of presentations for friends, family and other enthusiasts … there is no shortage that’s a shortage that only we in the West have, we have stopped visiting each other and learning from each other’s failures or gains.

M Should we try to breed these qualities back through selection and conservation breeding? Or we should let it go, the horses today have other big points. Over the centuries people have always bred horses to suit their tastes and needs?

B See, everything has a time to grow and decline and each country or continent needs to do its own thing to fill its own needs. Many people now understand globalization has some good things but many negatives too! We in Europe need to look at ourselves and start again from the bottom because in many ways we are close to that, same as USA, same Australia by the sounds of it. We need to learn

to understand our youth and there needs because they are the future, they are the only ones that can revive it! Unfortunate no one is doing it and they just have focus on business and staying a live with whatever sale they can still make mostly to Middle East. WE need to start breeding back our own horse for our own needs. And I believe it should be versatile because young people are interested in more action and adventure.

M The virtues of Arabian horses 100 years ago were people-friendliness, stamina, fertility, charisma and nobility, and a few were also beautiful. Much of that has been lost today.

B You might call it conservation but I think soon we need to speak about preservation because of these falling numbers there might not be enough diversity left in the future to keep the race a live in a healthy genetic pool. So, I rather would love to see some rising numbers. As too diversity I do know many breeders realize that too and to name a few such as Al Nasser Stud leasing divers’ stallions for their program, also Danubius is doing it. It’s not so people don’t know, but to do something about it has to become 5 min before 12, as with everything in this world. So, I stay optimistic … lots can be done in 5 minutes.

Sheikh Jassim Bin Khalifa Al Thani and team Aljassimya receiving best breeders trophy at World Championships in Paris

M How can we get back to breed more quality instead of just quantity? In some countries more than 5000 foals are registered each year.

B Ha this is a good and interesting question. So, let me ask you first one in return to keep in mind? Where is the quantity as worldwide registration numbers have dropped by over 60%?? Don’t we need to keep a rich and exuberant blood pool? Well now you get some answers but I don’t have them all. Yes, some farms have increased their number where other breeders have disappeared and gone altogether, but is it a bad thing these farms are now picking up the slack? There is not a simple answer to your questions but as history teaches when something gets unappreciated in one place it gets appreciated in another. The Western world suffers right now mainly from youth that isn’t willing to take over what their grandparents, few parents are doing … the natural generational flow isn’t up to date … reasons for that? Two things I believe to be true is the cost of horse keeping and the exuberant use of data … data that gives us so many more options in life then for example my generation had growing up. Young people today seek adventure, travel is easy, cost for traveling is comparative lower than it used to be and so they go: studying abroad, traveling, working, all kinds of adventures…but that

life style doesn’t fit with horses whom need daily care. Numbers are up in the Middle East only, why, simple they have now the money they didn’t had 40-50 years ago and have the interest re-shaping there cultural heritage, second their traditional family bonds makes them spend more time at home, therefor … right … it’s easier to be and bond with horses. OK this all is simply explained, the truth is far more complex but we would need a lot of time for that. Finally, if there was much more quantity decades ago where the numbers over quality % higher truly higher than till now … I think if you truly study that part, you will find not! I am happy Middle East is boosting the production at this point where we stand today, as this might supply other nations or world parts in the future … I believe it will always move around. 20 years from now Middle Eastern kids will most likely be backpacking around the world and not feel for being tied up on mocking out stalls. People like to blame situations, most of the time they see other people’s situation before their own …again look at worldwide numbers and figures of Arabian horse breeding, if they keep falling as they are we might need WWF in 50 years to safe this breed. I say it with a joke but you know what I mean.

M The impact of climate change on the countries of origin of Arabian horse breeding, probably makes it impossible to keep horses as grazing animals during the winter. The Gulf States have had experience with this for a long time.

B This statement is accurate but meanwhile extended over large parts of Europe - USA and other countries I fear, we see a dramatic change in nature everywhere.

M What will be done there to protect breeding and how will that look in the future? Can the horses only be kept in stables?

B People adapt and most animals adapt, horses are exceptional adaptable too that’s why I guess they have been such century long friends too us, much like dogs and cats and other pets. Ways will be found and adjustments will be made.

M Are the Mediterranean countries coming back into play as breeding areas for the Arabs because of climate change? Like they did 1000 years ago?

Bart carrying a trophy at the world championships home

B No, I think they have just as limited food sources as the Middle East has now, failed crops, grass and hay limitations. I do not see the countries like South Italy - Spain or Greece having much chance at all. If anything, I do think areas like Normandy or Poland are the right places to be for horse breeding now more than ever.

M How do the young breeders see this problem? Will there be new technologies or rather resignation?

B Young breeders … well do we have any in the West or is this a question for the Middle East? I think we in the West again need to go to work, by ourselves to create young breeders. In the Middle East well the younger ones will have difficulties and challenges of their own, good horses are in the hands of few and those few don’t need to share if they don’t want too. So, they need to figure how too successfully try to start and then continue, they will not have and easy task either.

M That looks like the Gulf countries and Europe must go their own ways?

B I strongly believe YES. I do not think it favours European breeders with the issues they face to be under the same umbrella with the Arabian

counties. Both have complete opposite problems and need completely different solutions on how to handle the issues at hand. If the Arab countries want, they can hire help or advice where needed but I find that we asap need a focused organization that deals with what lives in Europe, because if it continues as it goes there is absolutely no need for anything to saved anymore in few years. This is another discussion I do not have all the answers for … yet and maybe never will as with most situations its ever changing … but it will ask time and effort, creativity and focus …

Bart with three Aljassimya bred horses winning all three top 10 in the hunter futurity and US Nationals

M Thank you for your time and very interesting reflections about the Arabian breed.

by Talitha Bakker - Photos by Simone Bergamaschi

"In

14

Natural is the New beauty

F SHAMAAL

NABEEL AL KHALED

ANSATA NILE PEARL

Maysoun

Ansata Halim Shah

Maysouna

Fa Ibn Sar

Flabys Joffa

Ansata Halim Shah

Ansata Sudarra

Prince Fa Moniet

Ansata Nile Gift

Sarameena

Ansata Hejazi

Ansata White Nile

Straight Egyptian Stallion *2010 KSA Dahman Shahwan Strain. CA/SCID clear

Nabeel Al Khaled x TB Hejaziya

Nabeel Al Khaled x TB Muneera

DamsEgyptianLines

A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE FOUNDATION MARES

There is an interesting phenomenon repeated around the world at countless Arabian horse shows as well as at prominent breeding establishments – there are generally more good mares and fillies than colts and stallions. Perhaps even more interesting is that, in the best horses of either sex, the same mare lines recur with surprising regularity. A logical conclusion is that if one aspires to breed exceptional Arabian

horses a careful study must be made of the dam lines. While this may sound simple, it rapidly becomes more complex when a significant study is undertaken. Different branches of the same family may produce horses of considerably varying type and quality. Some dam lines achieve their success primarily when blended to sires from a particular family, while their offspring from other lines are average at best. Still other dam

n by Cynthia Culbertson photos by Tutto Arabi archive

lines have a strong type-to-color link and the look of their descendants is remarkably different depending on their color.

In our fast-paced world, we seek instant knowledge and quick results, yet the realm of Arabian horse breeding requires patience and thoughtful study. Rather than attempting to define and categorize all of the various Egyptian Arabian dam lines, only a general overview will be given along with examples of various horses of that heritage. The challenge then becomes to study your own pedigrees and those of the horses you admire. Trace their lineage back to these root mares and the path taken to arrive at this final destination. Look for trends and tendencies. Decide for yourself which lines and families consistently produce a look that you admire. There is simply no substitute for taking the time to accumulate this knowledge, and by taking the longer path to your destination, the journey becomes more satisfying and the results more likely to meet your expectations.

Because the Egyptian Arabian makes up less than 4% of the general Arabian population, the root mares from which all straight Egyptian Arabians descend are relatively few in number. Of the approximately twenty foundation mares in modern pedigrees, most were foaled in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These mares generally fall into two broad categories, either bred by the ruling family and aristocracy of Egypt or desertbreds presented as gifts to Egypt. Today, these

foundation mares are generally organized by their strain names, and thereafter through various families that descend from the root mare, with different branches of each family. Judith Forbis, in her many reference books on the Egyptian Arabian, began grouping the dam lines in this useful manner, and today countless breeders around the world use her example in defining their horses beyond a simple strain designation.

The examples given of horses descended from the various foundation mares are by no means complete and arbitrarily combine both modern and historic horses. The lists are not intended to indicate the relative quality or merit of those horses named, or those that are left out. Instead, they are included in the hope of provoking further study by the reader.

Saqlawiyah Jidraniyah

The majority of straight Egyptians of the Saqlawiyah Jidraniyah strain descend from three mares: Ghazala, Om Dalal, and Bint Yemama.

Ghazala, who was foaled in 1896, was bred by Ali Pasha Sherif and during her lifetime was also owned by two other Arabian breeders of historic prominence, firstly by Lady Anne Blunt, and thereafter by Spencer Borden who imported Ghazala to the United States. Ghazala’s daughter Ghadia (also known as Radia), and her daughters Bint

Marhoussa (Mabrouk Manial x Negma). was bred by Prince Mohamed Ali. She is a granddaughter of Bint Yamama, bred by Abbas Pasha Hilmi II. Many lovely horses descend from this mare, first thought to be a Koheilah Jellabiyah, but now known to be Saqlawiyah Jidraniyan in strain

Radia and Zareefa, were important mares for both the Royal Agricultural Society and the Inshass Stud. Of Zareefa, foaled 1911, Lady Ann Blunt wrote, “Very beautiful filly… the most lovely in the world.” Several important stallions in Egypt, including Hamdan, Shahloul and Antar, are representatives from this family. Mares from this female line were also exported to many countries, such as Germany, Hungary, and the United States, where many have bred on into modern pedigrees. In addition, this family was used by private breeders in Egypt, including the Hamdan Stables and Albadeia. Zaafarana was an important mare of this family, as was *Bint Serra I.

Descendants of Ghazala

Al Lahab

Allah Ateyyah

Ansata Bint Zaafarana

Antar

Bint El Arabi

Bint Serra I

El Moez

Emad

Fa Serr

Fay El Dine

Gulnare

Hayam Hamdan

Ibn Yakout

Naglaa

Shahloul

*Talal

Om Dalal was a chestnut mare foaled in 1899. Owned by Prince Mohamed Ali, she was bred by Prince Ahmed Kemal and was a granddaughter of the famed Saqlawiah mare Roga El Beda of Ali Pasha Sherif. Like Ghazala, Om Dalal had considerable influence through the Inshass Stud as well as through the Royal Agricultural Society and the Egyptian Agricultural Organization. This dam line is perhaps the best known of the Saqlawiyah Jidraniyah families of Egypt, however, because of the fame of her prolific descendent, Moniet El Nefous. Through the sons, daughters, grandsons, and granddaughters of Moniet El Nefous, this blood was distributed in almost every country which breeds Egyptian Arabians. Other branches of the family include El Bataa and Rateeba.

Ghazala (Ibn Sherara x Bint Helwa), foaled in 1896 and bred by Ali Pasha Sherif was an Egyptian foundation mare of the Saqlawiyah Jidraniyah strain

Ansata Selket (Ansata Halim Shah x Ansata Samarra), represents the Bukra family of the Dahmah Shahwaniyah strain tracing to the root mare Obeya. Photo by Gigi Grasso

Bukra (Shahloul x Bint Sabah), is a great-great granddaughter of the Dahmah Shahwaniyah mare Obeya (Koheilan el Mossen x El Dahma) who was bred by Abbas Pasha Hilmi II. This family has had great influence in Egyptian breeding, particularly through Bukra branch

Descendants of Om Dalal

Ansata Bint Mabrouka

Ansata Ibn Sudan

Bint El Bataa

Bint Ibtsam

Bint Moniet El Nefous

Bint Mona

Ghalion

Ibn Moniet El Nefous

Imperial Madheen

Kenz Noor

Korima

Loubna

Lubna

Mahiba

Maysoun

Moneera

Morafic

Mourad

Sultan

Tee

The Egyptian Prince

Tuhotmos

Turkiya Al Rayyan

Dalal (Rabdan x Dalal), was foaled in 1903 and is a daughter of the Egyptian root mare Om Dalal bred by Prince Ahmed Kemal. She founded a famous Saqlawiyah Jidraniyah family which includes the “Queen of the Nile” Moniet El Nefous

Bint Yemama is also an important foundation mare for Egyptian breeding and she was believed for many years to be Koheilah Jellabieh in strain. However when additional writings of Lady Anne Blunt were published in the late 1980’s it became apparent the accepted parentage of this mare was incorrect and that she was indeed a half sister to Messaoud. Colin Pearson’s book, “The Arabian Horse Families of Egypt” listed Bint Yemema as a Saqlawiyah, and Volume 2, by Kees Mol, explained the rationale behind this change. The controversy was finally put to

rest with the assistance of modern science when Michael Bowling used mitochondrial DNA to demonstrate the descendants of Bint Yemama matched that of the mares descended from the Saqlawiyah Jidraniyah mare Ghazieh, and did not match the descendants of the known Keheilah Jellabiyah strain from Egypt. This is an excellent example of why families merit more consideration than strain alone, for regardless of whether this family was Koheilah or Saqlawiyah, the descendants of Bint Yemama included many lovely horses.

Bint El Bahreyn was foaled in 1898 and presented by Sheikh Aissa of Bahrain to the Khedive Abbas Pasha II in 1903. She was later owned by Lady Anne Blunt and today her descendants are an important branch of the Dahmah Shahwaniyah strain

Farida (Saklawi II x Nadra El Saghira), was bred by Prince Mohamed Ali and later acquired by the RAS. Her family represents a third influential branch of the Dahmah Shahwaniyah strain in Egypt

Descendants of Bint Yemama

218 Elf Layla Walayla

Adhem

AK Atallah

Asilat Albadeia

El Hadiyyah

El Halimaar

Fadl

Jasir

Imperial Baarez

Maaroufa

Maar-Ree

Mahroussa

Nasr

Prince Fa Moniet

RDM Maar Hala

Roda

Roufah

Other Saqlawiyah root mares in Egyptian foundation stock include: Hind, a grey mare foaled in 1942 and bred by King Abdul Aziz al Saud of Saudi Arabia

El Samraa, a grey mare foaled in 1924 purchased by Inshass from Sheikh Omar Abd el Hafiz

Mabrouka, a bay mare foaled in 1930 presented to Inshass by King Abdul Aziz al Saud Bint Barakat, a grey mare born in 1941 bred by the Tahawi Bedouins and owned by Hamdan Stables until her death in 1971.

Dahmah Shahwaniah

The Dahman strain was highly prized in Egypt, both by Abbas Pasha and Ali Pasha Sherif. In modern Egyptian breeding, the three primary root mares for this strain are Obeya, Bint El Bahreyn, and Farida.

Obeya was a grey mare foaled in 1894. She was bred by Abbas Pasha Hilmi II and her dam was El Dahma of Ali Pasha Sherif. Obeya was eventually acquired by the Royal Agricultural Society where she lived until her death in 1919. It seems somewhat peculiar that she was given the name Obeya, which, although it means “cloak” in Arabic, is also the name of a strain and is therefore a bit confusing. The most influential line of this family is through Obeya’s granddaughter, the 1920 chestnut mare Sabah, and subsequently through her daughter, Bint Sabah. This line was particularly influential in the United States and Germany and is also a valued damline for many breeders in the Arabian Gulf. The stallions Sheikh El Arab and Sid Abouhom were influential sires in Egypt from this family.

RN Farida (Salaa El Dine x Noha) as her name implies, traces to the Farida branch of the Dahmah Shahawaniyah strain through the Marbach mare Nadja

Bint Samiha (Kazmeen x Samiha) is most famous as the dam of Nazeer. She is also a granddaughter of Bint Hadba

Descendants of Obeya

9 Tamria

Abeer

Akhtal

Alidaara

Ansata Bint Bukra

Ansata Halim Shah

Ansata Hejazi

Ansata Iemhotep

Ansata Sinan

Bint Bint Sabbah

Fa Halima

Fikri

Ghazal

Glorieta Sayonaara

Kamar

Noor El Fagr

NK Hafid Jamil

Pharrah

Rashdan

Sheikh Al Arab

Sid Abouhom

Bint El Bahreyn As her name implies, this bay mare foaled in 1898 was bred by Sheikh Issa bin Khalifah of Bahrain. He presented her as a gift to Abbas Pasha II in 1903 and she was later purchased by Lady Anne Blunt in 1907. Lady Anne declared Bint El Bahreyn a “fine mare” yet referred to one defect, that of having ears like “bats’ ears.” However Lady Anne also noted that Bint El Bahreyn did not transmit this to her daughter Dalal, a filly which she described as, “Very beautiful…gazelle-like head.” The descendants of this family are primarily through Durra and her daughters Zareefa and Bint Durra. The Marei family’s Albadeia stud has also had many successful mares from this family.

Descendants of Bint El Bahreyn

AK Nawaal

Bint Maisa El Saghira

Cleopatraa

El Sareei

Elwya

Gassir

Madkour

Morgana

Orashan

Seef

Shaikh Al Badi

Tammen

Farida was foaled in 1921 at Prince Mohammed Ali’s stables at the Manial Palace. She was a pure-in-strain Dahmah Shahwaniah and eventually went to the Royal Agricultural Society where she died in 1944. Farida’s son Balance was a superb racehorse in Egypt, as well as a great sire of racehorses, but it was through the female line that the Farida family truly gained acclaim. Her daughters Bint Farida and Futna both founded families known for their exceptional quality and type. Straight Egyptian breeding in Germany was highly influenced by this family, both with stallions and mares, and Ansata Ibn Halima was a monumental influence on Egyptian Arabian in the United States.

Descendants of Farida

Abla

Adaweya

Adl

Ansata Ibn Halima

Ansata Majesta

Ashhal Al Rayyan

Balance

Bint Nefisaa

Dahma II

Deenaa

El Hilal

El Thay Kamla

El Thay Ibn Halim Shah

Fayek (Ramses Fayek)

Ghazalahh

Halima

Ibn Akhtal

Inas

Madkour I

Malik

Malikah

Messaoud

Moheba II

Noha

RN Farida

Hadbah Enzahiyah

The Hadbah strain in Egyptian breeding traces to the mare Venus who was bred by the Shammar tribe and brought to Egypt in the mid-1890’s. Two branches of the Venus family come from her daughter Hadba, but it is through Bint Hadba El Saghira that this strain founded an influential dynasty in Egyptian breeding.

Bint Hadbah El Saghira was a chestnut mare born in 1912. She was bred by Abbas Pasha Hilmi II and both her sire and dam were sired by Saklawi I. Like many of the other Egyptian foundation mares, she was eventually acquired by the Royal Agricultural Society and died there in 1931. In a fashion often adopted by the Arabs, she was named “Daughter of Hadbah” or Bint Hadbah, with the suffix El Saghira, the “smaller” or “younger.” Along with the suffix “El Kebira,” which means the bigger or older, these additions to the name helped further identify the offspring of a particular mare and helped prevent confusion with their namesake. Bint Hadbah

El Saghira had four daughters which bred on: Samiha, Bint Rustem, Bint Bint Hadba, and Magboura. The vast majority of her descendants, however, trace from the Samiha and Bint Rustem branches of the family. Because of the unprecedented success of her great-grandson, Nazeer, the majority of straight Egyptians in the world boast multiple lines to this mare. She remains influential through the tail female as well, and this family has consistently produced both outstanding stallions and mares.

Gelgelah Albadeia (Imperial Madori x Anhar Albadeia) is a descendant of the Hadbah Enzahiyah foundation mare El Hadba El Saghira. Photo by Gigi Grasso

Descendants of Bint Hadbah El Saghira

Al Adeed Al Shaqab

Aswan

Bint Saida Al Nasser

Bint Samiha

El Thay Kamla

Farazdac

Farid Albadeia

Gad Allah

Galal

Gelgelah Albadeia

Gharib

Hadban Enzahi

Hafeed Anter

Hemmat

Hind

Foze

Kamla

Khofo

Kodwa

Makhsous

Malekat El Gamal

Mamdouha

Mohga

Nazeer

Shams

Shaarawi

Shaker El Masri

Simeon Safanad

Simeon Shai

Thee Desperado

The Mistril

Tiffaha

Yosreia

Other Hadbah root mares in Egyptian foundation stock include: Bint Gamila, a grey mare foaled in 1911 bred by Abbas Pasha Hilmi II and acquired by the RAS in 1914.

Abbeyah Om Jurays

The Abbeyan strain is considered to be highly related to the Saqlawi, yet, as in the case of Bint Yemama, science in the from of mitochondrial DNA and other DNA sequencing, may soon reveal much about the relationships between Arabian horse families. Both the al Saud and Ibn Jaluwi families of Arabia highly prized this strain and its most common sub-strain was named after Al Sherrak. In Egypt, this strain is found through the mare El Obeya Om Jurays.

El Obeya Om Jurays (Grees) was a gift to the Inshass stud from King Abdul Aziz Al Saud in the 1930’s. Little is know about her and the names of her sire and dam are not given. Obviously her name is the same as her strain, Abbeyah Om Jurays, although, as usual, the spelling may differ depending on which transliteration system one is using. Of the major strains in straight Egyptian breeding today, this is one of the rarest. However it has produced many extremely influential mares and stallions, primarily through the Mahfouza and Mahdia branches. Two modern mares descending from El Obeya Om Jurays, Hanan and Magidaa, have founded their own families which have produced numerous outstanding horses.

Hanan (Alaa El Din x Mona) has greated her own dynasty of the Abeyyah Om Juryas strain, which traces to the mare Obeya Om Jurays presented to Egypt in the 1930’s by King Abdul Aziz Al Saud

Bint Rissala (Ibn Yashmak x Risala) was bred by Lady Anne Blunt and foaled at Crabbet Arabian Stud in England. She was sold to Egypt as a young foal and founded one of two branches of the Koheilah Rodaniyah strain in that country

Descendants of El Obeya Om Jurays

Aisha

Alidarr

Asfour

Bilal I

Bint Magidaa

El Araby

Ghazala

Hanan

Jamil

Ibn Galal I

Ibn Hafiza

Maddah

Magidaa

Nabiel

Nashua

Ruminaja Ali

Salaa El Dine

Safir

Koheilah Rodaniyah

The Koheilan is said to be the original strain of Arabian horse. Although the breed is quite ancient, the concept of strains is relatively a recent one, as the various divisions and sub-strains evolved in a little over three centuries. In Egyptian breeding the Keheilan Mimreh strain has been lost in the tail female line, and those horses thought to be the representatives of the Koheilan Jellabi strain are now classified as Saqlawi. This leaves the Koheilah Rodaniyah as the primary Koheilan strain in Egyptian dam lines. Both branches, that of Bint Rissala and Bint Riyala, trace to Rodania, a Kuhailan Ajuz of Ibn Rodan, foaled in 1869. She was purchased by the Blunts from a branch of the Anazeh tribe, who related that they had taken her earlier from the Ruwala. A chestnut mare with considerable white markings, Rodania bore the scars from wounds in battle and was well-known in the desert.

Bint Rissala (Razieh) was a chestnut born in 1920 at Crabbet Park in England. Lady Wentworth sold her to the Royal Agricultural Society as a young filly and she died in Egypt in 1946. Bint Rissala’s descendants in modern Egyptian breeding are through her daughters Yaquota, Kateefa and Yashmak. Interestingly, none of her sons bred on into modern pedigrees. This dam line is noted for both its height and athletic ability, and many of Bint Rissala’s descendants, even today, have excellent motion. Several well-known stallions traced to this family, including Kaisoon, Farag, and Alaa El Din, who was noted for his daughters.

Descendants of Bint Rissala

Alaa El Din

El Mareekh

Enayat

Farag

Hossny

Ikhnatoon

Kaisoon

Kayed

Kisra

Nazic

Om El Saad

Omnia

Rafica

Rashad Ibn Nazeer

Raweyah

Sakr

Serenity Sonbolah

Yashmak

Bint Riyala (Risama) was a bay mare foaled in 1920, also at Crabbet Arabian Stud. Like Bint Rissala she was sold that same year to the Royal Agricultural Society in Egypt. In 1934 she was sold once again, this time to T. G. B. Trouncer. This has been a prolific family, primarily through Bint Riyala’s granddaughter Malaka, and several horses of this line were exported to the United States where they won numerous championships and national titles.

Descendants of Bint Riyala

Asadd

Imperial Imdal

Imperial Madori

Dalia

Fifi

Nazeera

Omayma

Romanaa II

Salomy

Serenity Bint Mamlouka

Shaheen

Waseem

Other Kehilah root mares in Egyptian foundation stock include: Futna, a grey mare foaled in 1943 bred by Abdul Hamid el Talawi. Her strain was Koheilah Halawiyah and she remained at Hamdan Stables until her death in 1960. El Kahila, a bay mare foaled in 1921 and presented to Inshass Stud by King Abdul Aziz al Saud of Saudi Arabian in 1927. While no details of her strain are recorded, she is presumed to be a Kehilah by virtue of her name.

While there are a few other mares who contribute to straight Egyptian breeding, these are the primary families that exist today. Study them well and remember the future of the straight Egyptian Arabian lies in the hands of today’s breeders! q

Photo by Glenn Jacobs

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The Modern Kuhaylans in Egyptian Breeding

n by Joseph Ferriss

Article published with the kind permission of Ar A bi A n Ess E nc E

It has been said that the Kuhaylan is the oldest Arabian strain of all so it is undeniably prevalent in the entire Arabian breed. There are old legends about the courageous and strong Kuhaylan mares in warfare in Bedouin lore, and in the early days it was always a good an honored name. Yet in modern times with all

the focus on Saklawi and Dahman families has the Kuhaylan become forgotten? To forget means to become unfamiliar and that which we are unfamiliar with can too often be misunderstood. So in this article let us reacquaint ourselves with the Kuhaylan strain in Egyptian bloodlines.

Alfabia Jumeira (Phaaros x Grea Bint Khattaara) tracing to Ameena via Omnia. Owned by Alfala Stud - KSA. Gigi Grasso photo.

One of the most famous is the Kuhaylan Ajuz Rodan that comes down from the desert-bred mare Rodania, a powerful chestnut born in 1869, making hers one of the oldest Arabian families in the breed. She was known to be an exceptionally high quality mare of great nobility and spirit. Rodania was purchased from the Gomussa tribe by Wilfrid and Lady Anne Blunt as a foundation mare for their renowned Crabbet Stud. Rodania is perhaps one of the most globally prevalent ancestors in the entire Arabian breed. For example Rodania appears 216 times in the pedigree of the celebrated sire Marwan Al Shaqab and in fact even he is a Kuhaylan Ras Al Fedawi by strain. Rodania was already 12 years old when she arrived at Crabbet so only had 5 foals, 3 of which were daughters, the most prolific was Rose of Sharon sired by the desert bred stallion Hadban. Rose of Sharon is

found worldwide in many Arabian pedigrees. Ironically the Rodania line might not have found its way to Egypt were it not for the manager of the RAS government stud Dr. Branch in 1920, purchasing two fillies from Crabbet, Bint Riyala and Bint Rissala, both of whose mothers were granddaughters of Rose of Sharon.

Bint Riyala was sired by Nadir, a Kuhaylan Dajani of 50% Ali Pasha Sherif breeding. He was a handsome, compact well built horse and his daughter Bint Riyala reflected that look. While she became an important broodmare at the RAS, she was later sold to T.G.B. Trouncer as a broodmare but he also showed her at the Tanta Arabian show in Cairo. Coming forward Bint Riyala’s line came only through her excellent producing granddaughter Malaka. Malaka in turn was the dam of

Nazeera (Nazeer x Malaka) a lovely mare of great finesse tracing in tail female to Bint Riyala of the Kuhaylan Rodan strain. Dam line of World Champion Imperial Imdal and other champions. Judith Forbis photo.

Mamlouka (Nazeer x Malaka) full sister to Nazeera and another lovely mare represented by many champions internationally. Granddam of prized European sire Serenity Habib. Judith Forbis photo.

Russia’s excellent import Azmi, who though he died shortly after importation nonetheless became grandsire of internationally famous Palas. Then Malaka proved her finest “golden cross” with Nazeer producing the 4 great ones, Samia, Nazeera, Mamlouka and Waseem, and Malaka’s only daughter allowed to leave Egypt was the Gleannloch import to the US, Salomy, creating a line of numerous show winners. Perhaps the most famous descendant of Bint Riyala was the exceptional World Champion and sire of international Champions, Imperial Imdal. I recall his Reserve US National Championship well, he was so balanced and typy and proud in the ring that I only saw him as the supreme horse in the ring and in fact he later proved to win the Supreme Championship at the US Egyptian Event. As a sire he has a long list of champions to his credit. From his dam line to Nazeera also comes numerous champion producing mares, Amani (x El Sareei) dam

of US National Champion Asadd, Omayma (x Sameh) a champion producer, as well as the mares Serenity Luftia (x Nasralla), Heba (x Seef) and Manzoura (x Sultann). There are also excellent champion producing mares from Bint Riyala’s line via Mamlouka that include SF Bint Mamlouka (Mashhour x Mamlouka), Set El Wadi (x El Sareei), Fifi (x Anter), and the sisters Fawkia and Momtaza (x Sameh). Thus the Bint Riyala line in Egyptian breeding has proven that it can compete very successfully in the show ring.

Bint Rissala, though related to Bint Riyala was a different type of mare resembling more her sire Ibn Yashmak. She was tall, elegant and tended to produce size, elegance and brilliant motion. Interestingly Bint Rissala was the highest percentage of Abbas Pasha/Ali Pasha Sherif breeding at 87.5% and it seemed to show persistently in the elegance of her line. With 13 foals she was

The incomparable international champion and sire of champions, Imperial Imdal, a Kuhaylan Rodan of the Bint Riyala dam line. Polly Knoll photo.

The great EAO sire Alaa El Din (Nazeer x Kateefa), a grandson of the mare Bint Rissala, and sire of many superior producing mares. Judith Forbis photo.

very prolific at the EAO. One of her most universally admired grandsons is the classically handsome Alaa El Din (Nazeer x Kateefa), an extraordinary sire of superior producing mares, including the immortal Hanan. Kateefa’s grandson Farag (x Morafic) was a much admired and beautifully photographed stallion who sired many magnificent horses. There are so many champions credited to the Bint Rissala line that it could create a separate chapter. Another stunning stallion of the Bint Rissala line was the incomparable El Mareekh who I will never forget seeing his brilliant presence at the US Egyptian Event in the 1980s. Certainly among the most universally admired females of the Bint Rissala line was the incomparable US National Champion mare Serenity

Farag, (Morafic x Bint Kateefa) a classic stallion whose dam was a granddaughter of Bint Rissala. An influential sire in Europe. Forbis archive photo.

ZT Faa Iq (Anaza El Farid x ZT Jamdusah) a superior sire with 4 crosses to Bint Rissala, one of which is his tail female to Serenity Sonbolah. Owned by Al Rashediah Stud. Gigi Grasso photo.

Jahleel Le Soleil (Ajmal Maghreb x Alfabia Al Kharafi)

2014 Czech National Champion Stallion with 5 crosses to Bint Rissala. Owned by Bebo Stud - Miloslava Khamis. Johanna Jonientz photo.

Sonbolah (Sameh x BInt Om El Saad). Everyone who ever saw her in person loved her, she was unforgettable. Her famous descendants include the exceptional sire, ZT Faa Iq who has 4 lines to Bint Rissala, and in turn he is the sire of the stunning champion Phaaros, a classically beautiful horse and great sire on several continents.

Another spectacular stallion with 5 crosses to Bint Rissala is Jahleel Le Soleil, 2014 Czeck Republic National Champion owned by Bebo Stud. Bint Rissala’s granddaughter Om El Saad is the root of many superior horses bred at renowned Albadeia stud, including being the dam line of the beloved Kayed. Even the Royal Inshass Stud in Egypt benefited from Bint Rissala’s line via her daughter Yaquota (x Balance). This is the line of Ameena (x Hamdan) that is considered one of the most beautiful and elegant lines of Kuhaylan Rodan, a particular branch that blends so well with sires of Saqlawi, Dahman and Kuhaylan. Ameena is the result of two generations of Saqlawi sires crossed on the Bint Rissala line.

This is the dam line of the splendid producer Omnia (Alaa El Din x Ameena). I remember in 1975 seeing the stunning full brother to Omnia, Mahran imported to the US. I marveled at his finesse, dryness and elegance. He was certain to become an important sire but sadly died the year after I saw him being only 6 years old. But I was convinced that there was something magical in this particular double Bint Rissala cross. Perhaps it was the high percentage of Ali Pasha Sherif blood, but either way his sister Omnia went on to create a family of very beautiful Arabian horses including her son Abenhetep (x Ibn Hafiza) sire of many horses including the memorable Patrick Swayze stallion Tammen.

Omnia’s daughter AK Khattaara was a magnificent producing mare, and being by Ibn Moniet El Nefous, she showed how this line blends well with Saklawi. If she had no more foals than her first son, Al Kidir (x TheEgyptianPrince) that would be enough as he proved to be an excellent sire on several continents. But AK Khattaara also produced the magnificent mare Grea

El Mareekh (Aseel x Rawayeh) a magnificent stallion and champion sire that died too young. Jerry Sparagowski photo.

Ameena (Hamdan x Yaman) foaled at Inshass Royal Stud in Egypt pictured in old age. Ameena’s descendants possess a certain magic with many refined and beautiful descendants. Judith Forbis photo.

Bint Khattaara (x Moroc), dam of the stunning mare Alfabia Jumiera (x Phaaros), who combines perfectly the Bint Riyala and Bint Rissala lines with high percentages of Dahman and Saklawi.

More superb examples of this Omnia line include the beautiful bay mare VP Athalheid (Grea Dahman x VP Wanisa) with 11 lines to Bint Rissala, and her Phaaros filly, Nazeera Le Soleil with 15 lines to Bint Rissala. With each generation the Omnia line proves its lasting magic from Bint Rissala.

The Kuhaylan strain was not only introduced into Egypt via the Rodania line but also the Royal Inshass Stud founded it beginnings on the mare El Kahila, a legendary Kuhaylan Kroush mare acquired in 1927 from King Ibn Sa’ud. The Kroush was long celebrated in the desert and sought after by Abbas Pasha. From El Kahila in female

line comes the mare Shahbaa (Hamdan x Shahd) bred at Inshass and the root of this rare Kuhaylan strain. Shahbaa, like the previously mentioned Ameena is a daughter of Inshass’s magnificent Saklawi stallion Hamdan and this cross of Hamdan on Kuhaylan maintains a look of elegance. Perhaps the most celebrated member of this family is the stunningly beautiful Safinaz (Alaa El Din x Ramza), a chestnut granddaughter of Shahbaa who many visitors to the EAO admired as some considered Safinaz a second “Moniet El Nefous” type. Indeed her full brother Ibn Alaa El Din imported to the US was a very stylish and handsome example of this type. Interestingly this pedigree represents the combining of the elegant Bint Rissala from Alaa El Din with the fine qualities of Shahbaa. Most of Shahbaa’s foals were by the masculine Gassir but when crossed back to Saklawi the results sustain this special elegance of the female line. One example I recall was the handsome stallion

The magnificent Grea Bint Khataara, key progenitor of Bint Rissala’s line from Omnia, and dam of Alfabia Jumeira. Both owned by Alfala Stud. Gigi Grasso photo.

Safinaz (Alaa El Din x Ramza), shown here in old age at the EAO. She was considered a “second Moniet” in type. She is of the Kuhaylan Kroush strain and dam of Ibn Safinaz.

Baraka (Ibn Manial x Gamalat) in old age in South Africa.

She was the last of the celebrated Kuhaylan Mimreh strain, the strain of Nazeer’s sire Mansour.

The future from Omnia’s line, Nazeera Le Soleil (Phaaros x VP Athalheid). Bred and owned by Le Soleil Stud. Elvis Giughera photo.

VP Athalheid (Grea Dahman x VP Wanisa) beautiful moving bay mare with 11 crosses to Bint Rissala. Owned by Le Soleil Stud. Gigi Grasso photo.

Judith Forbis photo.

Forbis archive.

Shah Zoom, sired by Ansata Shah Zaman (Morafic x Ansata Bint Mabrouka) and out of Bint Shahbaa I (x Gassir). Of course one of the famous sons of Safinaz was Imperial Egyptian Stud’s Ibn Safinaz. Sired by the high quality and masculine stallion Seef, Ibn Safinaz produced many fine daughters from a variety of strains.

Without a doubt one of the celebrated old Kuhaylan strains in Egyptian breeding was that of the Kuhaylan Mimreh, the strain of Nazeer’s sire Mansour. Sadly this strain as a female line dwindled down to the magnificent export to South Africa, Baraka (Ibn Manial x Gamalat). She was a much-admired beauty. However as a female line it is now lost and only exists in straight Egyptian via her son Gordonville Ziyadan.

The celebrated Bint Yamama line from Prince Mohammed Ali was originally recorded as Kuhaylan

Jellabi, though now modern DNA confirms its relationship to Abbas Pasha’s prized mare Ghazieh of the Saklawi Jidran Ibn Sudan strain. Depending on one’s point of view as to her strain, this line has also produced many magnificent horses and has a long history of crossing well with Saklawi as illustrated by the great sire Prince Fa Moniet (TheEgyptianPrince x Fa Moniet).

So today the Kuhaylan families of Egypt have evolved into magnificent examples of the ideal Arabian horse with many, many international champions to their credit. It would be a mistake to try to categorize them as all one type or even as some 19th century example of the past for now they have become timeless classics to take their place among some of the finest of Egyptian horses. Long live the Kuhaylan, the oldest strain in the breed. q

Prince Fa Moniet (TheEgyptianPrince x Fa Moniet) an extremely prepotent sire representing intense Saklawi on the dam line of Bint Yamama. Jerry Sparagowski photo.

Temima (ZT Faa Iq x Tasaqqara) a beautiful broodmare at Talaria in the US. She is tail female to Bint Rissala and has 5 crosses to her. Amy Austin photo.

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