DESERT HERITAGEMagazine
Shams Sharav
photo by
Bar Hajaj
(Simeon Sharav x Saniyyah RCA)
photo by Bar Hajaj
(Kenz Al Baydaa x BalqisAA)
Hilal AL WAAB
CA, SCID, LFS clear
Hilal Al Waab was born in 2015 at the legendary Al Waab Stud in Qatar. He is one of the stunning stars from the collection of straight Egyptian horses bred there by Sheikh Abdulla Bin Khalid Al Thani.
His career as a show stallion has been equally successful. Two World Champion titles, several Gold Champion titles in Europe and the Middle East and he is also the sire of Gold Champion foals.
This has resulted in Hilal Al Waab entering the Hall of Fame of Straight Egyptians as a top sire. His outstanding pedigree is a testament to his success.
Thanks to his owner, Mr Abed S Burqan, we are pleased to announce that Hilal Al Waab is available to breeders in Europe with fresh quality semen. Please ask for the favorable summer stud fee for late bookers.
photos by Jennifer Ogden
Qatar
ANSATA
SAFIR
ANSATA
Straight Egyptian Stallion
photos by Jennifer Ogden
HILAL AL WAAB
SINAN AL RAYYAN
SHARUBY HP
ANSATA SINAN
AL WAJBA AL RAYYAN
PRINCE FA MONIET
NEFARA
SHARIFA
MAYSOUN
MESOUDAH M
ANAZA BAY SHAHH
ANAZA DINEEKHA
MAYDAN-MADHEEN
SHAHNEEKHA
Desert Heritage Magazine n.66
iscr. trib. di Milano n. 466 del 20/09/02 Expedition in A.P. 70% Milano
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Klaus Beste
Christina Däubler-Vogelgsang
Betty Finke
Judith Forbis Monika Savier
Bettina von Kameke
Judith Wenning
Digital Artwork Viviana Castiglioni
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Pag. 18 Al Murad Stud and the Art of Breeding
Pag. 28 El Thay El Mahfouz
Pag. 44 The Pyramid Society Europe’s new Initiative
Pag. 58 In Memoriam Prof. Dr. Siegfried Paufler
Pag. 78 Dr. Hans Nagel in an interview with Monika Savier
Pag. 90 No Fear of Beauty with Jennifer Ogden around Europe
Pag. 110 Sharing the Dream “As time goes” by Pyramid Society Morocco
Al Whaid El Dine | FA Kamaria
hefeRa
Iovino Family Arabian Horses
Via Prisco di Prisco 167 - 80044 - Ottaviano (Napoli)
Iovino Agostino - tel: +39 392 370 1406
ph. Alessio Azzali
ph. Giovanni Messinese
Al Murad Stud and the
“Of all the bloodlines of Arabian Horses in the world, straight Egyptians seem to evoke a special sense of history and the flowing river of time. While they may appeal to people from many walks of life, most who share a passion for Egyptian Arabians are also aficionados of art and culture, and possess a discriminating eye for harmony and classic beauty”.
Cynthia Culbertson
n ayla a l Murad and n ajya a l Murad, two yearling fillies
the Art of Breeding
by Monika Savier
From the deep south of Italy, from Apulia, the Al Murad stud farm has made its way to the centre of Italy.
Today, the Al Murad horses stand in the stables and pastures of the Tre Balzane stud farm in Umbria.
Al MurAd Stud
Egyptian Arabian Horses
Arabian horses have fascinated dentist Maurizio Morra Greco since his childhood. As an international art collector and president of a museum in naples (fondazionemorragreco.com), he developed a close relationship with these beautiful animals, which have written history like no other and are now experiencing a renaissance across continents. In 2015, he founded his Arabian stud Al MurAd STud on an ancient farm in Apulia. His project, the breeding of pure Egyptian Arabians, was not a business model, but rather a cultural contribution to the preservation and development of Arabian horses. Morra Greco is not only interested in the horses, but also in the emotions that they trigger or that are associated with them. In this respect, his stud farm is also a place of reflection and retreat. However, the necessary stud management, selection, breeding decisions and presentation are a reflection of today’s highly complex society between reproductive technology, globalisation and digital agriculture. All of this inevitably leads to the professionalisation of what was previously a romantic hobby. As a result, Maurizio Morra Greco decided to entrust his broodmares to the TrE BAlzAnE STud farm in umbria. Straight Egyptians are special breed within the breed of the Arabian horses. Al MurAd STud aims to breed beautiful Straight Egyptians of historical value in a natural environment. Arabian horses that not only carry a long history through their genetic pool, but whose cultural heritage is combined with the demands n oor a l Murad ( jamil al r ayyan x insha Safrahna)
of form and function, the objectives of today’s Arabian breeding for showing and riding. In breeding Straight Egyptian horses, the aim is mainly to maintain and to improve original bloodlines, horses with all their Arabian noblesse, their charm, type, elegance and their peopleoriented character.
In order to buy a group of selected mares and fillies for the foundation of his breeding programme, Maurizio Morra Greco visited the countries of origin and finally imported horses from Europe. Straight Egyptian mares came from the El Thay, Al Qusar, Ponath and TrE BAlzAnE STudS. By using the stallions Ansata nile Echo and Jamil Al rayyan, he was soon successful. His beautiful stallion Mansour Al Murad covered the first mares born at the stud this year. Successful breeding is a great challenge nowadays and success will only be achieved if not only economic interests but also ethical ones regarding the horses are taken into account. With this in mind, Al MurAd STud is well on the way to success.
n ayla a l Murad
( jamil al r ayyan x insha Safrahna)
i n S ha Safrahna and her filly n oor a l Murad by jamil al r ayyan
S our a l Murad
Man
(ansata nile echo x Maysouna halima by Maysoun) • Desert Heritage
n ajya a l Murad
(Mansour al Murad x el Thay k aya by Mashour halim)
r adalidaa
(Classic r ashman x Bint Classic alia)
Desert Heritage Magazine • 23
d hakira h ali Ma (Baqir al Safi x dB isis by hawi)
Zahaara a l Murad
(nabeel al r ayyan x Maysouna halima by Maysoun)
• Desert Heritage Magazine
Mayfou S a (el Thay Mahfouz x Maysouna halima by Maysoun)
Mufajaa a l Murad
(nabeel al r ayyan x r adalidaa by Classic r ashman)
Desert Heritage Magazine • 25
MANSOUR AL MURAD
* 2017, iTaly
an S aTa nile e C ho
an S aTa heja Z i
an S aTa hali M S hah
an S aTa S udarra
P rin C e fa M onie T
an S aTa W hi T e nile
MayS oun
MayS ouna hali Ma
M oufi S a al kidir
n ajya a l Murad (Mansour al Murad x el Thay k aya by Mashour halim)
an S aTa nile G if T
an S aTa hali M S hah
MayS ouna
al kidir
M oufi S a hali Ma
FA Medu Neter x Jabirah Al Qusar
Jamaal Al Ciaffar
Naseem Al Rashediah x Jalisa Al Qusar
by Jennifer
Jamil Al Rayyan x Jalisa Al Qusar
Badr Al Rayyan x Mirah Al Qusar
photos
Ogden
Quality and tre balZane stud
We do not do embryo transfer. All our foals are A-foals, which means, they are carried by the genetic mother in utero. Until they are weaned at almost 6 months, they spend their days in green pastures as part of a herd. They are unique and have a unique pedigree.
Egyptian amEnE (Fa Medu Neter x Egyptian Asinah by Ansata Sinan) and filly tB amani by Badr Al Rayyan. * April 2024. Siglawi Jedran Ibn Sudan strain.
www.straightegyptians.it
gH Badra (Mudassir B Mehamam x GH Baya by Khalif El Assuad) and tB BaHiyaa, black filly by TB Yasir. *March 2024. Koheilan Rodan strain.
All horses in our stud were photographed unclipped and without make-up. All photos correspond to the original picture. Nevertheless, we are pleased when interested breeders come to visit our horses and see them for themselves, because “beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder” (E. Kant).
TRE BALZANE STUD
MONIKA SAVIER
06044 Castel ritaldi, Umbria - itaLy e-mail: savier@arabi-egiziani.it Phone: +39 335 5235135
Prof. Dr.
In Memoriam Siegfried Paufler
1928 - 2024
n by Judith Wenning
Over the last few decades, I have met many very different people through Arabian horses. One of the most pleasant ones I have had the chance of talking to were certainly Mr. and Mrs. Paufler, whom I first met at a show in Qatar around 20 years ago. We got on very well straight away and talked regularly at events and on the phone. A few years later, when my first filly by Al Adeed Al Shaqab was born at my stud farm Orienta Arabians, the Pauflers - both of whom were approaching 80 at that time - made it a point to get in the car as soon as possible and drive the not really short distance from Lower Saxony to Bavaria to take a look. A wonderful afternoon followed during which the two told numerous stories from the good old days of Arabian horse breeding.
You don’t find people like the Pauflers very often. Straightforward and down to earth, with great expertise and an unerring instinct for horses, yet modest and a close-knit team in every situation. Sadly, Ruth Paufler passed away a few years ago, followed now by her husband. On February 21 of this year, Prof. Dr. Siegfried Paufler, honorary member of the German Arab Horse Society VZAP, passed away just a few days before his 96th birthday.
The Pauflers managed an unusual feat: they bought just one Arabian horse - the mare Madinah - in their breeding career and built their world-class breeding program on it.
As Honorary President of the Pyramid Society Europe, Prof. Dr. Siegfried Paufler took over the fate of the society in the 1990s after the passing of the first President Günter W. Seidlitz. Under Paufler’s aegis, the Egyptian Event Europe flourished again and found a new venue, usually in conjunction with ECAHO shows on the Kauber Platte with the support of the Buschfort family. During this time, two new volumes of the book PSE Almanach were published on Prof. Dr. Siegfried Paufler’s initiative.
Prof. Dr. Siegfried Paufler was born on February 26, 1928 in Bischofswerda (East Saxony) and grew up on his parents’ large estate. After the war, he moved to the West, studied veterinary medicine in Hanover and completed his doctorate in 1955 on artificial insemination in horses. Until his retirement in 1993, he was active in research and education at the University of Göttingen and established a reputation far beyond Germany’s borders with numerous
Prof. Dr. Siegfried Paufler.
scientific publications. This also applies to his work as an Arabian horse breeder. Prof. Dr. Paufler was a prime example of what a small breeder can achieve with the right foundation mare.
When I spoke to Prof. Dr. Paufler years ago about his childhood, he recalled: “I often had to deal with horses on my parents’ estate in East Germany, but of course they were always warmbloods. The war kept everything within narrow limits. After leaving school, I immediately went to the West because I was told that the
son of a big farmer would never get a place at university in East Germany. My school friend was already in the West and I went straight to him in Munich. I got a job as a groom and rider at the state-owned Isarland stables in Munich Riem, on the racecourse. Feeding, grooming and riding was now my job. After a year, I moved to a trotting stud because I wanted to learn about breeding horses. After two years working with horses, I finally got a place to study at the veterinary college in Hanover. That was my big goal for the time being. It was a tough
Prof. Dr. Paufler loved to attend Arabian horse shows.
Photo Doris Melzer.
Prof. Dr. Paufler and his unique foundation mare Madinah. Photo taken at the show in Aachen in 1980. Photo private.
Siegfried Paufler
time at university, as I had very little money to spare and had to work alongside my studies to survive. I passed all my exams and became a veterinarian in February 1955, graduating as Dr. vet. In the meantime, I met my wife Ruth and we got married.”
With a sideways glance at his wife Ruth, he continued in his pleasant, calm manner: “We moved to Rinteln, my wife’s home town, and I worked as a veterinary trainee, as a practice representative and at an insemination station. I also substituted twice in Göttingen. When the owner of the practice was asked by the director of the university’s veterinary institute for an employee, he suggested me as a good choice. I was asked by the director for an interview and was immediately hired as head of the veterinary clinic and the insemination station for all domestic animals. That was the start of my career and I worked extremely hard. After three years, I was also involved in the lectures at the university. In June 1963 my boss asked me if I could take on a research fellowship in the US at Cornell University - of course I immediately said yes. In the fall of 1963, the whole family - we now had three children - went to Ithaca, New York. American life was
very good for the whole family, life was international. After the first year, I had a vacation and we drove with the family all over the country, from east to west, then through California and back east again. We visited many horse breeders and universities. The next year we traveled to Florida in the same way. We got to know Arabians horses and thoroughbreds and were thrilled.
In the fall of 1965, we returned to Germany by ship and lived in Göttingen again. I continued my research intensively in Göttingen and was able to habilitate in 1968. I then became a professor and then a university professor.”
When asked how exactly they started breeding Arabians, Prof. Dr. Paufler replied: “Every time we went on vacation, we visited a stud farm on the way there or back. One day my wife Ruth said that she would like to have a riding horse. We hardly had any money, so we drove to the Dill stud farm in Herzberg and bought a riding horse. A box was set up in the workroom and we started riding. Of course, this led very quickly to a second horse, as single horse keeping was not good for the animal and
Prof. Dr. Paufler was a member of the German Stallion Licensing Committee for many years. Photo private.
Prof. Dr. Siegfried Paufler, photo private.
there was no second rider to accompany my wife. Both horses were now stabled with a local farmer. Now my wife and I could ride out together. The second horse was an Anglo Arabian with some temperament that gave Ruth a lot of pleasure. In Gieboldehausen, very close to Göttingen, the annual Arabian horse show took place, which we of course attended with great interest. As a result, we visited one or two Arabian horse farms on every vacation trip. On our way back from Austria, we asked to visit Dr. Tauschke’s stud farm who lived in Bad Heilbrunn at that time. That was in June 1978. We were thrilled with the filly Madinah by Ibn Galal out of Mona II and immediately bought her the next day during a phone call with Dr. Tauschke and picked her up a little later. By chance, we had now slipped into the breeding direction of straight Egyptian Arabians. Of course, we were very interested in this subject, as these horses were still very rare in Germany at that time. Well, we had time because Madinah had to be raised first. At
the same time, we sold the horses we already had. With Madinah, we had set ourselves the goal of continuing to breed in this direction. In our little free time, we continued to visit many stud farms and were particularly interested in the breeding stallions.
As it was impossible to talk about the successes of all the horses bred by the Pauflers, he limited himself to a few that particularly stuck in his mind. He recalled: “Madinah developed excellently, the first breeding took us to Dr. Nagel’s stud and she was covered by Mohafez in 1981. The resulting stallion foal El Moniet was bought by the Dr. Bahlmann family as a foal and was Mrs. Bahlmann’s favourite from the very beginning. He developed into a premium stallion and stallion performance test winner.
The second foal, a filly by Kaisoon, was sold as a foal to Dr. Yoyner in the USA. Both foals were of good
Imperial Madheen as a matured stallion – the epitome of type.
Photo Rik van Lent jr.
Siegfried Paufler
Imperial Madheen bronze by the American artist Karen Kasper. Photo private.
Imperial Madheen as a colt in 1984. Photo private.
quality and were highly prized. Madinah proved to be an uncomplicated broodmare. Because of our breeding activities, we extended our stable to three boxes and rented a nearby pasture. So, everything went well, also because we now had some money for it. Our enjoyment of breeding was unstoppable. Madinah’s purchase had proved to be a great success. We joined the breeding association, attended all the Arabian horse events that were available and I got involved in the association’s foal registrations. In breeding, we of course stayed with the straight Egyptians. At the third choice for the covering of Madinah we now had a direct hit. We decided on the stallion Messaoud by Madkour out of Maymoonah, owned by Erika Rudolph, as her next partner. The stallion Madhin was born in May 1983. He was super! At the show in Gieboldehausen he became Junior Champion at the age of four months. It had never happened before that a foal became champion. But all three judges agreed that he was an outstanding foal.
Mathea-M (Maysoun x Mesoudah). Photo Escher.
The very typey Mathea-M on the pasture. Photo private.
Siegfried Paufler
He was raised by us for another year and then went to Imperial Stud in the USA where he was given the new name Imperial Madheen. He developed very well and won several smaller championships. When he was in quarantine for the World Championships in Paris, the stallion unfortunately suffered a severe injury to one of his testicles. This led to his exclusion from all breeding shows, which was a hard blow. But his breeding results - fortunately he could continue to be used for breedingwere so good that he was used a lot in the USA and also in Canada. Eventually he was bought by a Canadian stud farm because there was now a lot of offspring from him at Imperial. After three years in Canada, Count Federico Zichy-Thyssen bought him for a large sum for his stud in Argentina.
Madinah and one of her influential offspring.
Photo Escher.
From the Pauflers’ private photo album: Madinah in 1979.
The Multi Champion Maydan Madheen.
Photo Melanie Groger.
Maydan Madheen was crowned Supreme Champion at the Asil World Cup in 2000. Photo private.
Siegfried Paufler
He stayed in Arizona temporarily, as the artist Karen Kasper was to create a bronze statue of him. Then he went to Argentina, where he was able to enjoy a wonderful, free life. The owner Count Federico ZichyThyssen often rode him. I checked - according to an extract from the breeding register, Imperial Madheen sired several hundred offspring in Argentina alone. Then the Egyptian breeder Omar Sakr took him to his heart and wanted to buy Imperial Madheen as well as his son Imperial Madori for the breeders in Egypt to refresh the breed. And he succeeded. Both traveled to the origin of the pure Egyptians. Not all Egyptians were in agreement with this, as no stallion from abroad had ever been used before. However, Omar Sakr was not swayed and the fantastic offspring in Egypt speaks for itself.”
Imperial Madheen’s worldwide influence was and is extreme. Marion Richmond bought the Madheen son Imperial Madaar for her “Simeon Stud” in Australia. He became Australian National Champion, several times East Coast Champion and Victorian Classic Supreme Champion. In addition, he left behind outstanding
progeny. The King of Morocco was enthusiastic about Imperial Madheen and bought several Madheen sons: one of them, the black Imperial Mashhar, born in 1992, won the title of World Junior Champion in Paris for his Royal Stud Bouznika.
In Egypt, of course, the Imperial Madheen granddaughter Gelgelah Albadeia, bred by Dr. Nasr Marei, Albadeia Stud, who became World Champion Mare in Paris against the strongest competition, immediately comes to mind. One could go on for pages and pages about Madheen get who have produced outstanding offspring in the important studs in Qatar, USA and Canada. In the USA, Ansata Sokar (x Ansata Samantha) is just one example.
No wonder that Mr. and Mrs. Paufler repeated the same mating that produced Imperial Madheen – the combination was done five times. One of them was Madheen’s full sister, Mesoudah-M, was born, of whom the couple were very proud. She was later sold to Gestüt Preuß together with her son Maydan Madheen.
Mesoudah-M a full sister to Imperial Madheen. Photo Filsinger.
Unfortunately, this farm has now also become history after the death of its owner Horst Preuß. Multichampion stallion Maydan Madheen later went to the stud farm of Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, ruler of Sharjah.
Another very important stallion going back to of Prof. Paufler’s breeding program was Mishaal HP (Ansata Sinan x Mesoudah-M). He was first sold to the Preuß family who shortly after received an offer from Arabians Ltd. in the USA. Mishaal HP emigrated to the land of unlimited possibilities and covered many mares there in a very short time before his untimely death. He left amazing progeny.
In Germany, the black stallion Madallan-Madheen (Ansata El Salaam x Madinah), who was bought by Erwin and Annette Escher as a foal from the Paufler family, made a name for himself and became a founding pillar for their breeding program. His successful get can be found on all continents now.
Prof. Dr. Paufler ended our conversation with the following words: “I think that this was about the most important part of our stud farm. My wife and I have always enjoyed being with the horses and have had a lot of fun with our straight Egyptians.” modestly he added: “Madinah was our spark, that was just a stroke of luck.” q
From the Pauflers’ private photo album: Ruth Paufler enjoyed horses as much as her husband.
Ruth Paufler with two of her beloved dogs. Photo private.
The tradition to breed Straight Egyptians in Germany
The tradition to breed Straight Egyptians in German
By
The tradition to breed Straight Egyptians in Germany
AL QUSAR stud has been breeding Straight Egyptian Arabian horses for 20 years Many of the foals „made in Al Qusar“ have found their homes in the greatest studs of Europe and the Middle East, influencing international breeding AL QUSAR features a professional training center for show Arabians as well as vast pastures for foal rearing The stud is located in North Germany where the premises nestle in the rolling hills of the Lunenburg Heath area
AL QUSAR stud has been breeding Straight Egyptian Arabian horses for 20 years. Many of the foals „made in Al Qusar“ have found their homes in the greatest studs of Europe and the Middle East, influencing international breeding. AL QUSAR features a professional training center for show Arabians as well as vast pastures for foal rearing. The stud is located in North Germany where the premises nestle in the rolling hills of the Lunenburg Heath area.
“A breeder who strives for success needs to stay true to the
Badr al rayyan
(Fares Al Rayyan x Darine Al Rayyan) 2013
Monika Savier - Photos: Joanna Jonientz - Lay-out
By Monika Savier - Photos: Joanna Jonientz - Lay-out: Mario Brunetti
Rober t Schlereth, Nafisaa Al Qusar, Muneera Al Qusar and Volker Wettengl
Robert Schlereth, Nafisaa Al Qusar, Muneera Al Qusar and Volker Wettengl.
ANSATA HEJAZI 1992
FARES AL RAYYAN 2005
ANSATA HALIM SHAH 1980
ANSATA SUDARRA 1982
PRINCE FA MONIET 1981
G SHAFARIA 1992
ASHHAL AL RAYYAN 1996
DARINE AL RAYYAN 2002
AISHA 1985
SAFIR 1991
ANSATA MAJESTA 1989
ANSATA HALIM SHAH 1980
ANSATA SHARIFA 1987 GHAZALA 1973
TB amani
(Badr Al Rayyan x Egyptian Amene) 2024
(Badr Al Rayyan x Myriya Al Qusar) 2022
(Badr Al Rayyan x Mirah Al Qusar) 2022
majah al Qusar
Bashir al Qusar
Pamira al Qusar
nadirah
(Majd Al Qusar x FA Nefilim) 2015
(NK Hafid Jamil x Paminaa Al Qusar) 2014
masarah al Qusar
(Nedschd Mansour x Mashahana Al Qusar) 2012
“A breeder who strives for success needs to stay true to the breeding concept he devised…“
Robert Schlereth
(FA Medu Neter x Nadirah El Shah)) 2010
majd al Qusar
NK HAFID JAMIL 1996
NK NADEER 2005
NK NADIRAH 2001
TEYMUR B 1994
AL QUSAR 2003
MAIDA BINT BINT MOHSSEN 1998
IBN NEJDY 1992
HELALA 1992
ADNAN 1989
NASHUA 1990
ASSAD 1984
214 IBN GALAL I 1979
EL THAY SHAH MABROUK 1990
KP BINT MOHSSEN 1989
MASHAHANA
How the Objectives of Arabian Horse Years, and what Opportunities are there
Dr Hans Nagel in
an interview with Monika
Savier, Desert
NK Hawa by NK Nasr El Dine and NK Alia • Desert Heritage
Breeding Have Changed in Recent there for a Turnaround?
Desert Heritage Magazine .
“If we want everything to remain as it is, everything must change”.
Tomasi di Lampedusa
IntervIew
Savier: Many see Arabian horse breeding, as we know it, is in danger. You are one of the most successful protagonists of western Arabian horse breeding and surely already have ideas and a strategy for a turnaround in breeding in order to keep these wonderful horses healthy and successful.
nagel: The man-made crises in the world, especially globalisation and climate change, have also impacted Arabian horse breeding. We should continue to breed, but we should be aware of this and our goals should also include ethical considerations regarding the horses.
It is said that if you want to achieve a certain goal, you should think in 3 steps.
1. you should have a clear definition of your goal
2. you must ask yourself if you can achieve it.
3. you must determine what you have to do to achieve it.
In applying this practical formula as a helpful guidance to Arabian breeding in our times, this would be the following result. 20 – 30 years before, in the 70s and 80s, people would say, “I wish to breed Polish Arabians or Arabians from Russia, others would prefer Egyptians.” In fact, it was easily possible to buy such horses. They were available in sufficient numbers and of good quality; there was enough experience and assistance from each existing stud working in these fields. Today, people would come up with a different question: the one would ask for Show Arabians, the other, how to breed traditional Arabians.
1. The show horse breeder’s goal would be, to breed an Arabian as a standard type determined by the ECAHO Show Organization and as long as such Arabians
are WAHO approved, nobody would care about their historical background or to the fact that such horses belong to the traditional breeding stock as bred in Poland, Russia, Egypt or in the US. Polish Arabians or Russian having their own type, have nearly disappeared. Since there is absolutely no room any more for such considerations, only to match the standard Arabian type, remains as a goal. The management of such studs has decided, for whatever reasons at one time, to introduce several show stallions of other populations into their breeding stock. They promised a better chance, to be successful in the Arabian horse market.
Only the Egyptian population remained in principle as it was and any changes, which occurred in the course of time was due to selection or due to the preference for certain stallions originating from their own breeding population.
Other breeders worshiped the traditional Arabian, they liked to maintain the Arabian
El Zahraa Stud, Cairo, famous cradle of the Egyptian Arabians
DNA results have revealed, that most of the present Arabian racehorses are strongly mixed with these fast English Thoroughbred horses in a ratio of 15 – 65 %.
horse as it was bred in history, as an original. The nomination “classical” or “authentic” would describe such a preference. Consequently, two different goals are existing at this time and the directions to go for each one are very clear.
For the reason of good order, great efforts to breed Arabians for performance should be mentioned. It is well-known, that the Arabians bred for long-distance riding have proven, that they are nearly unbeatable in this discipline. This ability of endurance is one of the greatest highlights in the Arabian breed. No other horse breed is equal to them.
Savier: What does the future hold for Arabian racehorses?
nagel: However, in the racing field Arabians have great competition. The English Thoroughbred is, by all means, the uncontested horse breed in this discipline:
a great temptation! In fact, the DNA results have revealed, that most of the present Arabian racehorses, mainly those in the Gulf area, are strongly mixed with these fast English Thoroughbred horses in a ratio of 15 – 65 %.
It is a vital obligation for the future, to approach these new findings with the necessary diligence, to keep the integrity of the Arabian horse in place.
Savier: What about the 2nd step in terms of opportunities and skills?
nagel: The second question concerning ability is easy to answer. It is yes. There are already many breeders, who bred into the one or the other direction very successfully, breeders which have proven, that their effort was worthwhile. In major horse shows Arabians are presented, which have all received the same high score and they are
identical to the required standard. This is clear proof for the fact, that certain breeders were able to reach what they wanted to achieve. Also concerning traditional breeding, very beautiful Arabians of best traditional type are found in many studs worldwide. However, such success could be mostly attributed to such breeders, who work with Egyptian blood lines. All the other horses which remained from the mentioned traditional former breeders, like Polish or Russian, have great difficulty to reach the requirements, which are needed to bring forward the traditional look and features.
Savier: And the third step? How should it be realised?
nagel: The third question focuses on what needs to be done to achieve the goal and what methods should be used.
A breeder for Show Horses looks for the fastest and the most efficient way to breed the perfect
Show Horse. There is no doubt, he must breed his mare to the best stallion. One which already has a reliable record as a Show Horse producer. Some stallions are wellknown and breeders use them intensively. The shipping of frozen semen, embryo transfer and sales make these stallions internationally available everywhere. No doubt at all, to improve the foal quality, stallions play the greatest role. In addition, two facts should be considered as well: It would be advisable to look at the dam side. Some stallions produce better with certain mares or with mares belonging to a certain family; and, the formula, that stallions give a good result, if they match with a sire of the brood mare, is a promising procedure.
Savier: How important is the influence of the mares?
nagel: A breeder, who has the traditional
Victor Adam, Les chevaux des écuries du Roi,1843
Arabian in mind, would think and act differently. He looks at the mare side. This is his priority. However, he is also confronted with the question of improvement, but he would concentrate again to improve his brood mares. These mares are the ones, which carry the treasure of the past and the future within them. Still, he wants horses of the best Arabian type; maybe they need a better head, a longer neck, a shorter back, a good tail-carriage or a correction in their body size. No doubt stallions are needed to bring such new features into a population, but each population or each mare needs most possibly different corrections and therefore different stallions should be chosen. A breeder who already has a good brood mare group, would not choose a stallion, who is too dominant and would change the whole type. Since only one or a few features have to be improved, he would look for a stallion
that would be helpful only in this respect. The owner of an Arabian stud aiming to breed traditional Arabians, has to make sure that he has solid brood mares in type and productivity, since they guarantee perfect breeding results in the future.
Savier: Even for the Bedouins, the mares were more important than the stallions for various reasons.
nagel: The Bedouin breeders in history recorded their Arabians according to their origin of the mother line. All the genealogy of the Arabians in the past is built on this principle. Their goal was to guard the Arabians as authentic and they considered this the best formula. Their goal was to keep their herds free from any outside influence. This was their highest requirement. They were proud of their horses and watched with great jealousy that their own breeding
NK Amal El Dine by NK Nizam x NK Abla
stock was kept solidly clean and this should reach far back into the past.
Savier: The famous Katharinenhof experiment is based on 3 mare lines. Using your farm as an example, can you explain your breeding approach with your mares, their role and importance?
nagel: How strong and potential a female line can be, may be demonstrated at the Katharinenhof Stud. For nearly 40 years, the present mares of the stud are the offspring of three female lines. All these mares are somehow related to each other. Some more, some less; however, even after five to six generations, each female line shows its own characteristics and even when some of them look a bit different, in the next generations the original type will show up again.
Savier: Which stallion currently has the most important influence at the stud?
nagel: One of the chief stallions in the stud is at present NK Nabhan. An elegant stallion, belonging to Katharinenhof’s Hadban family of good type and of solid bay colour. He was stationed several times as a breeding stallion in Kuwait and left many offspring of highly appreciated qualities. Some became valuable brood mares and others became successful in major shows in the Gulf area. Many of these Arabians looked like him or were very similar, no doubt he was their sire. At NK Nabhan’s home, at Katharinenhof, the situation is different. He has to deal with a well-bred and settled mare population. Six daughters, offspring of the 3 existing families, are living at Katharinenhof. Each female family is very strong and developed a high degree of homozygosity in the course of time. It is difficult to overrule such status. Not one has a great similarity to their sire NK Nabhan. His influence appears however, in several areas. He improved the necks, the croup,
the hind quarters, and he lifted them up due to longer legs. He disturbed nothing; all appreciated features of the mares are still as they usually are: their short broader head, their high tail-carriage, their good shoulder, their powerful movement and their fine behaviour.
Savier: Would you say that your horses are close to the original Arabian? Or where is the influence of the original Arabian on breeding?
nagel: That is a question that keeps people busy and preoccupies their minds since the Arabian horse entered western society from its Arabian homeland, 200 years ago. It concentrates on the question, which is the typical authentic “desert” Arabian and which population - the one in the north of the Arab countries or the one, which lived in the Arabian Peninsula - has a greater chance to be the original? Or is there more than one original which deserves to carry this title?
Savier: Are there any criteria to answer this question?
nagel: Yes, there are a few points of reference. Some early travellers to the Arab countries in the 19th century have described this, for them surprising, unknown horse. Lady Blunt and William Gifford Palgrave made very clear descriptions about what they had seen. Arabians imported into Europe at the end of the 19th century, have been painted by capable artists as Victor Adam and Charles Vernet, the most prominent ones. Today the question arises: “Is the DNA method helpful in this argument and can it contribute to clarify what is authentic and what is imagination?” One fact is clear - a pedigree, however far it may be extended into the past, even 200 years - is a very poor source to answer this complex subject. For some researchers it was the only tool on which they based all their findings, but it has become clear that this
The photos show some daughters of NK Nabhan; they are part of the present brood mare group.
NK Lamya by NK Nabhan x NK Lubna
NK Nay by NK Nabhan x NK Nawal
NK Amsha by NK Nabhan x NK Abla
NK Naala by NK Nabhan x NK Nadirah
Desert Heritage Magazine • 85
method was too simple. A complex subject needs a complex answer.
Possibly one will never be able to find a clear and easy definition for the traditional Arabian, as the one which exists in Show Horse breeding. Maybe this might be even a positive aspect, because it keeps the discussion about the true history of the Arabian breed attractive and alive.
Savier: Arabian horse shows, what is their real purpose?
nagel: To show Arabian horses to the public, has a long tradition. One should mention that Arabians were already shown at the end of the 19th century at the World Exhibition in Paris. In 1930 the famous Crabbet Park Stud in England invited the high society of London to their stud, and this meeting was considered a highlight in England’s horse world. The Americans arranged major shows in the 1940s and 50s in California.
They became so attractive and well-known that even the Royal Family of Saudi Arabia sent some of their members to attend these events.
In the 60s and 70s horse shows in America reached their highest reputation. These horse shows were designed to present the versatility of the Arabian horses. They were shown in halter classes, in riding shows, such as western, English pleasure or costume style and winners of endurance and flat races were also honoured on such occasions. The Arabian horse was considered as one of the spectacular breeds.
In the 70s and 80s the show idea swapped from the US over to Europe. But it remained only the halter class, which would settle properly and solidly, the other disciplines were ignored. For many years the 3 big shows at Paris, at Aachen and the ECAHO-Show in Verona attracted thousands of people every year. Later in the 20th century, around 1990, the first Arabian horse show happened to be in
NK Nawaal by NK Nabhan x NK Nasli
NK Amsha by NK Nabhan x NK Abla Desert
NK Nabhan by NK Nadeer x NK Nerham, leading sire at Katharinenhof
NK Nabhan
the Gulf, in Qatar. It was organized from A –Z by the German Arab Horse Society on the initiative of Sheik Abdul Aziz Al Thani. It was a great success; everything went according to programme. The following ones were then handed over to the ECAHO and soon many others followed: shows in the Emirates, in Saudia Arabia and finally in all Arab countries. To show Arabians and evaluate them according to the ECAHO standard, became for everybody the most practical method of judging. Until then prizes were given to show winners as trophies or as titles, but gradually prize money became the method to award breeders for their success. By the time, horse shows as mentioned above, changed into the field of professional events, Arabians became highly valued objects. Show champions were sold and traded at high prices never seen before. All possible efforts were made to produce Arabian horses to such a high category. Regrettably, some of the big shows got the ‘smell’ that there is too much money on the table, but there is also a lot of money under the table. In spite of all: shows go on.
Savier: With all these developments, many
breeders are wondering where it is going. nagel: Quo vadis? It is obvious that the cultural traditions got lost in these shows. They are long forgotten and covered under the dust of the past. Commercial and business aspects are holding present shows strongly in their grip. This spectacular modern type of show is one side of the story and the other side, the remains of the cultural and ethical aspects, which were previously well-considered in the presentation of Arabian horses. Passion for the Arabian horse was and remains the strongest driving force, to show Arabians in all their beauty, the greatest reward for any breeder. To show Arabians in Open House events, offers a perfect occasion to share the interest and the dedication for the Arabian horse with other breeders, to exchange knowledge and experience in an easy and friendly atmosphere.
Both events, the one arranged as a spectacular, professional, and profit-orientated event and the other organized by private initiative, contribute to the fact that the Arabian breed stays in the focus of the public.
However, there remains a responsibility to make sure that the oldest horse breed in the world will keep its dignity.
Dr. Hans-Joachim nagel has had a long commitment to the Arabian horse community, besides his very busy life as an international business man. For 22 years, in the 1980s and 90s, he acted as a chairman of the VZAP (German Arabian Horse Society) and in this time, the establishment of the All-Nations Cup in Aachen took place. For 30 years as its chairman, he built up and took care of the high reputation this international show enjoys. Finally, he was chosen as a Vice President of WAHO (World Arabian Horse Organization) and later became its President. He gave up this obligation after 11 years of service and preferred, as an 80-year-old man, to look after his Arabian horses at his stud Katharinenhof in Germany. Today, he continues to breed a very fine type of Egyptian Arabians, which are known under the name “NK Arabians”. Dr. Nagel is a very scientifically orientated person; he has published a comprehensive book about Arabian horse breeding under the title “The Arabian Horse – Natures’ creation and the art of breeding”.
Dr. Hans Nagel and Dr. Ameen Zaher, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Cairo, in front of the El Zahraa Stud office in the 70thees.
NO FEAR OF BEAUTY
With JENNiFER OgdEN around EUROpE
By Monika Savier
NK Amal El Dine (NK Nizam x NK Abla)
A picture can say more than 1000 words (Chinese proverb)
Thetrainer runs into the pasture with the freshly washed mare at hand, behind him 2 helpers with plastic bags that make a lot of noise. The mare opens her eyes in fear and doesn’t know whether she should follow her flight instinct and run away or make a sliding stop. Fifty metres away in the meadow, Jennifer sits with a huge camera in her arms and waves her hand to stop the grooms. A quick consultation with the trainer, and we start again. The mare is slowly led up the hill. She looks interested and waits to see what comes next. A groom comes from the side and opens an umbrella. The mare stretches her neck, opens her eyes and nostrils, snorts and strains her ears forward to see what kind of animal is keeping watch in front of her. The camera makes 20 pictures per second and after 5 seconds the scene is in the can. Jennifer calls out afterwards: “Close the umbrella again, because the pressure should be brief and surprising, otherwise she will get used to it and won’t look at it next time”.
The grooms are surprised at the concentrated calm. No wild flight gallops which, with a bit of luck, eventually turn into a floating trot. They just have to let the horses go.
The photo shoot with Jennifer Ogden is like that, and the results are some beautiful pictures. You could recognise the personality of the horses in them, showing their calm and coolness. Jennifer has an enormous amount of experience with horses and knows exactly how horses react. She has her own personal view of horses and has spent years in d oha refining her style and method. On her European tour, for which she travelled from d oha, Jennifer Ogden visited studs in Napoli, Umbria, Tuscany, the Czech Republic and several breeders in g ermany. The results were impressive. Some were taken on grey days “that’s good, so the horses open their eyes wide”, some even in the rain “no problem, the light can be switched on by post-processing”.
Many of her pictures told a little story.
Some appear aestheticized through postprocessing. She conveys a three-dimensional beauty through the targeted use of light. But from a graphic point of view, not a hair of the horse is touched, no alteration of type or conformation.
When it comes to beauty in the show world, the horses usually have to endure elaborate procedures, including clipping and oiling. Stand-ups and other scenes on the cat-walk of the Arabian shows or create additional stress.
Wouldn’t it make much more sense to leave the horses at home and have them photographed naturally by a good photographer, post-processing included, because magical light doesn’t hurt the horses? The pics might be a teaser to invite breeders to visit the farm.
Jennifer says she wants the results of her photographic work to do good for the horses and their owners. A flat, unobtrusive picture may not be enough to achieve this.
DF Yalanda (DF Malik Jamil x AR Jashmak) and DF Yalina (DF Al Majeed x DF Yalanda). Birkhof Stud Germany
IntervIeW WItH AustrAlIAn pHotogrApHer JennIfer ogden And tHe cHAllenge of mAkIng good pHotos todAy.
Horses have always seemed to be the centre of your life. What was the trigger?
The Arabian horse has been a constant presence in my life, as a child, i would dream of the images from my horse books coming to life – their flowing manes and tails, flared nostrils, eyes wide-open, they were poetry in motion galloping through the corners of my mind. i would sketch and paint them from memory, constantly doodling on scraps of paper and school exercise books, with my art consumed by their beauty. When I was 14 my parents bought me my first Arabian mare, this marked the beginning of a profound love affair that would take me on
a journey spanning across the globe, following my unwavering passion for these magnificent creatures. That little mare also led to a breeding program spanning 45 years. Although it was an extremely successful program having bred national and international champions, it became obvious that my husband paul and i were collectors, and at one point we owned 80 horses. The horses were part of our family, and they had their own families, to separate them was heart breaking, but with the rising costs associated with the proper care and staff to run the farm, selling horses was a financial necessity, not something we ever wanted to do.
NK Nabhan by NK Nadeer x NK Nerham, leading sire at Katharinenhof
you were a successful breeder in Australia, today you are a successful photographer of Arabian horses, what happened? initially, i captured images and videos of our horses out of a sheer love and appreciation for their natural beauty and spirit which i loved to share on social media, i took immense joy in sharing these moments, not realizing the significant impact they would have, I soon understood it was a powerful marketing tool. The pictures stirred hearts and interest, and as a result we had many visitors to witness our horses firsthand. This unexpected turn of events not only brought joy but also financial stability. What started with sharing my own horse photos
eventually led to requests from other breeders around the world to photograph their horses, and these opportunities also provided financial support for our farm.
As my commitments grew, it became necessary to spend more time away from my family and horses than at home to sustain the farm's operation. Eventually, this led to the difficult decision to sell our farm and breeding program in 2023.
The straight Egyptian horse is my greatest love, so we chose to live permanently in Qatar. Not just for the work opportunities, but it is home to some of the best breeders in the world and is arguably the centre of the Arabian horse world.
Egyptian Amene and her filly TB Amani by Badr Al Rayyan. Tre Balzane Stud, Italy
the role of images in horse breeding has slowly changed. especially in the show world. What role do your pictures play for customers?
I find many people are quick to make judgement, and an unflattering photo can destroy a horse’s reputation, this is why it is imperative to select photos that are the best representative of the horse. To do this properly i believe one must know equine form to function, the breed standard, and even more importantly understand the horse’s mind. in the evolving landscape of horse breeding, particularly in the show world, the role of images has undergone a significant transformation, becoming
a vital tool for breeders and customers alike. good video and photos serve as powerful assets that play a crucial role in influencing customers' decisions and perceptions, potentially attracting a wider audience of prospective customers and setting their horses apart in a crowded marketplace. My job is to ensure i not only capture but select the best images to fit that purpose.
What do you try to express through your pictures?
My grandfather was a wonderful photographer i would spend many hours in the dark room learning his craft, and his influence clearly played a significant role in shaping my artistic
AA Hamama and AA Kazoozah both by AA Mahzous, Alassil Arabians, Germany
journey. i started with sketching and painting Arabian horses, and still do. i discovered that photography was a medium with which i could capture the spirit and energy of horses. Through my photography, i strive to convey a sense of beauty, grace, strength, and spirit that embodies the essence of these magnificent animals. i aim to capture a visual story that seeks to showcase the unique character and allure of the horse.
Furthermore, many of my photographs are a celebration of the bond between humans and horses, in essence, i endeavour to evoke emotion and spark imagination, to invite
viewers to appreciate the profound beauty and spirit of horses in all their forms. The aim is to create interest to make the viewer want to know and see more.
Is beauty the most important thing for you or is it the client’s need to perfect the beauty?
i believe that beauty in equine photography lies not only in the aesthetic appeal of the horse itself but also in the artistry and skill with which the images are captured. By creating visually stunning photographs that showcase the natural grace and charisma of the horse,
The huge eye of Jalisa Al Qusar, Al Ciaffar Arabians, Toscany, Italy
i aim to showcase its beauty in a way that resonates with viewers.
At the same time, I prioritize the specific needs and expectations of my clients, whether they are breeders, owners, trainers, or others involved in the equine industry. By understanding their objectives, preferences, and intended use of the photographs, i tailor my approach to ensure that the images i produce align with their vision and serve their purposes effectively.
It's also about a lot of money, because a beautiful horse is worth more, a stallion without perfect beauty doesn't get any
mares to cover. How do you select the pictures?
i must stress that all Arabian horses are beautiful or have something beautiful about them, it is the market perception of beauty that changes. i genuinely believe there is no such thing as a perfect horse, and there is no shame in not being perfect, this is why i always assess the horse i am photographing; this is where knowledge of form to function and the breed standard is paramount. i take note of its strengths and weaknesses to shoot them from angles that emphasize their strengths. in the selection process i prioritize images
El Thay Kateefa Al Sabah (El Thay Mahfouz x El Thay Khadija) with filly El Thay Kholoud Al Sabah by NK Laziz. El Thayeba Arabians, Germany
that highlight the unique individual qualities that evoke emotion, showcasing its strength, athleticism, and beauty.
As a photographer and artist, what do you think of the preparation of horses for the show ring with the use of heavy black make-up?
i am not a fan of the "panda eye" look. it is believed that using black makeup around the eyes and extending to the muzzle can create the illusion of larger eyes and smaller muzzles, even a dishier head. I find that it actually has the opposite effect, especially when viewed through a camera lens, it makes the eyes almost disappear, creating an unnatural look. On the other hand, a dark eye with a lighter contrast around, it tends to appear larger. I find that excessive makeup and razoring can harshen their expressions, detracting from the natural soft and expressive beauty of the Arabian horse. While i have used makeup in my photo shoots, i strongly advocate for a more minimalist approach. I find that simplicity is key, and i prefer to use makeup sparingly to enhance rather than mask the horse's features. in my experience, instead of applying oil around the muzzle, i opt to apply it inside the nostrils and around the edges to define and open up the nostrils, creating a more prominent and natural look. A subtle application of oil along the bottom waterline of the eye can also be effective if needed.
camera technology has improved enormously in recent years. What advantage does a photographer with a mega modern digital camera have over an owner who takes pictures of his horse with a mobile phone? Who took more honest picture? The advancements in camera technology have
indeed revolutionized the field of photography. photographers with high-end digital cameras have several key advantages over owners using mobile phones when photographing horses: There is no comparison with image quality, and the post processing capabilities are limited with the phone camera. While the owner using a mobile phone may capture spontaneous moments and candid shots, with equine photography the focal length of the lens will affect the perspective, the best example is to stand next to the horse
Najya Al Murad and Nayla Al Murad, Al Murad Stud, Italy
and look at it through your phone camera and compare what you see in front of your face, with camera phone the perspective will always be distorted. The only way to partially counteract this problem is to shoot horses from a distance, and then the detail is lost.
The competition is fierce, sometimes there are more photographers than horses in and around the ring. those who stand out with their pictures are often accused of unauthorised image editing. How can you
defend yourself against this?
Having been so fortunate to photograph some of the most beautiful horses from around the world, and in the last 14 years in Qatar where many of the best breeders and horses are, i have had to deal with organised disinformation about my work, i feel it is not just envy towards my success but possibly indirect criticism of the dominance of extremely successful breeders having bred some outstanding individuals. i know some other colleagues feel the same way believing success and recognition is often
thwarted by false claims. The false accusations are extremely hurtful with my main worry for my client’s integrity; to weather these storms of doubt i embrace transparency, illuminating the process behind the art to dispel misconceptions and build trust. Whenever possible i include my clients in the editing process and let them view the original images. i believe sharing insights into my techniques and creative choices can invite viewers into the world behind the lens, fostering understanding and appreciation for my craft.
By staying true to my vision, i always embrace constructive feedback, and do my best to foster a sense of community within the photography world, i believe this way one can rise above
any accusations and continue to capture the beauty, power, and grace of the horse with unwavering passion and professionalism.
Apart from the possibilities offered by photoshop, how else can you optimise an image? What about the way you photograph and the selection?
photography transcends mere technical prowess, while technical skills are crucial, and made easier with high quality cameras and lens they pale in comparison to the emotional depth conveyed in one's work, this is why i love to tell a story in my photography, to evoke emotion, it is quite difficult to explain how this is achieved, i understand many photographers
Raziz Al Danat, standing at Giacomo Capacci Arabians, Italy
plan it all in detail creating story boards days before the shoot, however i am a visual person, this is my way. it just comes to me when i am on the shoot or visit the location and often only when i see the horse in that location will the idea form. My husband paul always says i see the world with different eyes. it is possibly true, as i often see beauty where no one else does.
i do prefer shooting in low light, cloudy days are a dream come true for me, the glare of the sun makes the horses squint their eyes and therefore they look smaller. in lower light their eyes are wide open often extra wide due to the excitement of the shoot.
Through my experience, i've come to
understand that the careful use of light, camera angle and focal lengths play a pivotal role in the outcome of my images. i have discovered these 3 elements can significantly influence the various physical attributes of a horse, such as the length of the neck, the size of the ears, as well as the length of legs, body, and topline.
Just as in fine art, composition is everything, the precise positioning and orientation of the horse can give a striking visual effect. For instance, framing the horse's head in a threequarters profile with a slight reveal of the eye orbit and flared nostrils can accentuate a dished head appearance. The use of a 400mm fixed zoom lens, a full frame shot from a lower perspective can make the muzzle appear more
Badr Al Rayyan is standing al Al Qusar stud in Germany
refined, whilst shooting from an elevated position above shoulder height and at a closer range may make the muzzle appear heavier and the legs shorter.
Bearing all this in mind, as an equine photographer, my aim is to capture the essence of a three-dimensional living creature within the constraints of a two-dimensional image, mastering the interplay of light and angles is an art form in itself, in any single shoot the subject can look like 3 different horses, it is up to the photographer to select the images that are the best representation of the horse in real life. This is why i love to put my hands on the horses to feel their faces and imprint their
image in my brain.
it is also important the horse is happy, i cannot stress this enough, high emotions do not belong on a shoot, i like my team to be happy and relaxed as negative energy filters through to the horses. Capturing the essence of a horse goes beyond just clicking a camera, it entails a great deal of teamwork, involving the grooms, the handlers, the horses themselves, and finally, the photographer. If any link breaks, the impact will be evident in the end result.
the globalisation of horse breeding has almost completely digitalised the market. It's a world of images that you believe or not.
Ajradah AQ (Shaikh El Sherif x Orient Queen) Al Qurquf Arabians, Czech Republic
How do you see the future of photography, also in terms of AI?
i must admit i am extremely fearful of this technology, there are important considerations around ethics, authenticity, and creative control. As A i algorithms become more sophisticated in generating realistic images and manipulating visual content, there will be more questions around image manipulation, misinformation, and copyright infringement is a major concern. Also, there is a risk that photographers may become overly reliant on A i tools, potentially diminishing their own skills and creativity. Every photographer has their
own style, i fear this will be lost as the use of A i progresses. i believe it is essential for photographers to only use A i to fast process their work rather than as a substitute for their artistic vision and expertise.
A good photo is an ideal teaser. But clients want to see the movement and behaviour of the horses. you also make successful videos, when and for what purpose do clients need video clips? Are they technically beyond any suspicion of manipulation? imagine a video reel capturing your Arabian horse, its flowing mane and tail catching the sunlight as it moves with effortless grace across
Hilal Al Waab (Sinan Al Rayyan x Sharuby HP). Al Salem A. Stud, Abed Burqan.
the landscape. The backdrop of picturesque scenery, paired with carefully selected music that harmonizes with the horse's movements, creates a cinematic experience that is truly magical. For breeders and owners seeking to showcase the magnificence of their Arabian horses, a wellcrafted video serves a purpose for marketing, and a work of art that celebrates the nobility, beauty and mystique of the Arabian horse in motion that can become a treasured keepsake. While i acknowledge that Ai technology may advance to a point where such manipulations are feasible, i am not aware of any software that can easily manipulate a horse's conformation. i use Final Cut pro for editing, and as far as i know, these programs do not offer plugins that can alter conformation.
clients should visit studs again and get to know the horses personally to be able to judge a good picture, right? While videos and photos are useful tools for initial evaluation, visiting the horse in person provides a far better understanding of the horse's temperament, physical condition,
movement, and overall suitability, ultimately helping the client make a well-informed decision. Being surprised both positively and or negatively by the real-life presence of horses after only seeing them in videos, in my opinion further illustrates the limitations of judging based solely on digital media. Horses, like people, vary in their photogenic qualities and the presence they exude in real life may differ from what is perceived through a screen.
you recently did a photography tour in europe, what was your impression of the horses you saw and photographed.
i feel incredibly fortunate to have been invited to photograph for several Straight Egyptian breeders across Europe. The quality of the horses that i witnessed both at some smaller breeders’ farms along with the older breeders, exceeded my expectations, leaving me with a sense of positivity for the Straight Egyptian horse in Europe.
My passion for the Arabian horse and my photography has not only allowed me to capture memorable images but has also led to lasting friendships.
Jennifer Ogden is a renowned breeder of the Arabian horse, having bred national and international champions. She is also well known as a photographer, videographer, writer and graphic artist offering her services in not only photography and videography but also web and logo design, along with marketing, promotion and consultant work. Jennifer's professional journey includes graduating from the Sydney School of Arts in 1975 and serving as a Graphic Artist at News Limited, leading the Editorial Art Department until the mid1980s. As her and her husband Paul's breeding program, Eagleridge Arabian Farm, expanded, she pursued further education in Equine form to function, earning a degree in Equine Business Management and Equine Nutrition from Hawkesbury Agriculture College (now the University of Western Sydney). She offers specialized equine consultancy services encompassing areas such as Equine Nutrition, Horse Psychology, Barn Management, Breeding Selections, and more. From 2018 to 2022, Jennifer served as the horse breeding manager at the prestigious Al Waab farm. Currently residing in Qatar with her husband, she works as a freelance photographer. Her captivating photos have graced the covers of esteemed publications like Studs and Stallions, Tutto Arabi, Desert Heritage Magazine, Arabian Horse World, Arabian Horse Magazine, The Arabian Horse Magazine (UK), as well as many other publications worldwide.
QATAR’S BREEdERS TROUgH JENNiFER’S LENS
Al Nasser Stud
Al Hamama Stud Desert Heritage
Al Rayyan Farm
Al Naif Stud, Sheikh Nasser al Thani
Doha Stud
El Aliya Stud, Sheikh Meshal Al Thani
SA Arabians, Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulaziz Al Thani with SA Noof
Al Shaqab
SHARING THE DREAM
by Judith Forbis
photo by Diana Cantey
“AS TIME GOES BY”
Flying home from the Arabian Gulf on Qatar Airways last year, I searched the movie list and found the beloved classic film Casablanca. This love story, set in Morocco during WWII, brought back poignant memories of growing up when "the greatest generation" won that war and ushered in a new era for the United States - and the world. Watching this film once again, words of the song As Time Goes By reminded me that more than ever in life and in breeding Arabian horses "the fundamental things applyas time goes by!"
Strangely enough a few months later I received an invitation from Youcef Laghzal, President of the Pyramid Society Morocco, to speak about breeding Straight Egyptian Arabians at their forthcoming Breeders Forum. I've traveled the globe lecturing and judging for decades and my friends keep telling me it's time to say "no" to invitations. However, Youcef convincingly mentioned there were many enthusiastic newcomers who needed - and wanted - education from experienced breeders - rather than getting it off the internet willy-nilly. Indeed, it did seem fate to receive this request when the refrain from the movie was still dancing in my head: "Please come back to me in Casablanca”, and love of the Arabian horse, “on that you can rely, no matter what the future brings”
A Land of Horses
Morocco has a long history of Arabian horses tracing back to the 8th century AC when the warriors of Islam burst forth from the Arabian desert and the Arabian horse was king. Horses have always flourished in this land; however, during the last century there was very little breeding of Straight Egyptian Arabians except for those of HM King Hassan II who kept his valuable herd at the royal stud in Bouznika. Some had been imported from the Egyptian Agricultural Organization in Egypt, and others from Gleannloch, Imperial and Ansata in the USA. The current king, HM King Mohamed VI is also passionate about horses and was instrumental in founding the organization SOREC (Societe Royal d'Encouragement du Cheval), to promote horse breeding in
association with ARMECPSA (Association Royale Marocaine des Eleveurs des Chevaux pur Sang).
In this thriving atmosphere of enthusiasm and support for the horse, five years ago the Pyramid Society Morocco was formed to further the breeding and preservation of Straight Egyptian Arabians that had previously thrived in the country under HM King Hassan II. Furthermore, his son and heir, HM King Mohammed VI decreed that horse breeders should receive monetary assistance for food, and breeding expenses including a 50% subsidy of the price of imported frozen semen. Breeders also receive a substantial amount for each foal born. There are no taxes on horse sales, and registration papers, horse shows and many
other things relating to horse keeping are free. These incentives certainly encourage one have a horse farm in Morocco!
Coming Back to Casablanca
Contemplating the trip I wondered if the country had changed much since my husband Don and I had first been there in 1990 as guests of HM King Hassan II, and again in 1995 at the World Arabian Horse Organization Conference - both unforgettable experiences. Arriving in Casablanca with my long-time friend Jane Winegardner on April 18th, I learned that some things remained the same: Ricks Cafe, of Casablanca fame, still featured a piano player singing As Time Goes By, in Morocco "a kiss is still a kiss", the glorious Grand Mosque
Hassan II still beckons "come back to me in Casablanca", and love of the Arabian horse "on that you can rely, no matter what the future brings, as time goes by." However, the city among others we visited, had changed dramatically since we had visited nearly 30 years ago. So had the Arabian horse scene. Youcef and Nawfal Al Cherqui met us at the airport. For the next two hours we drove past endless landscapes of yellow rocks before reaching a magical oasis - the Laghzal's Koheilan Lodge - that was constructed of the same rocks we had been witnessing along the way. Set amidst a variety of lush plants and trees we felt right at home. Rescued cats and dogs happily greeted us throughout the day while some of the 20 resident peacocks took a note from - Casablanca, that "moonlight
and love songs are never out of date" as they serenaded us each night.
Youcef , his wife Lise, and their son Noam were wonderful hosts, and their Shahada Farm's Straight Egyptian breeding program of some 20 years reflected their love and dedication. The stables were immaculate
and the entire farm indicated their artistic talents had governed its planning. Their breeding program consisted of carefully selected mares and stallions, including their main stallion, Ajmal Sahaab, now 16 years old and a proven sire and grandsire for many Moroccan breeders.
In Love with Morocco
After two days of rest and delicious Moroccan cuisine prepared by the lodge's talented cook, we were driven to the opulent Mazagan Beach Resort to attend the Forum. Some 60 guests from USA, Germany, Switzerland, and France, as well as breeders from Morocco, had already gathered in the conference room . Youcef as President began the Forum by thanking HM King Mohammed VI for his continued support of the Arabian horse as well as other sponsors and breeders who made this event possible. Thereafter each speaker presented a unique program of interest to new and experienced breeders.
Judith Forbis spoke about Sharing the Dream - a short power point presentation of her life's journey with Arabian horses followed by In The Eye of the Beholder, a more detailed description of various breeding principles including the characteristics of certain families prominent in straight Egyptian Arabian bloodlines today.
Edouard Al Dahdah presented an informative lecture on Breeding and Conformation from the Past to the Present: A Reflection on Abbas Pasha's Breeding Program. A dedicated breeder of desertbred Arabians he discussed his book The Horses of Abbas Pasha and demonstrated where some of the Abbas Pasha bloodlines
are found in modern pedigrees and breeding programs.
Dr. Saria Almarzook discussed some of the proven aspects of equine genetics that are important to consider when selecting individuals for a breeding program. Of particular interest was her commentary on matrilinear lineage and coat color in Arabians.
Mr. Keri Wright, President of the Pyramid Society Foundation, explained the current merger between the Pyramid Society and the Pyramid Society Foundation, that the Society's original mission remains unchanged but now greater emphasis will be placed on education, history and research.
Copies of The Pyramid Society Studbook were also gifted by the Pyramid Society Foundation to the organizers of the Forum as well as a special copy to HM King Mohamed VI. Additionally, a rare copy of The Abbas Pasha Manuscript by Gulsun Sherif and Judith Forbis, along with Edouard Al Dahdah's recent The Arabian Horses of Abbas Pasha, were auctioned off to the highest bidder. Menara Stud proved the lucky winner and the money was donated to the Pyramid Society Morocco for use towards future educational activities. When the speakers had concluded everyone stepped outside to feast on a sumptuous array of Moroccan hors d'oeuvres. Several Arabian
horses were then presented in hand and under saddle ridden by colorfully costumed riders. All too soon the flickering shadows of eventide descended on the deep green lawn and brought this memorable evening to a close.
"You Must Remember This"
The line "You must remember this" - from the song As Time Goes By appropriately described everyone's memorable visits to several of the Arabian Stud Farms breeding Straight Egyptian Arabians: Mr. Mohamed Oumlazz's El Aaz Horse Farm, the Laghzal's Shahada Stud, (which included Mr. Nawfal Al Cherqui's horses until his new farm is completed), Mr. Youssef Manaf's Al Fawaress Arabians, and Mr. Karim Benlafkih and his son Mehdi Benlafkih's Menara Stud Farm.
The hospitality and elegant decor at each farm was straight out of Arabian Nightseach host proudly presenting their stallions, mares and foals and providing lunches and dinners with lavish servings of Moroccan cuisine and the customary fragrant mint tea. These visits were further testimony that more gatherings of this kind are needed worldwide - not to replace horse shows , but to enhance friendships, educate new breeders and bring the Arabian horse community closer together... "As Time Goes By".
A very special thanks to the many photographers who contributed images to this article: Diana Cantey, Nicole Sachs, Amine Finini, Nawfal Cherqui, Keri and Carolee Wright, Christoph and Thamar Gerbershagen, Dr. Saria Almarzook, Barbara Cole, and other Forum participants. (Note: Morocco - A Country of Horses by Monika Savier, is an excellent reference article and can be found in the 2015 Straight Egyptian Arabians issue of Desert Heritage).
bought in Europe long ago, have made to the Straight Egyptian breeding in Morocco. It was also a pleasure to notice the interest in ridden horses at the stallions presentation after the Forum, breeders telling that they enjoy riding and hearing about lovely rides at the beach. Needless to mention how enchanting the Moroccan hospitality has been!
Christoph and Thamar Gerbershagen
Breeder, Goschenhof Arabians, Wassertrudingen, Germany
We really enjoyed the event and were glad to see so many wonderful people and horses. It showed us once again how important it is to meet other breeders, share ideas, listen and tell stories, admire horses and stud farms. It’s nice to learn from the experiences of older and experienced breeders and to try out the most convincing arguments in parallel with one’s own breeding program. It was also helpful to look at the horses and read their pedigrees at the same time and decide for yourself which pairing is the right one. We would also like to highlight the harmony and friendliness among each other and the extremely warm hospitality. It’s important to recognize what noble creatures we are dealing with and to respect and be grateful to our Creator God. Our horses should be a link to the good in our community.
Maya Jones
Breeder, Al Jabal Arabians, Switzerland and France
I can’t thank the Pyramid Society of Morocco and their enthusiastic breeders enough, to organise such a wonderful and educational event with such high class speakers. On top of the educational experience, the Society organised fantastic farm tours with outstanding hospitality. I can just hope that this event was the first of many more to come.
Barbara A. Cole
Breeder, Attorney at Law, Plano, Texas, USA
The first notes of the theme song from the movie Casablanca ring true: “You must remember this” - The First Arabian Horse Breeders Forum 2024. With gratitude we remember the Pyramid Society of Morocco’s efforts for our education, inspiration and comfort during our time at the forum, the farms, and our stay at Koheilan Lodge and Mazagan Resort. Each farm greeted us with elaborate tents adorned with paintings, rugs, tea service, dining tables and food fit for royalty. The decorative colors were vibrant, matching the mood of the hosts and guests. The desire to breed horses of quality, balance and harmony was evident in each farm visit. The farm catalogs allowed us to study the pedigrees and familiarize ourselves with foundation breeding stock brought forward by each breeder’s decision making. I am certain I speak for our entire group, our time in Morocco will be remembered with fondness, friendship, and beauty… “As Time Goes By”!
Jane Winegardner
Breeder, Arabians and Thoroughbreds, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
The lecture given by Judith Forbis was of particular interest as it covered the bloodlines of the Egyptian Arabian. She has proven through her breeding program that line breeding and inbreeding can consistently produce outstanding
individuals that are genetically prepotent. Further, that you must start with a knowledge of the bloodlines and animals that have good conformation if you wish to improve the breed. After the forum we toured several Arabian farms. Our hosts treated us like royalty as we sat under colorful tents while the horses were being shown, then dining on lavish displays of indigenous Moroccan cuisine.
Carolee Wright
Breeder, Cariswood Arabians, Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA
I was privileged to be part of the gathering of Arabian horse enthusiasts from around the world which convened in Morocco, a land that defied desert stereotypes with its lush agriculture and majestic mountains. The country’s artistic heritage, diverse culture and warm hospitality left a lasting impression on me. Farms and owners welcomed us with delicious food, mint tea ,captivating music as well as visual and living art. The horses surpassed all expectations, and the forum, led by four experts, overflowed with wisdom. Amidst the stunning architecture of the Mazagan Hotel, horses were paraded on the verdant green lawns beside the Atlantic Ocean. It was a moment etched in my heart’s memory.
Diana Cantey
Breeder, Zajaddi Egyptian Arabians, Mount Vernon, Arkansas, USA
The Pyramid Society of Morocco should be commended for their outstanding organization and successful implementation of the Straight Egyptian Arabian Horse Breeder’s Forum. It was an opportunity to meet new and established breeders, catch up with international friends and celebrate in a non-competitive, relaxed environment. The speakers were all interesting, the venue was top notch, and the hospitality made us feel very welcome. I hope they will consider doing it again in the future.
A Review by Bettina von Kameke, President of the PSE
When I look back on 40 years of PSE today, I see a wave of enthusiasm for the Arabian and Egyptian horse rolling through Europe and America in the 70s and 80s. Previously used primarily as improvement in other breeds, an intensive breeding process now began. This was accompanied by shows and fads. The dish or long necks suddenly became more and more important than the traditional breed-typical characteristics. New breeders were oriented towards the champions and in the efforts to breed the most beautiful horse, the same sires were used over and over again. As a result, numerous bloodlines have been neglected and, conversely, the basis of the breeding lines has been increasingly restricted.
The small, family shows, where the breeders still presented their horses themselves, have become trainer competitions. The trainers earn their living by presenting the most beautiful horses. A successful show without a trainer is no longer conceivable and so the trainers have a high decision-making potential for the shows. As a result, the breeders have imperceptibly become dependent, which was not intended at all and has more to do with the horse as an economic asset than with a breeding specimen.
The Egyptian Event Europe also has an eventful history behind it. After initially great popularity, a phase of calming down followed before the event was rediscovered and became the flagship of the PSE. At the beginning of the 21st century, it was established, contrary to all prejudices, as a stand-alone show for Egyptian Arabs. After a forced break due to the pandemic, the PSE sent its Egyptian Event Europe on trips abroad to set a showcase and benchmark for international breeders. Thus, the Egyptian Event has found new friends in Italy and France.
Today, there is a lot of enthusiasm for the Arabian horse mainly in the Middle East. In Europe, most Egyptian horses are only found in Italy. In America, the Pyramid Society has disbanded after nearly 50 years, and the tax code has helped many breeders stop working. In Europe, the trend is similar, because the old breeders leave at some point and new ones are not in sight. There are only very few shows left and the market has shifted completely. When there were not so many stud farms in the Middle East, Europe was still looking for certain bloodlines. This seems superfluous today, because in Egypt, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Sharjah and neighbouring countries there are now so many breeders and horses that selection is becoming more and more difficult. A lot has been produced
PYRAMID SOCIETY EUROPE
in the hope of a champion. Breeding means selection and even if some breeders pay a lot of attention to the pedigrees, the preservation of valuable old lines has sometimes been neglected.
In Europe and Germany, conditions have also deteriorated in other respects. Apart from the fact that veterinary costs have more than doubled in some cases, the effects of climate change cannot be overlooked. Experts see a desertification in the heart of Europe,
because the extreme weather conditions will lead to a rethink in grassland farming. Until then, the grass tries to survive, which leads to an extreme accumulation of fructans. Grass needs energy to survive and it obtains it through the sun and photosynthesis, the conversion into sugar. In several years, it has already been proven that extreme weather conditions led to extremely high sugar levels and made grass and hay unsuitable for horses. The steppe grass should be welcome for our desert animals, but until then there will still be many deer horses.
What can we do as breeders and as PSE? As breeders, we can focus on the outstanding qualities of old bloodlines and position ourselves more broadly in the selection of our matings. In addition to a harmonious physique, floating gaits and a typey head, our horses have so many other plus points such as endurance, reliability, willingness to produce, health, frugality, intelligence, communication skills and a unique character. These qualities must be maintained instead of establishing nervousness and other weaknesses. The know-how of the husbandry conditions can also be expanded and improved in many places for the benefit of the joy of movement of our Arabian horses.
The PSE has the challenging task of creating a new identity for the remaining breeders. It is not only about cohesion among each other, but also about joint efforts to create a new future for this breed. With regard to the preservation of special bloodlines, the PSE advocates that it would be desirable to create a sperm bank so that old lines no longer dry up unintentionally. Perhaps sponsors can be found for this project, with whose help an implementation will be possible. After the breed was recently declared a cultural asset worthy of protection by UNESCO at the instigation of the Asil Club, the chances may have increased.
