Desert Heritage n.69 by Alim editrice

DESERT HERITAGEMagazine

ph. Alessio Azzali

Amani

Farhoud Al Shaqab | Marwa Al Rayyan

Dahman Shahwan

Al Rayyan

2024 Filly

Nasser Al Rayyan | Sudari Al Rayyan

Saglawieh Jedrani

2024 Filly

Asfoor Al Waab | Marmar Al Rayyan Dahman Shahwan

Shams El Dine AA

(Shams Sharav AA x Ralya/Laheeb)

2016 Saqlawi Jidran

Straight Egyptian Stallion

Najlaa

(Shams Al Din AA x Noya AA /Al Ayal AA) Dahman Shahwan Straight Egyptian Filly AA

JamilQARDABIYAH

Desert Heritage Magazine n.69

iscr. trib. di Milano n. 466 del 20/09/02 Expedition in A.P. 70% Milano

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Pag. 16 Preservation Breeding of the Straight Egyptians Between Belief , Science and Business

Pag. 34 Memories of Dr. Nasr Marei

Pag. 48 Albadeia Stud. The 90th Anniversary

Pag. 57 KIAHF 2025 Arabian Peninsula Horse Show

Pag. 80 A Book Review of “HORSES from Saudia Arabia”

Pag. 97 The Modern Kuhaylans in Egyptian Breeding Part. II

Pag. 106 Agricon Logistic

From the left side:

Sulima Al Rayyan (Ashhal Al Rayyan x Selma Al Rayyan/ Al Adeed Al Shaqab)

Menouah Al Rayyan (Fares Al Rayyan x Bint Mesoudah M HP/ Ashhal Al Rayyan)

ph.

Alessio

Azzali

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

Preservation Breeding of the Straight Egyptians

Between Belief, Science and Business

By and large, the question as to the origin of Arabian horses has stepped out of the dark of history today. Thanks to scientific methods of genetics, pedigree matters can be defined anew. However, there are still concepts from the 1960s around that have continued to be popular up to today. Their benefit seems to be that they suggest a direction to aim at – even if it’s mainly backwards – for breeders. The most irritating idea for young breeders who are looking for directional aid is that more often than not, the discussion is not about the horses themselves, but rather about their pureness of origin as of a hundred years ago.

Stay committed, stay connected, share your passion with others, and never lose sight of what touched your heart in the first place and you will preserve something wonderful Joe Ferriss, USA

by Monika Savier

Photos: Carl RASWAN, Nawal Media Archive

Graphic Design: Mario Brunetti

As there are lots of strictly different definitions to be found for that pureness, who is the person or organization to whom breeders will turn for interpretation? To the pyramid Society or Al Khamza, to the Blue list, Blue Star, Asil club, or some other western organization that has, with passion and the dowsing rod, taken up exploring the pure source of the origin of the Bedouin horses in the orient. in the words of the Arabian Horse Society in the USA: “dedicated breeders of the egyptian Arabian are committed to the preservation of this purest of all equine blood. To lose the purity of a single mare through careless breeding is a sin among them. Aggressive research clarifies any question concerning the purity of a Straight Egyptian pedigree. Within this group are several passionate researchers who have devoted their lives to the continued documentation of these horses”.

As intensively as pedigree research may explore and discuss the breeding methods of the Bedouin tribes, it’s not able to go beyond a rather limited time bracket spanning 150, maybe 180 years. we can only make assumptions about the influences from early nomadic tribes who were horse breeders, or from the cavalry of the colonial rulers from Britain and france 200 years ago, but nobody can present positive proof about the historic pureness of the breed. why should they? no matter what, the Arabian breed is the one we actually have on our pastures and love.

And this is oK for all the lines of the Arabian horse breed – originally and historically speaking there was a great variety of them. They race for purses, demonstrate their floating trot on the occasion at shows, or make themselves known with their performance when ridden. However, the breeders of Straight egyptians usually have somewhat of a hard time when the historic importance of their horses cannot have priority.

our horses’ pedigrees are, more or less, history books containing lots of anecdotes from the past. The gene pool is small, many of the breeding goals are similar, somehow all of the horses are relatives of each other. The more painful, then, to find that things take just the same course in this Straight egyptian family that they take in any other. There are some rich and some poor relatives, some are excluded and some are successful, but all of them are from one and the same gene pool.

The horses are meant to connect us, not separate us. discriminating some lines or individual horses will only benefit one’s own business in the short term. in the era of digital communication, however, line bashing is a favorite way of pointing out the genius inherent in one’s own horses, particularly in cases where beauty or functionality are below optimum level and reverting to the pedigree is a way of upgrading one’s own horse.

Some of THe TwenTy BlUE StAR FoUNDAtioN HorSeS, imporTed To THe USA.

FADl

RUDANN

MUNiFAN

Could the breed continue without Preservation breeding? Perhaps it could for a while, but to maintain quality we would have to learn about breeding horses in an entirely new way. We could not count any longer on what we have learned from the most successful breeders of the past, nor could we count on using their bloodlines as building blocks for present pedigrees. After a while we would no doubt find ourselves identifying special groups of horses that we liked and could rely on and which would then become preservation groups in the future. Would these new groups be successful in preserving the Arabian breed? The answer would depend on how good a use they made of Preservation groups of the past.

charles craver, 1993, Al Khamza, USA

Perhaps the most important statements we can make about “Preservation Breeding” is that it has absolutely NOTHING to do with breeding a good horse. To the contrary, when too much weight is given to the pedigree and the genetic pool is reduced to few ancestors, it may become even more difficult to breed a good horse forward. The very term “preservation breeder” conjures up images of a person who wishes to be or become a breeder that devotes considerable time and money towards an effort to preserve something they have determined is worthy of their time, though one has difficulty discerning any valid reason to limit an already limited genetic pool for the straight Egyptian. Certainly there is a claim that by keeping these preservation groups separate, those “preserved” horses will provide an outcross to other straight Egyptian and pure Egyptian breeders. There are many preservation type groups today such as Babson, Blue Star or Blue List, Al Khamsa, Asil, Sheikh Obeyd, Heirloom/Pritzlaf and a variety of other non-Egyptian groups that basically adhere to breeding horses from a strictly, sometimes severely, limited genetic pool. Most of these groups have written elaborate and romantic histories that are sometimes not based on fact, or history, and they might make some sort of claim that their horses are more authentic, more pure or otherwise valuable because of their preservation label.

elisabeth dieter, Jeva farm , USA

o r e c l o s e l y, i t ’ s a p p a r e n t t h a t p r e s e r

necessarily aim to improve horses by selection. In some cases, it’s just the opposite that is done, the reasons being the small g ene pool and the scepticism towards some of the foundation horses of Eg yptian original breeding. W hich is why in some studs, a pedig ree is more impor tant in breeding selecti on than looking at and judging the horse himself. W hich, in tur n, raises the question if it’s not actually the g ood horse who upg rades the pedig ree?

necessarily aim to improve horses by selection. In some cases, it’s just the opposite that is done, the reasons being the small g ene pool and the scepticism towards some of the foundation horses of Eg yptian original breeding W hich is why in some studs, a pedig ree is more impor tant in breeding selecti on than looking at and judging the horse himself W hich, in tur n, raises the question if it’s not actually the g ood horse who upg rades the pedig ree?

prove horses by selection. In some cases, it’s just the opposite that is done, the reasons pool and the sce pticism towards some of the foundation horses of Eg yptian original hy in some studs, a pedig ree is more impor tant in breeding selecti on than looking at

e himself. W hich, in tur n, raises the question if it’s not actually the g ood horse who

pureness or even super pureness, without reg arding beauty and functionality, is just

ere is a lack of labels or log os or famous prefixes added, g ood horses will just be h as Asil, Al Khamza, or Blue List appear to refer to a kind of quality seal. T he ter m

Making too much of pureness or even super pureness, without reg arding beauty and functionality, is just clever business. If there is a lack of labels or log os or famous prefixes added, g ood horses will just be nobodies. Labels such as Asil, Al Khamza, or Blue List appear to refer to a kind of quality seal. T he ter m blue in itself is sug g estive of pureness, a blue sk y, blue sea – with adver tising likely to use this color for assumedly clean and noble products, such as the presumedly blue blood of nobility, or the supposedly clean Blue Efficiency technolog y with diesel cars. Just imagine “Blue List” horses being presented in a “Red List Catalogue”! W ho wo uld still buy them?

Inspecting things mor e closely, it’s appar ent that pr eser vation br eeding based on pedig r ees does not necessarily aim to improve horses by selection. In some cases, it’s just the opposite that is done, the reasons being the small g ene pool and the scepticism towards some of the foundation horses of Eg yptian original breeding. W hich is why in some studs, a pedig ree is more impor tant in breeding selecti on than looking at and judging the horse himself W hich, in tur n, raises the question if it’s not actually the g ood horse who upg rades the pedig ree?

Making too much of pureness or even super pureness, without reg arding beauty and functionality, is just clever business. If there is a lack of labels or log os or famous prefixes added, g ood horses will just be nobodies. Labels such as Asil, Al Khamza, or Blue List appear to refer to a kind of quality seal. T he ter m blue in itself is sug g estive of pureness, a blue sk y, blue sea – with adver tising likely to use this color for assumedly clean and noble products, such as the presumedly blue blood of nobility, or the supposedly clean Blue Efficiency technolog y with diesel cars Just imagine “Blue List” horses being presented in a “Red List Catalogue”! W ho wo uld still buy them?

stive of pureness, a blue sk y, blue sea – with adver tising likely to use this color for noble products, such as the presumedly blue blood of nobility, or the supposedly technolog y with diesel cars. Just imagine “Blue List” horses being presented in a ! W ho wo uld still buy them?

inspecting things more closely, it’s apparent that preservation breeding based on pedigrees does not necessarily aim to improve horses by selection. in some cases, it’s just the opposite that is done, the reasons being the small gene pool and the scepticism towards some of the foundation horses of egyptian original breeding. which is why in some studs, a pedigree is more important in breeding selection than looking at and judging the horse himself. which, in turn, raises the question if it’s not actually the good horse who upgrades the pedigree? making too much of pureness or even super pureness, without regarding beauty and functionality, is just clever business. if there is a lack of labels or logos or famous prefixes added, good horses will just be nobodies. labels such as Asil, Al Khamza, or Blue list appear to refer to a kind of quality seal. The term blue in itself is suggestive of pureness, a blue sky, blue sea – with advertising likely to use this colour for assumedly clean and noble products, such as the presumedly blue blood of nobility, or the supposedly clean Blue efficiency technology. Just imagine “Blue list” horses being presented in a “red list catalogue”! who would still buy them?

Young breeders, however, often take that kind of labeling at face value W hat is more, not all Blue List horses are Straight Eg yptians (just look at the offspring of Turfa, a foundation mare of both Blue List and Blue Star), and most of the Straight Eg yptians are not Blue List members – take El Zahraa in Cairo, still the cradle of the Straight Eg yptians, but only 25% of the horse s tock there are Blue List.

young breeders, however, often take that kind of labeling at face value. what is more, not all Blue list horses are Straight egyptians (just look at the offspring of Turfa, a foundation mare of both Blue list and Blue Star), and most of the Straight egyptians are not Blue list members – take el Zahraa in cairo, still the cradle of the Straight egyptians, but only 25% of the horse stock there are Blue list. which is understandable, as the ott family put up their Blue list catalogue to “... encourage the preservation and increased production of the type of Arabian horse originally found in the possession of the Bedouin tribes of Arabia...” (introduction to the Blue Arabian Horse catalogue by mrs Jane ott). So it was not just about, among others, Straight egyptians, but also about Syria and Saudi Arabia as countries of origin, as egypt was a country importing Arabian horses, too.

W hich is understandable, as the Ott famly put up their Blue List Catalogue in order to “ ... encourag e the preser vation and increased production of the type of Arabian horse originally found in the possession of the Bedouin tribes of Arabia...” (introduction to the Blue Arabian Horse Catalog by Mrs Jane Ott). So it was not just about, among others, Straight Eg yptians, but also about Syria and Saudi Arabia as countries of origin, as Eg ypt was a countr y impor ting Arabian horses, too. T he Eg yptian pashas had a par ticular liking for the horses from the Nejd area, the highlands of Saudi Arabia, whose offspring have today become a hype for the new breeders on the Gulf.

Young breeders, however, often take that kind of labeling at face value. W hat is more, not all Blue List horses are Straight Eg yptians (just look at the offspring of Turfa, a foundation mare of both Blue List and Blue Star), and most of the Straight Eg yptians are not Blue List members – take El Zahraa in Cairo, still the cradle of the Straight Eg yptians, but only 25% of the horse s tock there are Blue List. W hich is understandable, as the Ott famly put up their Blue List Catalogue in order to “ ... encourag e the preser vation and increased production of the type of Arabian horse originally found in the possession of the Bedouin tribes of Arabia ” (introduction to the Blue Arabian Horse Catalog by Mrs Jane Ott) So it was not just about, among others, Straight Eg yptians, but also about Syria and Saudi Arabia as countries of origin, as Eg ypt was a countr y impor ting Arabian horses, too. T he Eg yptian pashas had a par ticular liking for the horses from the Nejd area, the highlands of Saudi Arabia, whose offspring have today become a hype for the new breeders on the Gulf.

ever, often take that kind of labeling at face value. W hat is more, not all Blue List g yptians (just look at the offspring of Turfa, a foundation mare of both Blue List most of the Straight Eg yptians are not Blue List members – take El Zahraa in Cairo, Straight Eg yptians, but only 25% of the horse s tock there are Blue List. able, as the Ott famly put up their Blue List Catalogue in order to “ ... encourag e the reased production of the type of Arabian horse originally found in the possession of Arabia...” (introduction to the Blue Arabian Horse Catalog by Mrs Jane Ott). So among others, Straight Eg yptians, but also about Syria and Saudi Arabia as countries was a countr y impor ting Arabian horses, too. T he Eg yptian pashas had a par ticular from the Nejd area, the highlands of Saudi Arabia, whose offspring have today e new breeders on the Gulf.

The egyptian pashas had a particular liking for the horses from the nejd area, the highlands of Saudi Arabia, whose offspring have today become a hype for the new breeders on the Gulf.

ck fr om El Zahraa State stud, Pyramid Society and Asil Club

Famous r oot stock fr om El Zahraa State stud, Pyramid Society and Asil Club

Moniet El Nefous Family, the most impor tant Siglawy g roup in the El Zahraa Stud

emerg ed as the “stallion of the centur y ” in the state stud of El Zahraa He inf luenced Arabian breeding all over the World

Famous r oot stock fr om El Zahraa State stud, Pyramid Society and Asil Club

T he Straight Eg yptian Moniet El Nefous Family, the most impor tant Siglawy g roup in the El Zahraa Stud

T he Straight Eg yptian Nazeer (Mansour x Bint Samiha) emerg ed as the “stallion of the centur y ” in the state stud of El Zahraa. He inf luenced Arabian breeding all over the World

Famous r oot stock fr om El Zahraa State stud, Pyramid Society and Asil Club

T he Straight Eg yptian Moniet El Nefous Family, the most impor tant Siglawy g roup in the El Zahraa Stud

T he Straight Eg yptian Nazeer (Mansour x Bint Samiha) emerg ed as the “stallion of the centur y ” in the state stud of El Zahraa He inf luenced Arabian breeding all over the World

The Straight egyptian nazeer (mansour x Bint Samiha) emerged as the “stallion of the century” in the state stud of el Zahraa. He influenced Arabian breeding all over the World

t he Straight Egyptian moniet el nefous family, the most important Siglawy group in the el Zahraa Stud

Who would breed the ideal Arabian Horse?

W ho would breed the ideal Arabian Horse?

Who would breed the ideal Arabian Horse?

xperienced breeders, they know that labels sonable foundations come many breeders’ ideological homes. T his ill-fated but attractive incentive towards f locking behavior does not necessarily result in better horses – as is easy to see not only in Straight Eg yptian breeding, but also in the extremely nar rowed-down show horse lines Tog ether, it’s easier to believe in having the better horses, which is supposed to have an inf luence on prices and marketability. Imagined “family relationships” emerg e, all across the social classes of the different breeders involved, just because of the usually similar ancestr y of the horses they all have.

t. More experienced breeders, ed way - they know that labels have reasonable foundations d have become many breeders’ g g ehavior” does not necessarily result in better horses – as is easy to see not only in Straight Eg yptian breeding, but also in the extremely nar rowed-down show horse lines. Tog ether, it’s easier to believe in having the better horses, which is supposed to have an inf luence on prices and marketability. Imagined “family relationships” emerg e, all across the social classes of the different breeders involved, just because of the usually similar ancestr y of the horses they all have

hat More experienced breeder axed way - they know that labe to have reasonable foundation and have become many breeder

ideological homes. T his ill fated but attractive incentive towards f locking behavior” does not necessari result in better horses – as is easy to see not only in Straight Eg yptian breeding, but also in the extreme nar rowed-down show horse lines. Tog ether, it’s easier to believe in having the better horses, which supposed to have an inf luence on prices and marketability Imagined “family relationships” emerg e, a across the social classes of the different breeders involved, just because of the usually similar ancestr y o the horses they all have.

Browsing Facebook or respective blogs, you will find that many breeders g o for these networks – no matter whether analog ous or digital ones – to take their first ste ps in breeding, to collect experiences, to communicate with peers; always hoping to obtain infor mation and suppor t and be par t of the g roup After all, even humans are her d animals embarking on exchang e about common interests and feeding places.

Quite hard for young breeders to still see through and understand all of that. More experienced breeders, with their own breeding goals firmly established, take things in a more relaxed way - they know that labels come and go. Still, organizations that allot these “certificates”, and claim to have reasonable foundations for them, are much coveted. They are social networks, basically speaking, and have become many breeders’ ideological homes. This ill-fated but attractive incentive towards “flocking behavior” does not necessarily result in better horses – as is easy to see not only in Straight egyptian breeding, but also in the extremely narrowed-down show horse lines. Together, it’s easier to believe in having the better horses, which is supposed to have an influence on prices and marketability. imagined “family relationships” emerge, all across the social classes of the different breeders involved, just because of the usually similar ancestry of the horses they all have.

Ag ain and ag ain, however, the competition among breeders gives rise to extremist positions: the “line bashing” phenomenon Using g rotesque stories illustrating the pureness and impureness of individual horses in the past, breeders can call attention to themselves and their own horses, at the same time devaluating the horses of others. Extremists love to have their issues conveniently nar rowed down. Maybe eed an Horse?

After all, even humans are her d animals embarking on exchang e about common interests and feeding places.

Browsing Facebook or respective blogs, you will find that many breeders g o for these networks – n matter whether analog ous or digital ones – to take their first ste ps in breeding, to collect experiences, t communicate with peers; always hoping to obtain infor mation and suppor t and be par t of the g roup After all, even humans are her d animals embarking on exchang e about common interests and feedin places

Quite hard for young breeders to still see through and understand all of that. More experienced with their own breeding g oals fir mly established, take things in a more relaxed way - they know t come and g o. Still, org anizations that allot these “cer tificates”, and claim to have reasonable fou for them, are much coveted. T hey are social networks, basically speaking, and have become many ideological homes. T his ill-fated but attractive incentive towards “f locking behavior” does not ne result in better horses – as is easy to see not only in Straight Eg yptian breeding, but also in the e nar rowed-down show horse lines. Tog ether, it’s easier to believe in having the better horses, supposed to have an inf luence on prices and marketability. Imagined “family relationships” em across the social classes of the different breeders involved, just because of the usually similar an the horses they all have.

Browsing facebook or respective blogs, you will find that many breeders go for these networks – no matter whether analogous or digital ones – to take their first steps in breeding, to collect experiences, to communicate with peers; always hoping to obtain information and support and be part of the group. After all, even humans are herd animals embarking on exchange about common interests and feeding places.

Ag ain and ag ain, however, the competition among breeders gives rise to extremist positions: the “lin bashing” phenomenon. Using g rotesque stories illustrating the pureness and impureness of individu horses in the past, breeders can call attention to themselves and their own horses, at the same time de valuating the horses of others. Extremists love to have their issues conveniently nar rowed down. Mayb

Browsing Facebook or respective blogs, you will find that many breeders g o for these netwo matter whether analog ous or digital ones – to take their first ste ps in breeding, to collect experi communicate with peers; always hoping to obtain infor mation and suppor t and be par t of th

Again and again, however, the competition among breeders gives rise to extremist positions: the “line bashing” phenomenon. Using grotesque stories illustrating the pureness and impureness of individual horses in the past, breeders can call attention to themselves and their own horses, at the same time de-valuating the horses of others. extremists love to have their issues conveniently narrowed down. maybe they are afraid of facing the variety readily apparent all across the history of Arabian horses? exclusion – making sure the power is maintained where it used to be – is always easier than inclusion. Unfortunately, the often-moralizing discussions featured in blogs and networks will also result in the exclusion of many beautiful horses that are discriminated by having that obscure “impure” adjective applied to their pedigrees. The language used in commercial horse breeding can quickly tell you what sort of persons those breeders are. Just look at the term “empty” used for a mare just because she happens not to be pregnant. is the mare no more than a container to be filled, then? The horse industry has perfected the art of reducing

and exaggerating language, conveniently distorting meanings for marketing purposes – with the smaller breeders hit, fully and unawares, by that language trick which works even more powerfully when factors such as digitalized communication, the globalization of Arabian horse breeding, and the well-to-do players from the Gulf all add to it. in the west, breeders fight for their survival, for keeping up the value of their lines, with all they have – unfortunately, they don’t do so in cooperation. it’s about time to banish exclusions and line bashing to the past where they belong; and in the light of new scientific insights, to look ahead into the future and to accept that we need to go back to that time-proven concept of variety within the breed (not just within the Straight egyptian sector of the breed, by the way). This is not only about truth, or about tolerance towards the breeding approaches of individuals – it’s about the love for Arabian horses as a whole.

all Photos by carl raswan during his stay with the bedouins in the desert of syria

“GEnEtic rEsEarch is GivinG us a dEFinitE and unbrokEn linE oF ancEstry back to thE last known ParEnt...”

i talked about this topic of “belief, science, and business” with long-term breeder and former wAHo (world Arabian Horse organization) president dr. Hans J. nagel.

dr. nagel, what is the reason for the ongoing popularity these organizations from the 1960s still enjoy today? When will scientific results finally gain entry into the respective discussions? hans nagel: These organizations came into being during a time when breeding Arabian horses was in its heydays in the USA, particularly with respect to the number of horses. Times have changed dramatically. Sorry to say, the interest in Arabian horses has declined a whole lot, and in some respects, we see profound disenchantment. At the same time, there has been an enormous increase in experience, particularly scientific, during the last 50 years. many an item that used to take its place among conjecture and assumption, or even

“we still have existing sire lines in davenport breeding to deyr (an ‘Ubayyan Sharrak) and muson (a Kuhaylan muhsin). we still have existing dam lines in davenport breeding to reshan and werdi (pictured), as well as Hadba, and to Galfia, of the Hamidie group from the 1893 world’s fair. *Urfah and wadduda are present as dam lines in Al Khamsa generally, and are of international importance as dam lines of wAHo breeding everywhere.”

Jeanne Craver, Al Khamsa organization

1 mowarda, 2 Gomusa, 3 Haffia, 4 werdi, 5 wadduda, 6 el Bulad, 7 Urfah

speculation and pure imagination, can now be based on solid answers well-grounded on the foundations of science. due to this increase in knowledge, even the history of the Arabian horse has today left the atmosphere of uncertainties and has made its way into well-equipped laboratories where researchers have looked for solid answers and found them. Serious and interested breeders today use these undisputed facts, and the data resulting from them, for decision making and in their search for results.

if i follow your argument – can you please tell me what breeders today can use as an orientation, now? hans nagel: All official studbooks and national registries available today and bearing the acknowledging stamp of wAHo are a safe basis of orientation. Anybody who diligently studies these documents gets a good overview of which horses may be eligible for him as a breeder, and which will not. These studbooks are the only documentation that presents reality. All studbooks have been closed for more than ten years now. no horses from outside of the existing populations can be entered any more. Arabian horse breeding stock has become a true and closed unity.

However, everything that existed in the beginning, at the time when the history of every Arabian horse started in the orient, is going to stay hidden in the darkness of history forever. whenever somebody tries to embark on a journey into these so-called pre-historic times, all the material he will write or otherwise broadcast is and continues to be a highly personal assessment that cannot expect to claim general validity and will not ever carry the stamp of absolute truth. only the horses who have been entered into the studbooks, for what reason whatever, are considered acknowledged. There are some more reliable measures that are based on scientific or technical methods. These are blood tests and dnA analysis, designed specifically for the items in question, which are verification of dam and sire, analysis of clearly defined “markers” typical for certain breeds of horses or for populations, or using the mitochondria method which enables us to give a definite and unbroken line of ancestry back to the last known parent. it is to be assumed that in many institutions specializing in this kind of analysis, a lot of Arabian horses have already been subjected to these interesting methods of control, with some of the more surprising results not yet having been made common knowledge.

Does that mean that the great number of lists, logos, labels, and classification that came into existence during the history of preservation breeding can brace themselves for the fact that the new findings of genetics will tumble quite some of the romantic definitions of old? hans nagel: i am sure that every breeder who considers the facts is aware that the Arabian horse breed cannot be a uniform population. There are many different types. for one thing, that’s due to the origin of the horses in the orient, all of whom developed by adapting to their respective environments and who, for the other thing, went on to change because of the individual breeding goals and breeders’ measures such as were later on applied in europe or in the USA. Some decades ago, it was quite easy to determine whether an Arabian horse took its lineage from polish, egyptian, or russian breeding – to name just a few – or whether some exceedingly gifted breeder had been able to create a type of his own. Such types were, for example, the Babson Arabians in the USA, or the Gainey Arabians who were very famous in their days, or the crabbet park horses in europe. There have always been breeders and enthusiasts who preferred one of these easily recognizable types to the other, taking their bearings from these horses for their own further breeding work. The types distinguished themselves by their outward features which are ultimately based on their ancestry. However, these ancestral features are the results of breeding according to a certain breeding goal, so there was and is well-considered selection taking place here. The above-mentioned groups, such as Blue list, Sheikh obeyd, Al Khamza, and others, are not based on this kind of selection for recognizable features that go with their respective lineages, but their only point of reference is the historic documentation of pedigrees, material, private letters, and individuals’ reports of their travels through the east. That way, the horse himself is of minor importance.

To put it differently: Scientifically speaking, nobody knows what percentage of “Purebred arabian” is actually contained in the arabian horse breed? hans nagel: The problem is that the kind of view that is cultivated by these social groups is based on the assumption that the original Arabian horse population is what is today called purebred Arabian breed. This assumption is quite far removed from genetic and biological facts and is purely a historically based point of view. Biologically speaking, the Arabian horse population is not pure and not homogenous, as Arabian Stallions of the World xiv

The egypt import JASir (mabrouk manial x negma), a Koheilan type stallion, chosen by carl raswan for marbach State Stud in Germany. He left some interesting daughters, a good colt did not show up mesaoud, an Arabian stallion, foaled 1887, was one of the foundation sires of the Crabbet Arabian Stud in England. Bred in Egypt by Ali Pasha Sherif, he was imported to england by wilfred and lady Anne Blunt in 1891. He is recognized as an Al Khamsa Arabian, with verifiable lineage tracing to the Bedouin of the desert.

ancestral features are the results of breeding according to a certain breeding goal, so there was and is well-considered selection taking place here. The above mentioned groups, such as Blue List, Sheikh Obeyd, Al Khamza, and others, are not based on this kind of selection for recognizable features that go with their respective lineages, but their only point of reference is the historic documentation of pedigrees, material, private letters, and individuals’ reports of their travels through the East. That way, the horse himself is of minor importance.

Arabian horse population is not pure and not homogenous, as there is the variety of type already mentioned, a variety that is based on the genetic heterogeneity of the Arabian horse.

systematically applied, there are obviously different degrees of pureness to be perceived. Which is what gave rise to the different categories such as the “Blue List Arabians”. Advocates of the Blue List idea are maybe following the most distinguished and most extreme representation of these various categorizations of the principle of purity. You are right; the Arabian horses of this group were selected based on the reports of famous Carl Raswan, an Orient traveler

“ASAlAH, ASil, rASAn, MARBAt.

there is the variety of type already mentioned, a variety that is based on the genetic heterogeneity of the Arabian horse.

To put it differently: Scientifically speaking, nobody knows what percentage of “Purebred Arabian” is actually contained in the Arabian horse breed?

Nagel: The problem is that the kind of view that is cultivated by these social groups is based on the assumption that the original Arabian horse population is what is today called purebred Arabian

There was Mrs Ott, a German lady living in the USA, who in 1952 started to register the early imports from the Arabian peninsula and from Egypt into the USA, and who devoted herself to the origins of the Arabian horses from the Bedouin tribes. Her reference material was, almost exclusively, the travel reports of Dresden citizen Carl Reinhard Schmidt, a German, who later called himself Carl Raswan. The Blue List and Blue Star horses are all dead, but there are the “Blue List Eligible” horses who tail their descent to Blue List horses.

Categorizations such as these – are they still acceptable today, meaning almost 70 years and ten horse generations later?

Nagel: Well, if you like... even today, historical pureness is a term not

There was a Mrs Ott, a German lady living in the USA, who in 1952 started to register the early imports from the arabian Peninsula and from Egypt into the USA, and who devoted herself to the origins of the arabian horses from the bedouin tribes of syria and saudi arabia. her reference material was, almost exclusively, the travel reports of Dresden citizen Carl reinhard schmidt, a German, who later called himself carl raswan. the blue list horses are all dead, but there are the “blue list Eligible” horses who tail their descent to blue list horses. categorizations such as these – are they still acceptable today, meaning almost 70 years and seven generations later? hans nagel: Well, if you like... even today, historical pureness is a term not systematically applied, there are obviously different degrees of pureness to be perceived. Which is what gave rise to the different categories such as the “Blue list Arabians”. Advocates of the Blue list idea are maybe following the most distinguished and most extreme representation of these various categorizations of the principle of purity. you are right, the Arabian horses of this group were selected on the basis of the reports of famous carl raswan, an orient traveller from Germany who was in close contact with the Arabian Bedouins of the greater Syria area during the 1920ies.

All these terms float in the breath of Bedouin, and it is chiefly foreigners who put them on paper”

MaJor-General W. TWeedie,

1894

The Egypt a Koheilan Marbach State sting daughters,

Lady Anne Blunt chose Egypt as a second home country. She bought the property Al Obeyd near Cairo, and changed it into her Egyptian

Carl Raswan in Syria

The results of his studies and findings were condensed into the so-called “raswan index”, which many breeders, particularly in the USA, used to refer to. His index became a kind of ancestry bible. However, this index is not a manual or a scientifically based text on breeding. carl raswan’s basic principles were and still are highly controversial. His way of determining type, in particular, is doubtlessly far from reality and a mistaken approach for a correct understanding of the Arabian horse breed.

how about, then, the two international organizations of Pyramid society and asil club?

hans nagel: with the pyramid Society and the Asil club, which partially resembles the former, intentions and basic considerations are different. The pyramid Society refers to the egyptian studbook of old and to the notes of a small number of private breeders at the time when the studbooks were consolidated in Cairo, which was about a hundred years ago. t his studbook is closed now, meaning that the horses registered by the pyramid Society have a sound basis to refer to. The pyramid Society policy is to be an organization that is dedicated to maintaining and promoting Arabian horses of egyptian origin, and that aims to maintain the breed in its original state.

… founding and maintaining a “breed group within the Arabian horse breed”, so to speak... hans nagel: yes, you could call it that. you could apply the same contemplations to the Asil club, as the horses recognized by the Asil club are defined as particularly pure (asil), too. The expression asil, however, is somewhat irritating and leads to misunderstandings, as strictly speaking, there isn’t an Arabian horse that fulfils the prerequisites implied in that. The association attributes a special degree of purity to the horses

lady Anne Blunt chose egypt as a second home country. She bought thr property Al obeyd near cairo, and changed it into her egyptian Stud.

accredited with them, meaning they distance themselves from other Arabian horse populations. There was the Sheikh obeyd group mentioned at the beginning of our interview. Their concept takes its bearings from the breeding that famous lady Anne Blunt did in egypt. lady Anne turned her back on england at the beginning of the 20th century, and as she was fascinated by the Arabian horses owned by the egyptian upper class, she established her own breeding operation, named “Sheikh obeyd”, near cairo. Some horses registered in the egyptian studbook today tail back to lady Anne Blunt’s breeding in egypt, and there are serious admirers of this quite exceptional woman who like to prefer Arabian horses who tail back to her stud. looking once again at the Blue list Arabians, it can be stated that this point of view is a very personal thing that was held by the founders of this tendency, Mr and Mrs ott, and later, by their daughter Jane ott. So, it ought to be viewed and accepted as such. Quite obviously, this couple had a certain conviction that was valid for them, and insofar as further interested persons joined this group, this remains their very own, individual decision. They liked this mental approach; however, the obviously insupportable claims of carl raswan that form the basis of this way of looking at things just serve to edge it into a regrettable distance from reality and from historic truth. t his kind of approach does not serve to give any clues as to the breeding of Arabian horses and to the measures necessary for maintaining this uniquely exotic breed that bases its world-wide fame on its beauty, noblesse, and grace, on its will to perform, and on its intelligence.

Thank you very much for this discussion!

lady Anne Blunt

preservation Breeding 2.0

How to deal with impurity in the Arabian horse breeding?

Monika Savier talking with Hans nagel about purity and genetic results in horse breeding.

More than ten years have passed since we made the article, about purity, genetic research and preservation breeding concepts from the last century that still influence some breeding strategies. it was published in dEsErt hEritaGE maGaZinE. a lot has happened in the meantime. Genetic research shows impressive results. You were of the opinion that some of your statements in this former interview should be reclassified in the light of new scientific findings. hans nagel: in principle, i still say yes to the old interview, but when it comes to the details, time has taken its toll. certainly, the ranking between the different subjects has changed. The purity of the Arabian horse was so important, and these issues also generated so many ideas, arguments and irritations.

Arabian horse shows and breeding for show winners is now the number one topic of discussion and has the majority of the Arabian horse community in its grip.

The issue of purity has lost its first place. for so many decades, purity was the issue in breeding. people looked for the pure Arabian, some for the purest Arabian and others for the best pure Arabian. All in all, a very peculiar inclination. Such a romanticism occupies the minds of so many Arabian horse enthusiasts. Such topics are still on the table today, and perhaps always will be, but previous voices have lost their power or even fallen silent. Al Khamsa, Blue list and ‘raswan concepts’ have been replaced by discussions about some surprising results of dnA analysis. However, the general Arabian horse community does not show too much courage to know more about facts and scientifically based realities. it seems they prefer to bury their heads in the sand - no disturbance please. Several scientific institutions and universities are eagerly seeking serious collaboration with breeders and breed associations, but the response has been very poor until recently. The results are coming in, for people who are cautious and careful they may be uncomfortable and may not want to know. Some of these results are as follows:

The famous darley Arabian, the most influential sire in the history of purebred breeding and always held up as an example of the tremendous racing ability of an Arabian horse, was not a purebred Arabian, but a mixture of breeds from neighbouring countries. it is a fact that carl raswan’s ‘strain-in-strain’ concept could not be confirmed at all. no relationship at all could be established between such groups of horses. Blood samples taken from Arabians racing in the Gulf and subjected to dnA analysis showed that most

Darley Arabian

of them were mixed with Thoroughbreds in the range of 15-65%. There is no doubt that people have become cautious and reluctant to introduce more science into their breeding.

regrettably, the wAHo (world Arabian Horse organisation) has also turned a blind eye to this racehorse issue, which has been known for several years and published in several Arabian horse magazines. These horses are still registered as pure Arabians in their respective national studbooks and therefore my previous statement about the reliability and accuracy of wAHo approved studbooks as the most reliable source of information is no longer valid.

The overproduction of Arabian horses and the low market price has pushed the issue of purity further down the agenda. is it the modern technology in horse breeding, such as artificial insemination, embryo transfer and other reproductive technologies, or perhaps the high prize money instead of colourful ribbons, that is responsible for the large number of horses, which has discouraged many previously successful breeders? The small number of foals born each year in europe and the USA and the huge increase of Arabians in Arab countries is a regrettable observation.

These three complexes: horse shows, overproduction and the question of purity, are a whole complex of issues that are occupying the minds of Arabian horse breeders today. it seems that on all three fronts a great deal of effort is required to preserve the heritage and integrity of the Arabian horse.

MEMORIES OF Dr. Nasr Marei

n by Judith Wenning

When my last talk to Dr. Nasr Marei ended, I had a very heavy heart. I felt the dark clouds coming, but there was nothing I could do. Nasr had called me to speak about his latest surgery in Munich and of course, as always, about horses and coming shows. He made plans about returning to Germany, this time hopefully without medical obligations. We intended to meet again soon; Nasr was so much looking forward to seeing my little baby Dana. It was not meant to be. Not even two days after this last conversation, Dr. Marei was in a coma and finally passed away in the morning of October 17th, 2017. A good friend went. For the world of Arabian horses an era had come to an end.

When I started to become interested in Arabian horses as a pupil, I wrote a letter to Dr. Marei to ask some details about his famous Al Badeia Stud in Egypt. He answered promptly and graciously sent me a copy of the Al Badeia Stud Book as a gift. I was impressed – not only by this kind gesture so typical for Nasr, but first and foremost by the beauty, quality and special type of the Al Badeia horses. Then in the year 2000, I finally met Dr. Marei in person. Judith Forbis introduced us. In the coming years I immensely enjoyed meeting Nasr and talking to him. He was a very special man, always at peace with himself, composed and thoughtful. One of my fondest memories of Nasr is the show in Paris in 2003 when beloved Gelgelah Al Badeia became World Champion Mare. His joy, pride and excitement were immeasurable – and so well deserved. Nasr was a passionate breeder with a vast knowledge about Arabian horses and an excellent and highly popular judge. He was a rare, true gentleman, always well dressed with perfect manners and a smile in his face. Besides of his passion for Arabian horses, he loved to travel, took excellent photos and had a soft spot for dogs, especially German Shepherds.

Still I can hardly believe that I will never hear his sonorous, comforting voice again. Farewell, dear Nasr. May Allah bless you! You will be greatly missed

Dr. Nasr Marei with Farid Albadeia - Photo: Boiselle

Dr. Nasr Marei with Simeon Sharav

It was always a great pleasure for me to write regularly about the legendary Al Badeia stud farm. Not long ago, Dr. Nasr Marei gave me this last interview. It shows his deep passion and now reads like a legacy, full of important hints and advice.

AN INTERVIEW WITH Dr. Nasr Marei

n by Judith Wenning

Dr. Nasr Marei is one of the few true connoisseurs of Arabian horse breeding in our time. His stud farm Albadeia in Egypt was founded by his grandfather Mr. Ahmed Marei more than 80 years ago. Dr. Nasr Marei has led the breeding program to new heights. He is not only a highly acclaimed breeder but also a well-respected judge and an imaginative photographer. In 2015 Dr. Marei received the prestigious Milestone Award by The Pyramid Society. He was also the recipient of the Life Time Achievement Award from Arabian Horse Alliance, USA in 2013. Being in Dr. Marei’s company is always a great pleasure: Warmth, kindness, honesty and reliability are just a few characteristics, which come to mind when talking to Dr. Nasr Marei. His dedication for Arabians as well as his vast knowledge about these horses is impressive. In this interview Dr. Marei shares with us his personal views and gives us an insight into the latest developments at his stud farm.

Judith Wenning: Dr. Marei, please describe for us your first memories related to Arabian horses.

Dr. Nasr Marei: My relationship with horses dates back to my childhood. My father was already breeding Arabian horses when I was born. My earliest recollection was that I used to love to go to the stables in our farm situated about 50 km away from our today’s stud farm. I was fascinated by this creature and would spend part of the day with them. I have pictures when I was three years old on the back of one of our foundation mares that my grandfather had bought from The Royal Agriculture Society (The EAO today).

My love for the horse grew up with me. I learned riding when I was 10 years old In the Equestrian Club in Cairo but rode mostly mixed breed and warm blood horses for my training. I continued riding and became a competitive rider in show jumping and dressage, winning many upper level-jumping competitions. To encourage me, my father bought me two warm blood mares to ride.

Meanwhile, my father continued breeding Arabians in our new farm, Albadeia in Giza near the great pyramids. Of course, I would ride our Arabians in the desert at the pyramids for hours. Until this point in time I just loved our Arabian horses but was not involved in breeding decisions or the management of the stud farm. That came later in the sixties after I returned from the USA to pursue my graduate academic work for the M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees at the University of California in Davis.

Dr. Nasr Marei

Upon my return to Egypt in 1971, I became more involved in the breeding program and joined my father in managing the farm. He held several top governmental posts and was quite busy and therefore depended on me to care for the stud farm. My breeding education, skills and experience had just begun to be serious then.

Having made this brief introduction, my answer to your question is that the love of the horse was always in me since I started walking. The passion grew all the time and my fascination with the Arabians never ceased but in fact became stronger by the day. Now that I am I retired from active business and living in the farm since my father passed away in 1993, my bond with the horses has become stronger.

Judith Wenning: What do you enjoy most about Arabians?

Dr. Nasr Marei: The Arabian horse to me is not simply the love of the horse itself but also I am fascinated by its traditions and heritage. I love their history and the legacy that goes with it.

I admire their beauty, harmony, intelligence and disposition. They are companions and family. I am extremely happy to get a new foal and terribly sad when I lose a horse. I worry immensely when one gets sick.

I check on my horses every morning and before ending my day. They are my lifestyle.

Judith Wenning: Some years ago, you have exchanged several horses with Simeon Stud, Australia. Please explain how this has influenced your breeding program.

Dr. Nasr Marei: My father entrusted me with a treasure and left me with a great foundation herd. I started reviewing the qualities of my horses and breeding program. With my greater international exposure to the world of Arabian horses, I realized that I needed to get rid of some undesirable characteristics and enrich my gene pool with more desirable ones. To do so, I had to reach out and infuse some distant bloodlines. In pursuing this I had to import some horses from abroad.

One day, the accomplished breeder, Marion Richmond of Simeon Stud, Australia was visiting Albadeia. She wanted to acquire the king of the farm, Farid Albadeia. I was not able to part from him being such an amazing stallion and a great sire. Marion settled to take one of his fillies, Wed Albadeia (Farid Albadeia x Momtazet Albadeia). She also fell in love with one of the best mares, Ibtehag Albadeia (Badran Albadeia x Halawat Albadeia). We came to an agreement by which I would exchange them for two horses of hers sired by Asfour whom I loved very much. The superb mare Simeon Safir (Asfour x Simeon Safanad) and the yearling colt, Simeon Sharav (Asfour x Simeon Shuala) were my choice.

Simeon Safir is a flea-bitten, gorgeous mare. She is 22 years old and still breeding some of the greatest foals. She never disappointed me. She gave me finesse and good movement. When she came, she was in foal to Anaza Bey Shah. The resulting filly was the amazing Hekayet Albadeia. Both won the Egyptian National and International shows in Egypt several times. Their progeny is still proving that I had made the right choice. Unfortunately, I lost Hekayet few months ago.

Meanwhile, Simeon Sharav produced some great foals. The strongest influence he consistently passed on to his get was the great shoulder, upright long necks, beautiful heads and lovely body. Sharav was leased to Ariela Arabians in Israel, which is a remarkable breeding program, for over two years and has done very well with them and for other breeders. Sharav himself has to his credit a good record in the show ring in Egypt and

A classic beauty: Dahoom Albadeia (Farid Albadeia x Simeon Safir). Photo: Dr. Nasr Marei

Asfourat Albadeia (Farid Albadeia x Simeon Safir)

Desert Heritage Magazine

Mohannad Albadeia (Magd Albadeia x Simeon Safir) - Photo: Dr. Nasr Marei

• Desert Heritage Magazine

in Europe. He was sold to Iran five years ago. I still have four stallions sired by Sharav and many mares. Again I proved to myself that outcrossing with some selected bloodlines would improve my herd.

The success of this exchange incited me to do more. So I leased several stallions from other breeding programs. I leased Majd Al Rayyan (Safir x Ansata Nawara), Laheeb (Imperial Imdal x AK Latifa) and Al Maraam (Imperial Imdal x The Vision HG). They have impacted my herd in a substantially positive way.

I am continuing the same path now. I leased the stunning young stallion Bariq Al Shaqab (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x Wahayeb Al Shaqab). I bred him this season to several mares and waiting patiently to see his foal on the ground.

Judith Wenning: Please tell us about the latest developments at Albadeia!

Dr. Nasr Marei: The process of learning breeding is a continuous process. There are many new things one learns everyday. I believe that a breeder should always work on the refinement of his/her herd. So my objective in improving the quality of my horses is still and will always be, underway.

As mentioned above, reaching out and infusing new selected qualities is a must for my endeavour. I also became more selective in making breeding decisions. My experience was enriched over the years by judging major international shows around the world and visiting and studying what other breeders are applying. I always keep in mind to maintain my “Albadeia” looks and types.

Thanks to the priceless foundation horses I inherited from my father, I was able to take this further into the future. I am gratified to hear my fellow breeders around the world saying that I took Albadeia to a new and higher level.

As we all know, breeding horses is a long-term process. One will never know if he/she has chosen the right horses and made the right breeding decision except at least 8 years or two generations down the road. Having already infused new bloodline and outcrossed my horses to distant relatives, I am witnessing at present my achievements that took place over the last 20 years.

Dr. Nasr Marei

Dr. Nasr Marei with Zaghroudat Albadeia (left) and Simeon Safir (right) - Photo: Boiselle

Dr. Nasr Marei

My plan for the future is stop adding new bloodlines and use my current amended gene pool so that I would not loose my identity.

Judith Wenning: Which young horses are especially promising for the future?

Dr. Nasr Marei: The list is long. Basically all horses that qualify as of good breeding potential can be significant in designing and implementing a breeding program. All young horses (four years and above) that resulted from the use of the leased stallions have become the new foundation for the future. I have the daughters and sons of Laheeb as well as his grand sons and daughters. I also have Al Maaram’s sons and daughters and expect their get soon. From Majd Al Rayyan, I have at least 4 generations. Same goes for many other stallions bought or bred to my mares, like Simeon Sharav, Imperial Madori, Bar Sama Halim, Rashdan and Adl. I have more than six generations for each. Besides of course the get of my original horses that are purely Albadeia and EAO.

All are important and useful for breeding. They constitute the genetic tools that I can select from to better and improve the qualities of my horses.

Judith Wenning: What is the key to success for Albadeia Stud?

Dr. Nasr Marei: Love, dedication, financial sacrifice, acquiring broader experience, studying and analysing with open mind and learning, being objective and truthful and critical to myself and finally more love to the horse and to the breed.

Judith Wenning: Where do you think the Arabian horse is heading? What would you want to change, if possible?

Dr. Nasr Marei: The Arabian horse “TYPE” has changed significantly with time. The best horses of the 60’s and 70’s are not the same horses that are being bred today. The World Champions of yesteryears cannot even qualify today for major shows.

A photo from the past - during a presentation at Al Shaqab in 2001. From left to right: Dr. Nasr Marei, Judith Forbis, Anna Bishop and Don Forbis. Photo: Judith Wenning

Spectacular Gelgelah Albadeia. Photo: Dr. Nasr Marei

The very typey Haytham Albadeia (Simeon Sharav x Galagel Albadeia).

This Egyptian Event Europe Champion was leased by the Polish State Stud Janow Podlaski.

Photo: Stuart Vesty

Desert Heritage Magazine •

World Champion Mare Gelgelah Albadeia

(Imperial Madori x Anhar Albadeia), bred by Dr. Nasr Marei and owned by Shirley Watts of Halsdon Arabians, Great Britain.

Photo: Dr. Nasr Marei

Haytham Albadeia

(Simeon Sharav x Galagel Albadeia)

Photo: Stuart Vesty

The extraordinary mare Ibtehag Albadeia (Badran Albadeia x Halawat Albadeia), four times Egyptian Champion mare.

Photo: Dr. Nasr Marei

Breeders have selected to evolve in many ways. In the past, one could distinguish between a Spanish and a Polish horse. Or between Egyptian and Russian types, etc. Now, the differences in their distinct types have become less and the result of the current breeding approaches is what I call the “UNIVERSAL ARABIAN TYPE” resulting from mixing all Arabian types together including Egyptian, Russian, Polish, Spanish, American, etc., bloodlines. The distinct differences between these types are diminishing and all breed more or less the same horse.

This was facilitated by the easier communication and exchange between the breeders globally. Artificial insemination, export/import of frozen semen, embryo transfer etc. have become easier and with high rate of success.

The show ring, whether we like it or not has affected the TYPE of the breed. Many breeders just follow the vogue, trend or the winning type and breed the horse that represents the type that wins in the show ring.

Variation in type is needed and expanding the gene pool should be an objective. Trends or fashion come and go. Russian Arabians dominated the show ring at one point. The Golden Cross horses followed that. A new vogue followed: the Polish Arabians, which was followed by the Egyptians. Now, the Universal horse is dominating the ring. Each of these fashions would last few years. A breeder will have to change his strategy accordingly and will never have his/her own identity. All of these breeders will be breeding the same horse.

I am not saying that he breeder should not evolve and stay static. What I really mean is, a breeder has to be dynamic and evolving after setting goals and venture within certain parameters that will provide him/her with the horse of his/her dream regardless of his show ring performance. Breeders need more genetic tools (a larger genetic pool) to be able to use in refining and breeding their ideal horse. The constant use of few selected bloodlines will result in diminishing the size of the genetic pool and hence cutting down the number of options that a breeder can use.

To summarize what was said before and to answer your question, I do have concern that the existing Arabian horse types and diversity, which are very important for future breeders, may disappear.

I would like breeders:

1. To preserve the threatened old bloodlines.

2. Evolve and change in the herd but within certain limits and try to breed a type that reflects the breeder’s choice and minimize the impact of show ring effect.

3. The show winners are not necessarily the best breeding horses. Many breeders are not showing their horses. And in the same time, not all winners are good breeding horses.

4. We should emphasize performance disciplines in shows. The Arabian is not only a pretty horse to look at but it is a serious performance horse as well. This in itself will help diversifying and enlarging the available gene pool.

Judith Wenning: What are your plans for the future?

Dr. Nasr Marei: I am now in my 70’s and a major concern is how to carry on Albadeia and keep it true to its program. I am in the final stages of preparing a format for continuing the Albadeia program with the same goals and passion as has carried us through the past 80 years. It is the legacy I owe to my horses. q

Dr. Nasr Marei

MIAD AL SHAQAB | DF MAHA

photo by Joanna Jonientz

photo by

Jennifer Ogden

ALBADEIA STUD

90th The Anniversary

n by Judith Wenning

Albadeia Stud, established in 1935 by Mr Ahmed Marei, is Egypt’s oldest private Arabian horse breeding operation. Under the leadership of Dr. Nasr Marei, who assumed full responsibility in the 1990s, the stud gained international acclaim for producing numerous champions and important breeding horses for other stud farms around the globe.

Following Dr. Nasr Marei’s sudden passing in 2017, Albadeia Stud continues to uphold its esteemed legacy. The stud remains very active, celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2025, and continues to be an icon in straight Egyptian Arabian horse breeding. In this interview, Albadeia’s stud manager Mrs Zeina Hosni shares with us the latest news from the farm and gives an insight into future hopes.

Judith Wenning: Zeina, please tell us first of all some details about yourself.

Zeina Hosni: My name is Zeina Hosni. I am a Cairobased, avid and lifelong horsewoman.

Arabian horses were mostly in the background as I pursued other equestrian endeavors over the last 30 years; showjumping, polo etc. Now however, Arabians are thoroughly center stage.

My connection to Albadeia stems from family friendship between the Marei family and my own, but my integration and involvement at the farm came about in a haphazard way. I brought my warmblood mare to the Albadeia clinic for a surgical procedure in 2021 and much like many who encounter this special farm, I was charmed and enamored by its inhabitants. I became a

frequent fixture at the farm from then on and became the Director in the summer of 2024.

Outside of Albadeia, I have my own farm where all my interests and previous adventures are gathered. Retired showjumping horses, polo ponies from Argentina and a handful of Arabians. Even here, Albadeia is not far away as one of my broodmares is an Albadeia mare.

Beyond the farms, I remain in the horse world with my direct-to-consumer equestrian performance wear label, Sakkara. The story behind Sakkara is simple, in my many years in the saddle I never found the right fit and fabric combination that suited me, my needs and my climate, so I tried to resolve that.

Wherever I am or whatever I am doing, horses are never far away. That is me, in summary.

Judith Wenning: How many horses does Albadeia have at the moment?

Zeina Hosni: Currently, the herd stands at 42 horses.

Judith Wenning: Please name some of the most important breeding mares and stallions at the moment at Albadeia.

Zeina Hosni: The mares at the center of our breeding program currently are:

Haneen Albadeia:

A Laheeb daughter out of Kamarain Albadeia, the daughter of Inshallah Albadeia. The goal here is to

preserve and perpetuate her lineage. Haneen reliably delivers size and movement, so it’s about selecting the right stallion who will enhance her positive traits, and simultaneously enhance the herd.

Leilah Albadeia:

A flea-bitten daughter of Simeon Safir (Asfour x Simeon Safanad). She is by our own Tabarak Albadeia (Imperial Baarez x Tamima Albadeia), himself a contributor to the program. Sadly, Simeon Safir passed away in the summer of 2024, but Leilah’s position in the program is central as we grow her family.

Jawhara Torath Albadeia:

One of three Bariq Al Shaqab daughters in the breeding program. Jawhara’s dam, Joumana Albadeia, is the

LEILAH ALBADEIA

HANEEN ALBADEIA

ALBADEIA STUD

daughter of Ansata Majeeda. She has type, correctness and size in ample measure, and we hope she will be a key member of Albadeia’s next chapter.

Wahag Albadeia:

Perhaps the most recognizable Albadeia mare after Gelgelah Albadeia, this bold and charming bay is by Al Maraam (Imperial Imdal x The Vision HG) out of Badeeat Albadeia (Magd Albadeia x Hekayat Albadeia). Here, similarly to Haneen Albadeia, we wish to preserve the bloodlines that have become scarce, and in this instance, we can play a little bit with color which is exciting!

Zahra Albadeia:

A granddaughter of the amazing Isaad Albadeia through

her dam Zaheda Albadeia, Zahra is a vital member of the Albadeia herd. What she lacks conformationally, she more than makes up for in type and movement. The goal here is to help her maximize her potential and aid her where required by selecting a stallion who will strengthen her conformational weakness. Zahra is by Bariq Al Shaqab.

Ahlaam Albadeia:

This lovely bay is out of the Anaza El Farid daughter ZT Ahlam. Her sire is Sabeh Al Salhiya (Ansata Nile Echo x Mareeka). Ahlaam brings a lot of new blood into Albadeia. She gave us a lovely bay colt by Sofian Sakr (Ansata Marengo x Sara Sakr) this year, so one is easily tempted to repeat the stallion and possibly be blessed with a full sister next year.

WAHAG ALBADEIA

ph. Ahmed Taha

Last, but certainly not least, is Samah Albadeia: At 20 years old, this Majd Al Rayyan daughter continues to add value to the herd. Samah has great importance at Albadeia. She is a descendant of one of Albadeia’s most iconic broodmares, Kamar Albadeia. Samah is a reliable broodmare, consistently passing on movement and a well-placed, arched neck.

Her oldest daughter, Barraqa, is alongside her in the program. She possesses a very different “look” courtesy of her sire, Bareeq Albadeia (Laheeb x Sahlalah Albadeia (Bar Sama Halim)) but she maintains the characteristics of her dam.

The stallions at Albadeia currently are: Tabarak Albadeia:

The son of Imperial Baarez and one of Albadeia’s most prominent broodmares, Tamima Albadeia.

Aside from being a gentleman and a joy to handle, his contribution to the program comes in form of two mares who have taken the Albadeia ‘look’ in a different direction. They will be core members of the breeding program moving forward.

Saeed Albadeia:

Saeed is the son of World Championship contender Isaad Albadeia, perhaps one of Albadeia’s best movers. His sire, Bariq Al Shaqab, played a key role at the farm, infusing refinement and type into the program. Saeed’s strong body and floating movement are directly descended from Isaad, and he consistently passes

ZAHRA ALBADEIA

TABARAK ALBADEIA

ALBADEIA STUD

these traits on. Saeed’s youngest daughter, Basmallah Albadeia, out of Barraqa Albadeia is a promising filly and we are keeping an eye on her.

Halim Albadeia:

Halim unites several prolific and prominent bloodlines in his pedigree. He is by Rayyan Albadeia (Majd Al Rayyan x Hekayat Albadeia (Anaza Bay Shahh)), out of Haneen Albadeia (Laheeb x Kamarain Albadeia (Inshallah Albadeia)). He is a long but balanced stallion with presence and character. His daughter, Sala Albadeia, out of Samah Albadeia enters the program this year!

Then we come to our senior stallions: Bareeq Albadeia, approaching 16 years of age, this

striking son of Laheeb (out of Sahlalah Albadeia (Bar Sama Halim x Nadrat Albadeia)) is still standing at Albadeia. He has contributed two wonderful mares, to the current program.

And finally, Haytham Albadeia (Simeon Sharav x Galagel Albadeia (Imperial Madori)). Now in his 20s, this SE World Championship contender is very much at the heart of the farm.

Judith Wenning: How many foals are expected this current season and by which stallions are they?

Zeina Hosni: The mares were recently bred so we will be expecting ten foals in late 2025/early 2026, if all goes well inshallah. You’ll have to come visit and see!

HAYTHAM ALBADEIA

ph. Jennifer Ogden

Mr. Sherif Marei

Judith Wenning: Is Albadeia taking part in show competitions?

Zeina Hosni: Currently, we do not have show commitments in the 2025 calendar. However, the temptation is always there!

When you have mares that really shine in the show ring, it is hard to keep them out. But the priority for the immediate future is to secure the selected lines and build families around them.

Our handler/trainer visits twice a week to keep the horses sharp, regardless of the show calendar so we are ready to go at any time.

Bringing Albadeia back to the show ring is in the plan so be sure to look out for us in the near future!

BAREEQ ALBADEIA

ALBADEIA STUD

Judith Wenning: The late owner Dr. Nasr Marei was extremely popular and his work was highly appreciated. How is his spirit and heritage still present?

Zeina Hosni: Dr. Nasr Marei is very much present every day at Albadeia. It is impossible not to feel his presence on the property. He is visible in the horses and their surroundings.

Often his words, which match the words of notable, well-respected Egyptian breeders, come to mind when I am working with the horses or on the breeding program:

• The high value placed on breeding a ‘complete and balanced’ horse.

• The preservation and protection of bloodlines and not letting lines ‘go extinct’.

• And most importantly, not being swayed by the thoughts and opinions of others.

Judith Wenning: Who is the current owner of Albadeia?

Zeina Hosni: Albadeia Stud is still owned by the Marei family; specifically Sherif Marei (Dr. Nasr Marei’s nephew), who places high emphasis on the preservation of Albadeia’s legacy and the welfare of the horses and the program.

Judith Wenning: What do you think are the most important changes at the farm in the past couple of years?

Zeina Hosni: The biggest change was the loss of Dr. Nasr Marei. The shift was sudden and tragic. Navigating that was a challenge for the family and all those involved with Albadeia Stud.

For my part, the changes implemented have surrounded the program and daily operations at the farm; setting a working schedule for the horses, studying the introduction of new blood to the herd and being careful and considerate of the mares being bred.

As the saying goes: quality, not quantity. Albadeia is situated in the heart of Giza, in between two large, highly-congested roads, so as the city continues to develop and surround the farm, it is increasingly important to keep the horses comfortable and at ease. We have made more space for turnout so the horses spend more time together outside. Horses are social and herd animals, so it is important to cater to their

behavioral needs as much as possible. Additionally, I am working on Albadeia’s digital presence. A brand-new website is nearing completion and we also have few more creative endeavors coming online in 2025. I am really excited!

Judith Wenning: What are the goals and future plans for Albadeia?

Zeina Hosni: For me, the primary goal and focus is the well-being of both the horses and the breeding program. Ensuring that each herd member is happy, healthy and in the best condition possible is at the top of every day’s “to-do” list.

Breeding-wise, I am determined to have each of the aforementioned mares create their own mini-legacy at Albadeia. We will ensure each of these mares has their own ‘family’; because several of these mares have daughters and/or mothers that left Albadeia, leaving them as the sole representative of their family

A breeding program shows its caliber by showcasing the consistency of its families, and you cannot do that with just a catalogue of broodmares, no matter how exceptional they are so it is paramount to the program to keep these iconic families alive.

I hope to usher in a new chapter at Albadeia. One that preserves and protects the horses and the history of the farm, while also evolving and improving the herd; I believe this is what Dr. Nasr Marei would have wanted. q

Take advantage of our passion for horses, our experience and our highly qualified team and a reliable, world-wide network of selected partners.

p road transport in Germany and Europe

p import and export clearance

p pre export quarantine in our own quarantine stables

p completion of all export documents and customs formalities

p global horse transportation by airfreight

p flight attendance by professional grooms

KIAHF 2025 Arabian Peninsula Horse Show

29 January - 1 February

by Fabio Brianzoni z photos by Simone Bergamaschi

The fifth edition of the ‘KIAHF’ Katara International Arabian Horse Festival, under the High Patronage of HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, took place between 29th January and 1st February in the beautiful location of the Katara Cultural Village.

Cultural Village Foundation-Katara is chaired by General Manager His Excellency Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, in collaboration with Racing and Equestrian Club and Qatar Equestrian Federation for the organisation of this show. From this union we are offered one of the most beautiful shows in the world, the KIAHF. I would like to emphasise that Katara Village is not only a beautiful place for meetings, shopping, restaurants and events, but above all a place created specifically to highlight the culture, art and heritage of Qatari traditions. For this reason, the place where we are watching and judging our PSAs aims to keep intact everything about the history of this nation, which hosts many world-class sporting events every year, not just equestrian events, with a special focus on tourism. For lovers of culture and beauty Doha offers many possibilities including visiting ‘The National Museum’, ‘The Museum of Arms’, the Souq Waqif in the city centre and within walking distance the ‘Islamic Museum’, not to mention the natural beauty this land offers.

An important symbol of Qatar’s past history is the Pearl Monument, which testifies to the importance of traditional handicrafts, one of the main activities carried out by locals up to a hundred years ago: the harvesting and crafting of pearls.

This year, Katara will also host the ‘Global Champions Arabians Tour’ 2025.

The Arabian Peninsula Horse Show took place in the specially set up arena by the sea, in the heart of Katara Village, and this sumptuous panorama is in itself the ideal setting for all photographers. Close your eyes, imagine a horse and its handler parading along the ring with the sea behind them, the music, the wooden boats typical of the Qatari maritime tradition and, above, the blue sky! An enchanting place and an exceptionally wellorganised and well-attended venue, ready to receive thousands of people from all over the world.

For the media, a special press area was set up in the upper area of the side grandstand so as to dominate the entire arena. To coordinate the journalists, videomakers and photographers under the careful supervision of Mrs. Malika Muhammad Al-Shuraim (Marketing and Communication Director), Mrs. Anu Sharma punctiliously and with great professionalism managed reports and meetings for the best success of the event. Our thanks and special praise go to them for enabling us to do an excellent job again this year and fulfilling every technical requirement on site. All this meticulous attention to detail for the pure-bred Arabian horses is also thank to the great experience of those working on Qatar’s National Vision 2030 project.

The 13 judges alternating with each other using a computerised system judged the 138 horses entered were: Mrs. Michaela Weidner (Germany), Mrs. Renata Schibler (Switzerland), Mrs. Karin Zeevenhoven (Netherlands), Mr. Elyas Ebrahim (Bahrain), Mr. Josy

Everars (Belgium), Mr. Luiz Alvaro Moreira Rocco (Brazil), Mr. Tarek Hamza (Egypt), Mr. Nikolaus Jung (Germany), Mr. Jonas Salzman (Kuwait), Mr. Mohamed Machmoum (Morocco), Mr. Sufian Taha (Palestine), Mr. Carmelo Zaragoza (Spain) and Mr. Ali Ghanem Al Mazrouei (UAE). Four DCs: Mrs. Cristine Keiser (Norway), Mr. Danial Alavi (Iran), Mr. Yousef Abusamra (Qatar) and Mr. Razan Mohamed (Oman). Both Ring Masters were highly experienced: Dr. Vet. Laura Mascagna (Italy) and Mr. Bassem Badr (KSA).

The prize money up for grabs is always very high and coveted by breeders and owners, but what pays most for any breeding effort is the joy of one of the three championship medals.

In any case, the prize money was around QAR 1,800,000, almost half a million Euros. Participating in this Festival is always a privilege and every year there is always something new, even when the show gives horses and handlers a brea - an exhibition of paintings by Ali

Almimar or a falcon festival (Marbles) with hundreds of specimens were just examples of the extra entertainment offered by Katara Cultural Village.

The auction held on 3rd February of horses, breeding and embryo transfers, again presided over by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani was an eagerly awaited event as part of the Festival, and started at around 17.30. At 15:00 the opportunity to pay the insurance deposit that allows buyers to bid and buy officially opened.

The Katara auction for purebred Arabian horses allows new fans to approach the world of shows or to consolidate breeding programmes by purchasing subjects that have already participated in competitions of international importance.

I will now leave you with the photos of the prize-giving champions and the wonderful atmosphere surrounding the KIAHF. q

Gold Medal Yearling Fillies

QUMRIYAH

NASEEM AL RASHEDIAH X KAMAR EGA | B: RAWDAT E’THANYA | O: AL HAMAMA STUD

KIAHF Arabian Peninsula Horse Show

Silver Medal Yearling Fillies GJ MAJESTICA

Bronze Medal Yearling Fillies ANHAJEEAH AL

MAJD AL QUSAR X HADIYA AL SHAHANIA | B: GLENN JACOBS | O: AL NASSER STUD

SHAQAB

NASEEM AL RASHEDIAH X MASHHOORAH AL SHAQAB | B/O: AL SHAQAB

Gold Medal Yearling Colts

D SADN

D LABBAD X D ASFOORAH | B/O: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD

KIAHF Arabian Peninsula Horse Show

Silver Medal Yearling Colts SAIF AL WADI

NASEEM AL RASHEDIAH X NEFERTITI AL WADI | B: HAMAD BIN QURAYA | O: AL WADI STUD

Bronze Medal Yearling Colts IBN AL NAIF

NILE ECHO X AL JOOD AL NAIF | B/O: AL NAIF STUD

ANSATA

Gold Medal Junior Fillies

BAHGA AL FARIDA

BAAREZ

AL FARIDA X SHEROUK AL FARIDA | B: EL FARIDA STUD | O: SK

ARABIANS

KIAHF Arabian Peninsula Horse Show

Silver

Medal Junior Fillies GHAYA EL ALYA

Bronze Medal Junior Fillies LATEEN

AL DANAT

QAMAR EL ZAMAN AL WAAB X GHEZLAN AL WAAB

B: EL ALYA STUD | O: AL HAMAMA STUD

NASEEM AL RASHEDIAH X MONA ALDANAT | B/O: AL DANAT FARM

Gold Medal Junior Colts

MALEEH AL NASSER

NASSER AL RAYYAN X SARAB AL NASSER | B/O: AL NASSER STUD •

KIAHF Arabian Peninsula Horse Show

Silver Medal Junior Colts MEJRIN AL SALAM

Bronze Medal Junior Colts AKM LUSAIL

MOTAIR AL BAIDAA X LAYAN AL SALAM B: MOHAMED HAMAD AL RKHAYES | O: AL SALAM STUD

SHAHEEN AA X AISHAA | B: MOHAMMED MOBAREK AL SULAITI | O: AKM ARABIANS

Gold Medal Senior Mares

NADRAH AL NASSER

SHAGRAN AL NASSER X JAMILA AL NASSER | B/O: AL NASSER STUD

KIAHF Arabian Peninsula Horse Show

Silver Medal Senior Mares D A’NNAFEYYAH

Bronze Medal Senior Mares LUJINA

ASFOOR AL WAAB X D FOLAH | B/O: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD

AL AYAL AA X MASHALLA ALEHA | B: ALI ALI MAHMOUD | O: KHALED ALNUGH AIMSHI

Gold Medal Senior Stallions

GJ FAHEEM

NASEEM AL RASHEDIAH X HADIYA AL SHAHANIA | B/O: GLENN JACOBS

KIAHF Arabian Peninsula Horse Show

Silver Medal Senior Stallions BASHEER AL WAAB

Bronze Medal Senior Stallions D MEMZER

SINAN AL RAYYAN X AMAAL AL WAAB | B: SHEIKH ABDULLA BIN KHALED AL THANI | O: EL ALYA STUD

ASFOOR AL WAAB X XTREME WONDER | B/O: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD

KATARA ARABIAN HORSE AUCTION

3 February

Le Soleil Arabians

Within all of us lies the power to rise, To dream boldly and soar beyond limits. When you believe, you unlock infinite possibilities. If you can see it, you can achieve it. If you believe, there’s no horizon too far to reach

Why walk when You can Fly?

Le Soleil Arabians embodies the spirit of boundless freedom and timeless beauty. A symbol of strength, grace, and the courage to chase the skies.

Majestic. Timeless. Born to Soar.

© Elvis Giughera

A Book Review of

“ HORSES from Saudi Arabia”

n by Judith Wenning

Since many years, I follow the special publishing company Assouline and I am fascinated by the marvelous books they are producing. Now an amazing work “Horses from Saudi Arabia” caught my eye. The phrase warns against judging a book by its cover, yet with Assouline, that is precisely where the magic begins. These oversized, linenbound books have moved beyond traditional publishing to become lifestyle assets, proudly displayed in luxury hotels, flagship boutiques, and the homes of connaisseurs who understand that a special book can say as much about taste as a designer piece or a rare watch.

At a time when digital content is infinite and always available at a fingertip, the attention spans of lots of people are shrinking. However, these books offer permanence, value, craftsmanship, and a sense of belonging to a world that is aspirational yet attainable. Assouline’s high quality printing, heavyweight pages, and rich unusual photography make them more than just the content; they are collectible pieces of art.

So did this horse excel a common one, / In shape, in courage, colour, pace and bone.

- William Shakespeare

Herd of Arabian horses dashing through the sand.

Photo & Copyright: Oliver Pilcher

The land of Saudi Arabia shaped the Arabian horse, honing its unyielding athleticism, perfecting its distinct features, building its good temperament. Since the time of the Bedouin tribes, the Arabian horse has reigned supreme as the most prized species. Today, Saudi Arabia’s enthusiasm for equestrian life has led to the country hosting the world’s richest horse race in addition to numerous valuable and prestigious equine competitions and events. And now, as in the past, the Arabian horse stands apart from the rest, prouder, more valued and with no equal. With original photography by Oliver Pilcher, the book “Horses from Saudi Arabia” presents the beauty of this beloved animal in its native landscape.

Herd of Arabian horses dashing through the sand.

Photo & Copyright: Oliver Pilcher

The Arabian horse has held a prized position in the cultural identity of Saudi Arabia for centuries.

Photo & Copyright: Oliver Pilcher

There are various shades of grey coats, including “fleabitten”-grey with specklings. Photo & Copyright: Oliver Pilcher

The author Debbie Burt is a multi-award-winning British equine writer with decades of experience as a specialist in the Arab horse industry. Burt is the editor and chief photographer of the digital magazine The Arabian Racehorse and a regular contributor to the French publication Jour de Galop–Arabians, Gallop Magazine and International Thoroughbred, among other notable industry titles.

The photographer Oliver Pilcher was born in Scotland. He studied sculpture at the Edinburgh College of Art before embarking on a photographic career that has taken him all around the world and given him the opportunity to shoot for some of the world’s finest brands. Oliver has been a contributing photographer at Condé Nast Traveler for over ten years. He currently divides his time between New York and Costa Rica with his wife, Abigail, and their four children, Andalucia, Bianca, Constantina and Herbie. He previously worked with Assouline on the best-selling Paris Chic (2020) and several other important works.

Assouline Publishing is a book publisher and luxury lifestyle company founded in 1994 by Prosper and Martine Assouline. It has published more than 1,700 titles on subjects including architecture, art, design, fashion, gastronomy, lifestyle, photography, and travel. Beginning in the 2010s the company has branched out to designing, producing, and selling furniture, accessories, and luxury gifts, and to creating bespoke furnished and accessorized libraries for individuals and hotels.

The publishing house began as a family company in the basement of Martine and Prosper’s apartment in Paris. One year later, the firm opened its first office on rue Danielle Casanova in Paris. The couple’s first published book was La Colombe d’Or (1994) which covers the history of their favorite hotel in the South of France, including photographs by Prosper and text by Martine. Since its beginnings in 1994, Assouline has been dedicated to creating books that are as informational as they are beautiful works of art.

Training an Arabian horse in Saudi Arabia.

Photo & Copyright: Oliver Pilcher

The Arabian is the oldest recorded breed of horse.

Photo & Copyright: Oliver Pilcher

Arabian horse in AlUla. Photo & Copyright: Oliver Pilcher

The company went on to establish its first book series in 1996 – the Memoire collection, which was composed of books focusing on individuals and companies in fashion, jewelry, design, and art.

In 2007, the company owners relocated to New York City, and that same year they began to partner with the Council of Fashion Designers of America. In 2011 Prosper Assouline was awarded the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres from the French Ministry of Culture for his work in publishing. In 2012, Assouline produced a waterproof book on the subject of the South Pole, as well as Gaia, a book of photos taken on the International Space Station by Guy Laliberté. In 2016, the French Institute Alliance Française awarded the Assoulines with the Art de Vivre award for their publications.

In 2013, LVMH acquired a minority stake in the company. By 2025, Assouline had published over 2000 books.

esert Heritage M

An arched neck and a high tail carriage are characteristics of an Arabian horse. Photo & Copyright: Oliver Pilcher

Luxurious coat of an Arabian horse. Photo & Copyright: Oliver Pilcher

Riding through the desert landscape on an Arabian horse. Photo & Copyright: Oliver Pilcher

As of the 2020s, Assouline is known for its collections, including its extensive and colorful travel series, its Handcrafted Ultimates collection, to which “Horses from Saudi Arabia” belongs, its Classics collection, and its signed limited editions such as the special edition of its book on Versailles and books in collaboration with artists and personalities such as Roger Federer and Jay-Z.

Martine and Prosper’s son Alex has been at the company since 2014. As of 2022 he is chief of operations, brand, and strategy. Alex has spoken on the future of the brand, taking the publisher into the digital age, as well as expanding into product development, and library curation interior design.

In 2003, Assouline opened a corner boutique in the Bergdorf Goodman Building. The company opened its first standalone boutique in Paris in 2006. The company

has subsequently opened branded corners inside different locations around the world, including Madrid and Sydney. Assouline also operates retail locations in various cities including Bal Harbour, Florida, Houston, Texas and Mexico City, as well as its London flagship store, Maison Assouline, that opened in 2014, featuring the Swans Bar. Sustainability is an important subject for the publishing house. Since 2019, Assouline has partnered with One Tree Planted to grow one tree for each book sold, with the eventual goal of creating a sustainable cycle, producing books from trees planted specifically for the publisher. During the Maui Wildfires in 2023, the brand announced that 100% of sales of the book would go towards relief for locals affected by the fires through the end of the year.

Assouline continues to exude an unparalleled signature style and elegant savoir faire, which has globally redefined modern publishing. q

“Horses

from Saudi Arabia”

Text by Debbie Burt, photography by Oliver Pilcher

16 x 19 in – 40.5 x 48 cm | 200 pages | over 100 illustrations handcrafted volume in a luxury clamshell case

ISBN: 9781649801777 | $1,200 – € 1,200 – £1,000 FEBRUARY 2024

Throughout

history, the Arabian horse was prized for its strength and versatility in battle. Photo & Copyright: Oliver Pilcher

NK Nizam x NK Abla

Offspring of the Stallions

NK NABHAN, NK NIZAM and NK AMAL EL DINE

NK NABHAN NK NIZAM

NK Nadeer x NK Nerham

NK Hafid Jamil x NK Nadirah

ph. Joanna Jonientz

NK NAJDIYA

NK NAWAAL

NK Nabhan x NK Nazli

NK Nabhan x NK Nakibya

ph.

Joanna

Jonientz

NK ALISSIA

NK HAWA

NK Nizam x NK Ninnifee

NK Nasr El Dine x NK Alia

ph. Joanna Jonientz

ph. Jennifer Ogden

The Modern Kuhaylans in Egyptian Breeding Part. II

n by Joseph Ferriss

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

In my previous article I had noted that the Kuhaylan is believed to be the oldest Arabian strain in the entire Arabian breed and thus always a good an honored name while in modern times it is sometimes overshadowed within straight Egyptian mare lines. So this continuing series is to become re-acquainted with the Kuhaylan strain in Egyptian bloodlines.

In my last installment I had mentioned the celebrated Kuhaylan Ajuz Rodan desert-bred mare Rodania, arguably one of the most globally prevalent ancestors in the entire Arabian breed. The female line to Rodania arrived in 1920 in Egypt with the purchase two fillies from Crabbet, Bint Riyala and Bint Rissala. So for this newsletter let us explore further the family from Bint Riyala.

El Thay Mahfouz (Ansata Selman x El Thay Mahfouza) Gigi Grasso photo.

Bint Riyala at the Tanta show in Egypt in the mid 1930s as an aged mare after she was sold from the RAS to Mr. Trouncer. Forbis archive.

Foaled in 1920 Bint Riyala was sired by Nadir, a Kuhaylan Dajani, and the same strain as the RAS desertbred sire El Nasser. Her mother Riyala, was a granddaughter of Rodania’s most famous daughter Rose of Sharon, thus Bint Riyala was from Kuhaylan families on both sides of her pedigree. As an individual she was of soundly build reminiscent of her famous female matriarch Rodania but was bay instead of chestnut color. She has more foals than the 5 listed in the RAS studbook but that is because she was later sold to T.G.B. Trouncer and, as was often the case back then, with no national registry some privately bred stock would not necessarily end up in any studbook though it can be found in old books or other records. However from Bint Riyala’s descent only her daughter Bint Bint Riyala (x Gamil Manial) carried on this line via her daughter the splendid mare Malaka, sired by the racing sire Kheir. Malaka’s pedigree already represented two generations of Saklawi sires top-crossed on Bint Riyala which was perhaps a foreshadowing of how Malaka would create a dynasty from her “golden cross” with the legendary Nazeer who, though Hadban by strain seemed to impart so often the fine Arab qualities of his celebrated sire line to Saklawi I.

The Bint Riyala line comes down from Malaka, shown here as a filly in late 1941. Already the fine quality of this line is apparent in Malaka as a youngster. Forbis archive.

Mabdooi 1948 grey stallion (El Deree x Malaka), Malaka’s first son and arguably one of El Deree’s most handsome ones. Unfortunately he was not used, but his famous 3/4 brother Azmi was used - an important sire in Russia. Judith Forbis photo.

Salomy (El Sareei x Malaka) Malaka’s only daughter allowed to leave Egypt, and a high quality mare imported by Gleannloch. Judith Forbis photo in Egypt.

As I had noted in my last newsletter, Malaka’s only daughter allowed to leave Egypt was the Gleannloch import to the US, Salomy (x El Sareei), who also proved a fine broodmare of show winners. Meanwhile in Egypt, from Nazeer came a renowned golden cross of full siblings out of Malaka: Waseem, Nazeera, Mamlouka and Samia. Waseem proved to be a sire of excellent broodmares especially for Albadeia Stud that included the celebrated matron Malekat El Gamal, the female line of world-renowned international champion and sire of champions Al Adeed Al Shaqab. Nazeera counts among her most famous descendants, World Champion and sire of international Champions, Imperial Imdal. As a sire he has a long list of champions to his credit, not to mention the global influence of his sons Laheeb, Al Maraam, PVA Kariim, Moroc and others.

From Nazeera comes numerous champion producing mares, Amani (x El Sareei) dam of US National Champion Asadd, US National Top Ten Romanaa II (x Sameh), Omayma (x Sameh) a champion producer, as well as the mares Serenity Luftia (x Nasralla) a multichampion, Heba (x Ibn Hafiza) dam of US National Top Ten Lancers Asmara who is granddam of Gold

Nazeera (Nazeer x Malaka) one of 4 full siblings that would be a “golden cross” and spread the fame of Bint Riyala’s line. Many international champions trace to Nazeera. Judith Forbis photo in Egypt.

Champion Aachen winner GR Amaretto, and U.S. Reserve National Champion Native Costume Manzoura (x Sultann).

From Bint Riyala’s line is another celebrated branch, that of the excellent Nazeer daughter, Mamlouka. SF Bint Mamlouka (Mashhour x Mamlouka), Set El Wadi (x El Sareei), Fifi (x Anter), and the sisters Fawkia and Momtaza (x Sameh). In North America the Mamlouka branch has long proven itself in high quality and performance. From SF Bint Mamlouka came the racing winners Serenity Ibn Khofo and Serenity Mamlouk. SF Bint Mamlouka is also dam of excellent Marbach and European sire Serenity Habib.

Sameh proved a great cross on Mamlouka as illustrated by the full sisters Fawkia, imported by Gleannloch Farms and Momtaza, imported to Babolna and afterward a key foundation mare for the celebrated El Thayeba stud. Fawkia produced champion mare Ana Gayah for Gleannloch. For Imperial Egyptian Stud Fawkia produced the great broodmare Imperial BtFawkia, granddam of international champion sire Imperial Madori, sire of World Champion mare Gelgelah Albadeia.

Fawkia’s full sister Momtaza founded a large and celebrated family for the Tauschke’s El Thayeba Stud one of the most successful straight Egyptian breeding programs in Europe with international influence.

Cornelia Tauschke’s talents as a breeder and trainer assured that the best results would be obtained from this family of Momtaza revealing both excellent riding quality and superior Arabian type as represented by numerous international champions. At El Thayeba, Momtaza’s

Fawkia (Sameh x Mamlouka), an excellent Sameh daughter imported by Gleannloch and later a mare for Imperial. Dam line of numerous champions. Renowned as the dam line of Imperial Madori. Jerry Sparagowski photo.

family proved capable of blending consistently with other strains as well as Marbach, Ansata and Katharinenhof breeding. Momtaza was bred to the handsome bay stallion Nizam (Shaarawi x Nazeema), resulting in the mare Morawa, a most significant broodmare for El Thayeba earning the deserved title of Elite Mare in the German registry. From this line comes such notables as El Thay Mameluk (Ibn Nazeema x El Thay Mansoura), an important sire for El Thayba, as well as Babolna and

Gold Champion at Aachen, GR Amaretto, a much admired stallion tracing in female line to Nazeera. Erwin Escher photo.

Mamlouka (Nazeer x Malaka), another fine mare and great producer for the Bint Riyala line. Judith Forbis photo.

The beautiful Dalia (Morafic x Romanaa II) a Nazeera granddaughter who won many championships. Her claim to fame is as the dam of celebrated sire Imperial Imdal. Johnny Johnston photo.

other European breeders, later at stud for Talal A. Al Mehri’s Aljazira Stud in Kuwait. El Thay Mameluk’s half sister El Thay Mahfouza (El Thay Ibn Halim Shah x El Thay Mansoura) was awarded Premium status and is the dam of the exotic stallion El Thay Mahfouz. El Thay Mahfouza created a lasting legacy for Momtaza’s line at El Thayeba as illustrated by the many beautiful high quality horses of this line continuing all the way to the lovely filly El Thay Mezneh, now the 6th generation of this line from Momtaza.

The final example of the “golden cross” of Nazeer with Malaka comes from the mare Samia, a 1952 grey mare. Though she did not have a lot of foals, her three daughters spread her influence internationally in many admired straight Egyptian horses. Samia’s three daughters are Noha (x Mashhour), and the two full sisters Serenity Sagda and Hekmat, both by Anter.

Noha distinguished her self as the dam of Serenity BtNoha who produced racing stallion Serenity Noah and is the dam line of Sport Horse and Endurance champion Serenity Shahail. Noha is also the dam line of Israeli Reserve National Champion stallion Sahadi Shikari (double Bint Riyala). Noha’s daughter Set Abouhom (x Alaa El Din) produced the lovely Set Husen (x Tuhotmos) who was exported to Germany producing 12 foals there and from her line came some class A Champions in the US.

El Thay Mansoura (Machmut x Morawa) a granddaugher of Momtaza, she became an excellent producer for the El Thayeba legacy. Awarded Elite Mare title. She is dam of El Thay Mameluk. El Thayeba archive.

Imported by Serenity Egyptian Stud, Serenity Sagda (Anter x Samia) produced champions in North America, while her full sister Hekmat, imported by Gleannloch Farm produced a large family that has spread internationally. Hekmat produced US National Performance winners and she is the dam line US multichampion The Mohave, as well as Australia’s champion sire Hansan. Hekmat is also the dam line of Egypt’s famed sire Shaheen (El Habiel) via the beautiful Bint

Among Imperial Madori’s famous champions is beloved World Champion mare Gelgelah Albadeia. Erwin Escher photo.

Fawkia’s full sister, the lovely Momtaza (Sameh x Mamlouka) built a dynasty for El Thayeba Arabians in Germany. El Thayeba archive.

The exotic El Thay Mahfouz (Ansata Selman x El Thay Mahfouza) important sire for El Thayeba. El Thayeba archive.

El Thay Munifa (El Thay Mahfouz x El Thay Malakah) a lovely double Momtaza descendant and fine example of multiple crosses to Bint Riyala. El Thayeba archive.

El Thay Mahfouza (El Thay Ibn Halim Shah x El Thay Mansoura) a great broodmare for El Thayeba, awarded Premium Mare title. El Thayeba archive.

El Thay Mezneh (Nader Halim x El Thay Munifa) 2015 filly, the 6th generation from the original mare Momtaza. This strong family continues successfully at El Thayeba and for other breeders. El Thayeba archive.

A (Hafeed Anter x Dhimaara)

bred in

Samia (Nazeer x Malaka) 3rd mare of the “golden cross” and another fine producer in Egypt for the Bint Riyala line. Judith Forbis photo.

Bint Hamamaa. In fact Hekmat’s international journey of influence comes in and out of Egypt in other ways as well. Renowned Hamdan Stables brought back to Egypt the mare Dhimaara (Dharib x Abas Mareekha), a black mare tracing to Hekmat in dam line. Dhimaara produced the beautiful black mare Mona A sired by Hafeed Anter, a much-admired mare at the Al Arab Stud of Sheikha Sarah Al Sabah in Kuwait. An exquisite

The beautiful Bint Bint Hamamaa (Nabiel x Bint Hamamaa) famous as the dam of famous Egyptian sire Shaheen [El Habiel] tracing to Samia through Hekmat. Gigi Grasso photo.

Mona

beautiful black mare

Egypt tracing to Hekmat in female line. A key broodmare for Shaikha Sarah Al Sabah’s Al Arab stud in Kuwait. Sarah Fahad Al Sabah’s Archive.

family has been created in Kuwait from this mare that is well represented by Yareem Al Arab (x Ansata Osiron), and her splendid daughters Deem Al Arab and Tathee Al Arab, both sired by Ajmal Ashhal.

When one begins to examine the champions of the world, it quickly becomes apparent that the yearling bay filly Bint Riyala has proven one of Egypt’s greatest gifts back to the world of fine Arabian horses. Her contribution to Egyptian breeding and to the world of Arabian horses is very large and respected. Through both excellent stallions and superior mares, it is clear that many Arabians have benefited from the fine influence of the Kuhaylan Rodan mare Bint Riyala. q

Yareem Al Arab (Ansata Osiron x Mona A) a fine example of Ansata crossed on the Bint Riyala line of Mona A.

Sarah Fahad Al Sabah’s Archive.

Deem Al Arab [left] and Tathee Al Arab, exotic full sisters (Ajmal Ashhal x Yareem Al Arab) from the Bint Riyala female line via Hekmat. Sarah Fahad Al Sabah’s Archive.

Maximum comfort and minimum transport time for your horses.

n by Agricon Logistic

International horse transport - Import:

Profit from our passion for horses. Win time and security with Agricon Logistic horse transport.

We take care of everything and ensure you a safe and smooth transportation of your horses! A professional and secure horse transport requires not only a lot of experience and knowhow, but also a comprehensive and competent preparation. Before your horses arrive at the destination, you will of course receive a detailed and professional advice of the entire shipping process. That way you have a secure feeling from the start.

From the application of permits, the preparation of health certificates, the clearance and inspection by the official veterinarian, the transportation in special horse transport trucks to the airport, plus the customs clearance to load

your horses into special flight containers and the airfreight to country of destination we take care and watch over everything during the horse transportation.

We assure that, throughout the whole horse transport your horses will be attended and cared by our own professional grooms. Starting with the preparations and the coordination of loading, the securing of your horses for a comfortable and safe transport through to the reception at the destination. We are there when your horse needs us. If requested, we have the capacity to prepare your horses in our own stables consisting of 25 boxes as well as a separate quarantine barn with 20 horseboxes.

INTERNATIONAL HORSETRANSPORT

Horse transport - Attendance:

We know what your horses feel.

The preparation for transport of course includes the professional and permanent support from the stables of departure to the final reception barn.

In addition to the employed staff of our professional flight attendants, we only work with reliable horse grooms (according to IATA Live Animals Regulations), professional

horse transport companies and specialized agents. To ensure an optimum of supply, jerry cans, buckets, hay net and bedding are of course provided. The flight attendants for our international horse transports are precisely briefed in advance to assure that your horses are in good hands during the entire flight.

International horse transport - Service:

We are prepared for global horse transportation.

Profit from our ambition to find and realise the optimum for your horse transport! Profit from our passion, our experience and our highly qualified team. Profit from our worldwide network of selected partners who share our passion for highest standards in horse shipping - worlwide.

• road transport in Germany and Europe

• Import and export clearance

• application and preparation of all required documentation incl. health certificates according to countries of destination

• pre export quarantine in our own quarantine stables

• Preparation of horses for export, blood tests, official

veterinary inspection at our own stables incl. grazing.

• transport to/from airport in special horse trucks

• completion of all customs formalities

• stabling at airport of departure upon request

• global horse shipping by airfreight

• coordination and secure of the horses

• flight attendance by professional grooms

• preparation of import- and export documentation

• application of import and export permits

• import and export customs clearance

• veterinary inspection and clearance at airport of destination

• road transport to stables at destination

International horse shipping - Export:

We accompany your horse safely through all requirements.

Each country has its own laws and regulations, regarding the necessary health certificates, customs clearance and quarantine requirement. That does not make things easier. But there is no need to worry.

We know the requirements and with our long-term experience with international horse transports you have an expert at your side, you can rely on. You will receive a comprehensive consultation regarding all the preparations for the export. This includes the process and implementation

of import customs and veterinary clearance in the destination country, as well as the booking of any required post-arrival quarantine.

Afterwards the horses are then moved in special horse transporter to reach the stable. Everything for your horse transportation is planned to the smallest detail, so that your horses arrive comfortably and safely in the country of destination.

Horse Transport:

We provide everything, to make sure your horses arrive safely at their destination.

Agricon Logistic sets up highest standards for the safe transport of your horses.

We exclusively work with reputable airlines such as Lufthansa, KLM, Martin Air, Emirates, Qatar Airways and experienced horse transporters. The horses entrusted to our care are transported safely to and from the airport by special horse-trucks. At the airlines handling terminal the animals are loaded in disinfected special horse transport containers before shipping by air. Of course the containers

meet the requirement of the IATA Live Animals Regulations. If necessary, the horses can be stabled at the airport before departure. That way the horses get the opportunity to get some rest before going on a long trip. We can assure that the monitoring and comprehensive care of the horses are guaranteed at any time during the entire horse transport.

This way it is guaranteed that your horses are safe and sound until they reach their point of destination.

Horse transportation - Worldwide:

Wherever you want your horses to go - we will make it possible.

Europe

Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Istanbul, London, Liege, Luxemburg, Maastricht, Moscow, Munich, Ostend, Paris, Toulouse, Vienna, Wildeshausen

Asia

Amman, Bangkok, Beirut, Casablanca, Chennai, Doha, Dubai, Hongkong, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait, Lahore, Mumbai, Muskat, Dehli, Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, Tashkent, Tehran, Tokio, Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah

Africa

Accra, Cairo, Dakar, Johannesburg, Khartoum, Kapstadt, Nairobi, Tunis, Tripoli

South America

Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Mexiko City, Sao Paulo

North America

Calgary, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Toronto

Australia

Auckland, Melbourne, Sydney

Agricon-Logistic GmbH & Co. KG | International Horse Transports

Bargloy 17 | 27793 Wildeshausen (Germany)

Contact:

Agricon-Logistic GmbH & Co. KG

Bargloy 17 - 27793 Wildeshausen - Germany

Fon: +49 (0) 44 31 - 73 84 -80 | Fax: +49 (0) 44 31 - 73 84 -81

Mail: info@agricon-logistic.com

phone: +49 (0) 44 31 - 73 84 -80 - Fax: +49 (0) 44 31 - 73 84 -81 - E-Mail: info@agricon-logistic.com www.agricon-horsetransports.de

www.agricon-horsetransports.de

TB HeBa

(NK Sharaf El Dine x TB Hasna)

Strain: Obayan Om Grees In foal to Naseem Al Rashediah

Mares the rabian h

At our stud, we proudly uphold traditions of Arabian horse breeding. We do not do any embryo transfers. Every foal is an A-foal, carried by their biological mother and raised in the healthiest, most nurturing environment in Italy.