DESERT HERITAGEMagazine
photo by Gregor Aymar
Frasera
NESHAR
Frasera Mashar x Frasera Bint Nefisa
2012 Hadban Enzahi
Frasera MONIET
Nabeel al Rayyan x Frasera Mashalla
2017 Kohailan Radban
Frasera MASHALL
Pharros x Frasera Mashara
2008 Kohailan Radban
Frasera AL MADAL
Al Ayal AA x Frasera Madalla
2020 Kohailan Radban
Frasera IL BELLO
Frasera KALED
Nabeel al Rayyan x Frasera bint Nefisa
2017 Hadban Enzahi
LA FRASERA
Straight Egyptian Horses
Frasera Neshar x Frasera Carina 2019 Dahamah Shawan
Frasera KHARIM
Frasera Mashar x Frasera Carina
2020 Dhama Shawan
Frasera RAMSETE
Frasera Ramses Shah x Fasera Wasima 2008 Hadban Enzahi
photo by Alessio Azzali
photo by Gigi Grasso
Mares Frasera MAGICA
LA FRASERA
Straight Egyptian Horses
Majd al Rayyan x Frasera Futura
2006 Dahamah Shawan
Frasera MASHARRA
Frasera Mashar x Frasera Bint Nefisa 2013 Hadban Enzahi
Frasera MADRA
Frasera Mashall x Frasera Madara 2013 Kohailan Radban
Frasera FANTASTICA
Frasera Mashar x Frasera Futura
2013 Dahamah Shawan
Frasera CARINA
Frasera Mashall x Frasera Magica
2012 Dahamah Shawan
LA FRASERA
Straight Egyptian Horses
photo by Nicoletta Abelli
PSE FRASERA
Shahil x Imperial Beveerah
2013 Saqlawi Jedram Ibn Sudan
Frasera KATTARA
2017 Kohailan Radban
LA FRASERA
Straight Egyptian Horses
Nabeel al Rayyan x Frasera Madra
photo by Gigi Grasso
Desert Heritage Magazine n.68
iscr. trib. di Milano n. 466 del 20/09/02 Expedition in A.P. 70% Milano
Alim Editrice s.n.c. via Ressi, 22 - 20125 Milano (Italy) e-mail: info@tuttoarabi.it www.desertheritagemagazine.com instagram: @desertheritagemagazine
Publisher Simone Leo mobile: +39 348 5640190 leo.simon@tiscali.it
Editor
Alim Editrice snc
Customer Service
Fabio Brianzoni fabiobrianzoni56@gmail.com
Account Office/Subscription Office
Barbara Belloni amministrazione@alimeditrice.it
Writers
Nabil Nasrallah
Jennifer Ogden
Monika Savier
Judith Wenning
Digital Artwork
Viviana Castiglioni
Printed by AGF Spa San Giuliano Milanese Milano (Italy)
Advertising
Alim Editrice s.n.c. via Ressi, 22 - 20125 Milano (Italy) tel. +39 02 36762850 e-mail: info@tuttoarabi.it
©
www.desertheritagemagazine.com
Pag. 32 Interview with Sheikh Meshal Bin Issa Al Thani of El Alya Stud Qatar
Pag. 61 War in Lebanon. News from the Racetrack in Beirut
Pag. 73 Julie Wear with a Sense of Class and Style
Pag. 83 Memories of Erika Schiele
Pag. 94 Strenght of Spirit. Celebrating Judith Forbis’s 90th Birthday
Pag. 112 Al Murad Stud and the Art of Breeding
Breeding2025Season
Nabhan
NK NADEER | NK NERHAM
NizamNK
NK HAFID JAMIL | NK NADIARAH
photo by Joanna Jonientz
Offspring
of the Stallions
NKNabhan, NKNizam and NKAmal El Dine
Looking for a face? introducing
Stuart Vesty
2024 Bay colt (Naadir KA x Simeon Suzette)
2024 Grey filly (Naadir KA x Alwan Al Amin)
ph: Broderick Levens
(RAYYAN AL NAIF X MAS ROMANA) 2021
M Maher Sarhan TS
GOLD MEDAL CHAMPION Junior Colts and 1st Place Section B (Class 5 B)
Straight Egyptian Royal World Cup 2024
GOLD MEDAL CHAMPION Junior Colts
Egyptian Event Europe Bergamo 2024
by
photos
Alessio Azzali
JamilQARDABIYAH
BarraQ el alIya (ashhal al rayyan x asrah al rayyan) 2008 Stallion
excellence in breeding “The Straight egyptian arabian”
Interview with SheIkh MeShal BIn ISSa al ThanI of el alya STud QaTar
By Jennifer Ogden
Sheikh Meshal Bin Issa Al Thani, founder of El Alya Stud, is a name synonymous with excellence in the world of Straight Egyptian Arabian horse breeding, particularly in Qatar and the Gulf region. His stud has not only produced national and international champions but has also contributed foundation stallions and mares for other prestigious breeding programs, notably, the stallion Barraq El Aliya (Ashhal Al Rayyan x Asrar Al Rayyan) has earned the title of "The King" for the renowned Al Waab Farm, profoundly influencing its success.
Barraq El Aliya, a Gold Champion Straight Egyptian World Championship stallion himself, has produced both male and female horses that have gone on to win prestigious championship awards at major events worldwide. Among his notable progeny is “Asfour Al Waab” (Barraq El Aliya x Sara Al Jazira), a leading Straight Egyptian sire owned by Barrak Al Hajeri of Kuwait and has been leased to prestigious breeding farms such as Dubai Arabian Stud of the UAE and Al Rayyan farm of Qatar. Barraq El Aliya is also the sire of the famous daughters of Nabeela Saqr (Tallahsman x Ansata Nafisa): Deleilah Al Waab, Ghazalah Al Waab, owned and bred by Al Waab Farm and the exotic Ghezlan Al Waab owned by El Alya Stud.
The strength of Sheikh Meshal's vision shines through as he shares insights into his journey, achievements, and vision for the future of his breeding endeavors.
noor al rayyan (ashhal al rayyan x ansata nefer Isis) an Important mare for el alya Stud, born 2010
Jennifer: How did you get started in breeding Straight Egyptian Arabians, and what has your journey been like?
Sheikh Meshal: My journey began unexpectedly in the late 1990s when I received my first mare as a gift from a relative in 1999. This gesture sparked a passion for breeding Straight Egyptian Arabians leading me down a path of dedication and discovery. The journey has been filled with challenges and triumphs, deepening my appreciation for these magnificent horses.
Jennifer: What is the most rewarding aspect of your work with Arabian horses?
Sheikh Meshal: The most rewarding part is undoubtedly when the horses I’ve bred excel in both production and the show ring—not only for El Alya Stud but also for other notable breeding programs. Seeing a horse achieve success is a profound accomplishment that validates the hard work and passion that goes into the breeding process.
Jennifer: What are your long-term goals for your breeding program?
Sheikh Meshal : The primary goal is for El Alya Stud to solidify its position as one of the most successful and influential breeding establishments worldwide. I aim to continue improving the quality of our horses, ensuring they uphold the beauty and strengths that the Straight Egyptian Arabian horse is renowned for. Recognising they are an important part of the of the people of Qatar and the Arab region’s heritage.
Jennifer: Can you share some of your recent successes in shows?
Sheikh Meshal: Certainly! We’ve recently celebrated significant successes with our horses, particularly with the offspring of our most important broodmare, Noor Al Rayyan (Ashhal Al Rayyan x Ansata Nefer Isis). One of the most illustrious championship wins has been with Namara El Aliya (Ansata Nile Echo x Noor Al Rayyan),
Sheikh Meshal Bin Issa al Thani with noor al rayyan
Ghezlan al WaaB (Barraq el aliya x nabeela Saqr) 2010 Mare
BaSheer al WaaB
(Sinan al rayyan x amaal al Waab) 2018 Stallion
who, among many other important wins this season, was recently crowned the 2024 Junior Gold Champion World Straight Egyptian Arabian Filly, owned by Sheikh Abdulaziz Bin Saoud Al Thani of Al Hamama Stud. At the same show, Ghaya El Alya, a daughter of Ghezlan Al Waab (Barraq El Aliya x Nabeela Sakr), was awarded the Yearling Filly Gold Championship.
Another important win for El Alya Stud was with Sinan El Alya a son our Noor Al Rayyan, sired by Sinan Al Rayyan, who won the Yearling Gold Champion Colt title at the Katara Peninsula show in 2023. He has been retained as a valuable breeding stallion for El Alya, having sired his first foals this season, including a beautiful filly from Rolaa Al Rayyan (Fares Al Rayyan x Rayyana El Alya).
Jennifer: What qualities do you think give your horses an edge in competitions?
Sheikh Meshal: While maintaining the Arabian horse identity is not our only focus in competitions, it certainly
plays a crucial role. The emphasis is on the horses’ physical qualities and their genetic traits—not only their extreme beauty and Arabian type—but also their hardiness and endurance capabilities for which the desertbred Arabians are renowned. We believe this gives them a competitive edge.
Jennifer: Which mare families do you focus on in your Straight Egyptian Arabian breeding program, and what qualities do you value in them?
Sheikh Meshal: Our breeding program focuses on mare families that are renowned for their authentic Arabian type, embodying the traits that the desert Arabian horse was celebrated for—not only beauty with the classic Arabian head but also refinement, athleticism, and the ability to maintain strength and endurance. While we have not solely concentrated on the Ansata Neferis line, we prioritize the overall beauty and resilience that these mares can pass on to their offspring.
SInan el alya (Sinan al rayyan x noor al rayyan) nov 2021 Colt
MISk el alya (Basheer al Waab x obayyah al dhaiya) 2024 Colt
Jennifer: How have the important mare families influenced the traits of your breeding stock?
Sheikh Meshal: The influence of these mare families is clearly reflected in the success of our horses. For example, acquiring Noor Al Rayyan at around four months of age was a strategic decision that has paid off handsomely. She developed into an extraordinary mare, achieving numerous championships and producing multiple champions herself. Her legacy continues as she has offspring that carry forward her winning traits. El Alya has retained three daughters by Ansata Nile Echo: Nasah El Alya, Naifa El Alya, and Nashmia El Alya. Additionally, there are two other daughters by Ansata Nile Echo: Najdiyah El Alya, proudly owned by Al Doha Stud, and Namara El Alya, owned by Al Hamama Stud in Qatar. Another key mare for El Alya was Raya Al Rayyan (Ansata Sokar x Nadrah Al Rayyan), who has produced some exceptional fillies by Nasser Al Rayyan, including Nadirah El Alya, owned by Al Doha Stud, and Nahaba El Alya, born in May 2024. These fillies represent our ideal for the Straight Egyptian Arabian—extremely feminine, refined, and characterized by type, while still maintaining the strength and hardiness of a desert horse. A more recent addition to our breeding program is Obayyah Al Dhaiya (Nawaf Al Mohamadia x Tala Al Fala), an important addition for the Obeyyan strain tracing back to the Magidaa family. She has given us a special filly and colt in 2024 by Basheer Al Waab.
Jennifer: What trends do you see in the Arabian horse market, particularly for Straight Egyptian Arabians?
Sheikh Meshal: Recently, the market has faced challenges due to the sale of lower-quality horses at reduced prices. This trend negatively affects the market perception of Arabian horses. However, I believe that high-
quality horses, which sometimes do not receive the attention they deserve, still hold significant potential and value.
Jennifer: How do you ensure that you are preserving the heritage and integrity of Straight Egyptian Arabians in your breeding choices?
Sheikh Meshal: Preserving the heritage and integrity of the Straight Egyptian Arabian horse involves a meticulous and thoughtful selection process grounded in several key principles. At El Alya Stud, we prioritize genetic diversity, which is crucial for maintaining the health and vigor of the breed. We carefully select breeding stock that exemplifies the classic traits of the Desert Straight Egyptian Arabian, aiming to preserve
nahaBah el alya (nasser al rayyan x raya al rayyan) 2024 Filly FIlly
(Sinan el alya x rolaa al rayyan)
naShMIah el alya (ansata nile echo x noor al rayyan)
their unique physical characteristics, including athleticism, beauty, and the distinct “type” for which the Egyptian Arabian is renowned.
In 2021, we purchased Basheer Al Waab (Sinan Al Rayyan x Amaal Al Waab) as a yearling colt. Basheer has wonderful charisma with excellent movement, and his dam, Amaal Al Waab (El Thay Kamil x Ameera Sakr), introduces a different female line for us. His first foals have proven to be what we had hoped for, with his first daughter winning the Gold Champion title at the first Al Rayyan National Pennisular AHS in December 2024.
Jennifer: In Conclusion:
In speaking with Sheikh Meshal, it is evident that he emphasizes the importance of adhering to traditional breeding practices that respect the original qualities and bloodlines of these horses. Each breeding decision is made based on comprehensive research into the horse’s lineage and contribution to the breed. This approach allows him to honor the rich heritage while ensuring that the traits valued in Straight Egyptian Arabians—such as endurance, beauty, and trainability—remain at the forefront.
Moreover, he has engaged with the wider Arabian horse community, collaborating with other breeders, sharing knowledge, and being willing to share some of his best individuals with other important breeding farms. This ensures he is contributing to the preservation and heritage of the Straight Egyptian Arabian horse.
Ultimately, it is clear that his goal is to produce horses that not only excel in competition but also embody the true essence of the Straight Egyptian Arabian breed. By balancing tradition with innovation, El Alya Stud is enriching the future of these extraordinary horses for generations to come.
S T U D B O O K
Dhari Al Ward
Introducing
SAFEYYA EZZAIN
Giacomo Capacci Arabians
DHARI AL WARD
2019 Str aight Egyp ti an Grey
NK HAFID JAMIL
BINT BINT HAMAMAA
ANASATA ALMURTJIZ
NK NAKEEBYA
IBN NEJDY (NEJDY x GHAZALA)
HELALA (SALAA EL DINE x ANSATA GLORIANA)
NABIEL (SAKR X MAGIDAA)
BINT HAMAMAA (ANSATA IBN SUDAN x HAMAMAA)
ANSATA HEJAZI (ANSATA HALIM SHAH x ANSATA SUDARRA)
ANSATA SAMSARA (PRINCE FA MONIET X ANSATA SAMANTHA)
NK HAFID JAMIL (IBN NEJDY x HELALA)
NK NABEELAH (NAHAMAN x NASHUA)
Introducing
Ezz Al Danat
Giacomo Capacci Arabians
2014 Str aight Egyp ti an Grey Stallion
SHARUBY HP
Giacomo Capacci Arabians
HIL AL AL WA AB
2015 Str aight Egyp ti an Grey Stallion
ANSATA SINAN
AL WAJBA AL RAYYAN
MAYDAN-MADHEEN
SHAHNEEKHA
PRINCE FA MONIET (THEEGYPTIANPRINCE x FA MONIET)
ANSATA NEFARA (ANSATA HALIM SHAH x ANSATA SUDARRA)
SAFIR (SALAA EL DINE x AISHA)
ANSATA SHARIFA (ANSATA IBN SHAH x ANSATA SAMANTHA)
MAYSOUN (ANSATA HALIM SHAH x MAYSOUNA)
MESOUDAH M (MESSAOUD x MADINAH)
ANAZA BAY SHAHH (SHAIKH AL BADI x BINT DEENAA)
ANAZA DINEEKHA (IBN EL MAREEKH x RAMSES AMAL)
Introducing
KHARAFI AL DANAT
Giacomo Capacci Arabians
2019 Str aight Egyp ti an Grey Stallion
Introducing
NASEEM AL RASHEDIAH
Giacomo Capacci Arabians
2014 Str aight Egyp ti an Grey Stallion
OBAY AL MASRY Introducing
Giacomo Capacci Arabians
2019 Str aight Egyp ti an Grey Stallion
RAZIZ AL DANAT Introducing
SHALWA
Giacomo Capacci Arabians
R A ZIZ AL DANAT
2020 Str aight Egyp ti an Grey Stallion
BARRAQ EL ALIYA
SARA ALJAZIRA
SINAN AL RAYYAN
AL GALYLA
ASHHAL AL RAYYAN ( SAFIR x ANSATA MAJESTA)
ASRAR AL RAYYAN (AL ADEED AL SHAQAB x ANSATA SELKET)
ADNAN (SALAA EL DINE x GHAZALA)
ANSATA SELMA (ANSATA HEJAZI x G SHAFARIA)
ANSATA SINAN (PRINCE FA MONIET x ANSATA NEFARA) AL WAJBA AL RAYYAN (SAFIR x ANSATA SHARIFA)
ANSATA RIYAL (ANSATA HEJAZI x BINT FARAS AZALI) FARHA EZZAIN (BOLBOL x GHADA)
Introducing
SALMAN SAQR
Giacomo Capacci Arabians
2020 Str aight Egyp ti an Grey Stallion
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
War in Lebanon News from the Racetrack in Beirut
Keeping the horses and races alive can help safeguard the racetrack for everyone, along with the green heart of Beirut.
Text: Nabil Nasrallah and Monika Savier
Photos: Monika Savier and Racetrack Archives
The famous racetrack in Beirut in the 1950’s
Lebanon is profoundly a horse country.
Arabian horses have been part of civil society for hundreds of years. During times of war, the racetrack and its horses continued to play a unifying role, bringing people together across their many religions and cultures. However, we have now arrived at a point of doubt or uncertainity. Today's war has created a deep crisis, marking one of the saddest times the city has ever experienced. External help is necessary and essential. Horses are also in a critical situation and are urgently in need of protection and support.
The current conflict not only brings destruction but also revives traumatic memories of the last war in 2006 for many Lebanese. Nevertheless, following the Interruption of racing on october 2024, the racecourse management decided to resume racing on the 17/11/2024, starting with two race meetings without an audience, for a quick assessment of public reaction, followed by regular weekly races. In such a situation, it is a priority to assist horse racing enthusiasts with live images of the races and to purchase adequate closed-circuit television systems that would boost interest in horse racing.
In addition, sponsorships for horses could be taken on, so that they can be brought from the still threatened south of the country, to the safer stables and cared for there.
This is no longer possible for the breeders themselves, after many properties in the south of the country were destroyed or mined.
During all previous wars, the city and its racecourse were a symbol of an open world of all cultures and religions. The country has always been proud to offer refuge to minorities. Since the war in Syria, 1.5 million Syrians fled to Lebanon. This was a great challenge for this small country.
Until the 1960s, Beirut Hippodrome was still characterised by a fascinating mix of Ottoman architecture and turn-of-the-century styles, even some art-déco. The last two wars have damaged many of the historical buildings. The diversity of Beirut's neighbourhoods reflects the diversity of its population. After the end of the 2006 war, many Lebanese saw the construction boom as a symbol of a new era, no longer marked by unrest and attacks, but by stability and prosperity, and thus peace. Diversity was a reality. Whether
The races must go on
hijab and abaya or baseball caps and shorts, anything was possible, as was the diversity.
Beirut's inhabitants are known for being able to adapt their lives to whatever the current situation, even after the tragedy of a 15-year civil war (from 1975 to 1990), which reduced large parts of the city to ashes, and the 2006 war. There was not much talk about politics, religion or inflation. Instead, the cultural, artistic and music scenes in Beirut flourished like in no other Arab country. The rediscovery of the Arabian horse as a lifestyle symbol of young elites from all regions and religions of the country was undoubtedly one of them.
The Shiite Hezbollah was founded in Baalbek in 1982, during the Israeli occupation of Lebanon. The group's power largely paralyzed the political processes in the country, blocked the judiciary and infiltrated the state administration. But in the disadvantaged neighborhoods of the city and in the south of the country, it supported ordinary people, workers and farmers through welfare measures. To this day, Hezbollah has made itself attractive to parts of the population. Many of them have paid for it with their lives in recent months and
some were farmers and horse breeders. They would have sent their two and three-year-old young horses to Beirut for training on the racecourse. Meanwhile, the broodmares were in the farm pastures and olive groves of the south. Many died there in the hail of bombs. Now there is UN Resolution 1701, which stipulates that the Israelis withdraw behind the demarcation line and that Hezbollah withdraw behind the Litani River. It also states that Hezbollah must hand over its weapons arsenal to the Lebanese army. Hopefully peace will soon become a reality.
The racecourse in Beirut – a symbol of peace and cultural co-operation, in the middle of the city's green heart. What does its future hold?
During the civil war, the Beirut racecourse acquired a special significance, as engineer Nabil Nasrallah, who is still the general director of the hippodrome today, reported. The city of Beirut was divided into a western and an eastern half by the famous Green Line, a division that also ran through the city's different religions and paramilitary groups. Crossing the Green Line was perilous.
Destroyed stud farms of Arabian horses in the south of Lebanon
However, the 20-hectare racecourse and the Horsh Beirut pine grove, a green oasis in the middle of the city where thousands of horses were trained, were located exactly on this line. They belonged to people of all religious affiliations, as did the trainers, jockeys and grooms, a multicultural melting pot that could not be divided by the war.
Beirut used to be a multicultural promise, but now the city is in danger of having just a memory of her former beauty and wealth. Her democratic society was more free and more colorful than anywhere else in the Middle East, and the racetrack with its horses played an important role for everybody within the frame of the cultural scene of the city. The grandstands have been destroyed since the last war (1982), but the racetrack is a symbol for the fact that
in spite of wars and conflicts, things would always go on somehow. The city will have to change if it wants to have a future. Fortunately, there are still Lebanese who, despite all the blows, have not given up hope of a turnaround and are fighting to make the city livable again for humans and animals. Among them are those responsible for Beirut's hippodrome, who are living for the future of the horses there. Horse culture must not be subordinated to the economy, but money is needed to survive.
We asked Mr. Nabil Nasrallah, Director of the racetrack, to tell us about the situation on the racetrack.
Racing Against the Odds
The Resilience of the Beirut Horse Racing Club
In the heart of Lebanon, where history and culture intertwine, the NGO SPARCA, Lebanese Horse Racing Authority, stands as a beacon of the nation’s passion for equestrian sport. Despite facing significant challenges, including the threat of drone attacks, the decision to continue hosting races reflects an unwavering commitment to preserving a vital aspect of Lebanese culture and community. The horse racing scene in Beirut is not just about the thrill of the race; it’s an integral part of our social fabric. It brings people together,
reflecting a unifying symbol of peace, joy, and resilience. Each race celebrates skill, strength, and the rich history of horse breeding in Lebanon.
Even in turbulent times, our community's resilience shines through.
The brave decision to continue with races symbolizes hope and defiance against adversity. It showcases our commitment to normalcy and celebration in the face of challenges.
Moreover, the club is more than just a venue for racing. It plays a crucial role in promoting tourism and the economy built around the horse.
In conclusion, the Beirut Horse Racing Club is a symbol of resilience and a testament to our enduring spirit with the objective to secure the perennity of the Arabian horse industry. Also to protect the last green public area in Beirut against concrete promoters. So, let us face the challenges ahead.
INTERVIEW
Savier: Despite drone attacks and grenade fire, races continue to take place, even if you decide not to allow a public for security reasons. That's brave, but risky. What do you want to achieve by doing that?
Nasrallah: Our main objective at this moment is to protect and care for the horses. We also must boost confidence in the continuity of the racetrack for everyone, the horse owners, the passionate admirers of these horses, and the breeders. Continuous weekly racing with adequate prize money and numerous participants are the main requisites for a healthy protection of the Arabian horse industry. However, there is also a lack of economic resources to replace the obsolete technical and digital equipment.
Savier: So, this would be a good opportunity for breeders from all over the world who want to support the horses and the racetrack, to donate prize money …Would increased prize money per race improve the survival rate of the studs and the horses?
Nasrallah: Being able to increase the prize money - currently 30 million Lebanese pounds equalling equaling today less than $300and distributing prizes for all participating horses is our goal, but for
the moment it’s only a wishful thinking. That would be an awesome approach, the races would be named for the sponsors if they want that, they can donate a trophy and a sum of money for all the horses in the race.
Savier: What would the price money for a race be?
Nasrallah: 1000 Euros and a trophy cup per race, the money to be distributed among the participants, Jockeys, horse owners, trainers and 20% to the race track for organization costs, that would be a great help. A whole race day might total 5000 Euros and the trophy cups on top. But any other even small donation is most welcome.
Savier: Many horses on the track come from old Lebanese bloodlines but they are not “WAHO Arabians”. They are domestically bred Arabian racehorses, who didn’t succeed in being in time for WAHO registration or the pedigree was not clear. But they all share the characteristics of a true Arabian horse: courage and speed.
Nasrallah: For centuries, the Arabian horse originating from the migratory Bedouin tribes in the desert has been renowned for his courage, speed, endurance, beauty and good temperament. The modern Arabians in Lebanon share these same characteristics,
After he finished his engineering studies in Germany, Nabil Nasrallah was appointed, in 1971, at the Beirut Hippodrome du Parc as General Manager of the Society for the Protection and Improvement of the Arabian Horse in Lebanon (SPARCA, a Non- Profit Organization – NGO). Its mission is to protect the Arabian horse, ensuring its sustainability through registration and paternity checking as well as organizing competitions and racing. Mr Nasrallah is also, the registrar of the WAHO studbook in Lebanon.
TYRE, is the oldest race track in the world and UNESCO World Culture Heritage site. Constructed by the Romans 2000 years ago and now in danger of being destroyed in the latest war.
they are still chosen by their owners for both their beauty and their performance capabilities. And they must survive as well. In recent years, also ECAHO shows for only WAHO registered horses have been held at the Hippodrome, but for us, the ideal Arabian horse remains one who can do both, win a race and perform successfully in a show class.
Savier: Apart from the war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, what other factors triggered this crisis?
Nasrallah: The country was already going through hard financial times and economic unrest. This has been going on for many years, but with the October Revolution in 2019 it all accelerated, bringing about the financial collapse. Before the targets of that revolution had been met, the Covid 19 pandemic hit us hard, with complete lockdowns for many months. In addition, as if all the above was not enough, Beirut suffered what is now known as the biggest non-nuclear explosion in recent history, killing hundreds, injuring thousands, and displacing over 300,000 households from their homes in Beirut. All of that has taken place with complete absence and denial from the political Authorities. Today the Lebanese pound has lost over 300% of its value in less than 1 year, putting everyone
on the verge of bankruptcy. Our Arabian horses found themselves in the middle of all of this. With no one paying any attention apart from SPARCA with its very limited resources. However, there are still a few people with a passion for these horses and a handful of breeders.
Savier: What has been and still is the cultural role of the racetrack for the people of the city?
Nasrallah: The horses and the racetrack go together. The one cannot exist without the other. The Beirut Hippodrome, the only functioning racetrack in Lebanon, has been the custodian of major historical events of our country. From the declaration of the State of Greater Lebanon in 1920 to the Independence in 1943, to witnessing the different wars and occupations that Lebanon went through, it remains the green spot in our city. This iconic park, up to now, grants the peaceful co-existence of all religions and the beacon of hope for humans and horses alike.
Savier: Who owns the racetrack in Beirut?
Nasrallah: With a total surface of 210,000 m2, it is one of the biggest green spaces in the Beirut capital.
The racetrack is fully owned by the municipality of Beirut. However,
the management of the racetrack and all the related activities were mandated to the NGO SPARCA. Due to the current war, SPARCA is no longer able to support the horses alone. It is therefore left with absolutely no resources.
Savier: How many families are directly and indirectly dependent on the horses at the racecourse?
Nasrallah : The ecosystem of the racetrack expands to the whole of Lebanon. Beirut itself has more than 600 families financially and socially dependent on the racetrack, the breeders are situated
in rural areas between the north, south, and the Bekaa, and the different horse studs are in various areas, making the total number of families depending fully or partially on the racetrack above 2,500.
Savier: What happens if the racetrack must close?
Nasrallah: If SPARCA is no longer able financially to continue with its mandate to manage and maintain the racetrack, the municipality will take back possession of the hippodrome. They will certainly be forced to close the hippodrome once and for all. The worrying
part is that, once done, the park will be commercially evaluated, which is expected to reach a phenomenal value as it is located on 2 main avenues and offers unlimited real estate opportunities. But the priceless loss would be that Lebanon will lose a long tradition of Arabian horse breeding. It will lose the great cultural value of the racetrack and the role of competition, excitement and cultural events for the citizens. The racehorses might not survive and Beirut would lose its second biggest green space. Thousands of families would lose their income, with a big number of them being fully dependent on Arabian horse breeding for generations.
Savier: What specific hope for peace do you have in Beirut?
Nasrallah: Today we are confident that we are coming very close to the peace and need much more support to correct the prize money and to rehabilitate our racetrack and replace the obsolete equipment, with modern digital techniques. This will spread our races worldwide.
Savier: Thank you, dear Nabil Nasrallah. I very much hope that many breeders and lovers of Arabian horses will take these pieces of information to heart and will support and make a financial contribution to save the horses and the hippodrome in Beirut.
Julie Wear
With a Sense of Class and Style
n by Judith Wenning
Julie Wear is an internationally renowned artist who is regarded as the world’s premiere painter of Thoroughbred Racehorses. Furthermore, she is a highly acclaimed Arabian horse artist. Her famed equestrian portraits are priced possessions of prestigious breeders and art collectors. Even HRH the late Queen Elisabeth II commissioned Julie Wear a painting. Art by Julie Wear hangs in important private collections throughout the United States, Canada, the Middle East, Europe, South America and Japan. Julie Wear’s style is easily recognizable: Her paintings are classics. They look timeless and classy, almost like painted in another century. It is always important for Julie Wear that they do not appear like photographs or like they were copied from photos. Julie Wear also puts special emphasis on the scenery of the paintings, often depicting cozy stables or a typical desert background. She loves to paint eye-catching accessories like for example striking Arabian halters and saddles. Julie Wear just has a great eye for fine details.
The Artist Julie Wear
Julie Wear grew up in Northern Indiana, an area which is known as “corn country” as it has very good, flat farm land. She has been besotted with horses from her earliest childhood. Although many of her ancestors were creative people – her father’s side traces back to the noted German composer Richard Wagner – Julie Wear does not really know where her love for horses comes from. Nobody in her family has a horse background. “I cannot remember a time when I was not drawing horses all day every day and my school grades reflected this!”, she remembers with a smile. Julie Wear drew horses all over her school books and papers, a fact that was not approved by her teachers. When looking back today, she cannot recall any time in her life when she was not totally obsessed with horses.
Julie Wear is completely self-taught, in her opinion there is no school to learn how to paint horses. She remarks that she would have been anyway far too impatient to sit in an art classroom and take instructions. But how
did she turn a childhood hobby into a widely respected career? Julie Wear’s immense success did not come over night and she never took anything for granted. She loves being extremely busy and having an overwhelming todo list.
As a young adult, Julie Wear exhibited her paintings at a large regional Arabian Horse show and sold everything she had, plus received so many commissions she hardly knew where to begin. From there, she exhibited at the U.S. National Arabian Horse show for a few years and at the Scottsdale show. By then her work was established well enough that she did not need to have any more exhibitions of Arabian horses.
Arabians certainly played a huge role in her life. Julie Wear met her husband at the U.S. National Arabian Horse Show in 1982, and also at the Scottsdale Show in Scottsdale Arizona. The love of Arabian horses was just one of the many common elements for the young couple.
“Bandos & Fantasja”, oil painting, collection of Ventura Farms, David Murdock, USA
“The National Champion Mares of Ventura”, oil painting, collection of Ventura Farms, David Murdock, USA
“The Comet Daughters of Ventura”, collection of Ventura Farm, David Murdock, USA
They married and got one son. For a number of years, the family bred also Arabian horses.
The Scottsdale Show stayed always their favorite. There would be yearlings from new stallions and Julie and her husband always wanted to see and evaluate the new yearlings. As breeders, they wanted to judge the new stallions’ progeny to find out how prepotent they might be in reproducing their type. Today Julie Wear and her family do not own horses anymore. However, they live in Versailles, Kentucky, just outside of Lexington Ky. Versailles is located in the Bluegrass region and is the epicenter of Thoroughbred racehorses. Julie Wear and her family chose this area because there are horses everywhere. Versailles impresses with its quaint, smalltown beauty and striking horse farms. Egyptian Arabian horse breeders certainly remember that The Egyptian Event took place in nearby Lexington for decades.
Asked about her favorite painting technique, Julie Wear explains that she loves to work in oil. She has worked in pastel and watercolor but oil paint is far more satisfying for her. She explains that oil is a very sensuous medium, you have to learn what the paint will allow you to do
with it. “You cannot force it, there has to be a constant communication back and forth between myself, the brush and the paint”, she remarks. “It is a delicate balance between what you want the paint to do so you can create on canvas what your mind’s image is and what the paint with give. That is the beauty of the give and take of painting. It is what I love most.”
When questioned about her favorite master painters, Julie Wear relates that she very much admires “the two Alfreds”: the 19th century Alfred is the French painter Alfred De Dreux and the 20th century Alfred is the English painter Alfred Munnings. Julie Wear has also created striking bronzes.
One of Julie Wear‘s most beautiful artwork is an oil painting of an Egyptian mare and her young foal. It shows the dream and ideal of any Arabian horse breeder. The splendid pure white mother stands protectively and proud next to her baby. The now chestnut foal is alert, showing the same harmony of proportions and great tail carriage as the mother. The pose of the two horses reminds of the famous 19th century sculpture “L’Accolade” by Pierre Jules Mène. While the mare
“Egyptian Mare & Filly”, oil painting, owned by Jamie Zissis, Rosehaven Ranch, USA
“Morning Ride with Chloe and Teddy”
“Natalie TO”, collection of the Will Davis Family USA
seems to calmly check her surroundings and rests in herself, the baby curiously looks back at the spectator and is slightly excited. The excellent legs of both horses are clearly visible.
The Arabian surrounding in this painting is a true eye catcher as well. The eye wanders from an Oriental archway to palm trees in the background to a mixture of scattered grass and sand on the ground. A splendid pink bougainvillea is in full bloom on the right side of the painting - a beautiful splash of colour. Pottery in vibrant blue and Oriental tiles forming mosaic patterns on the walls add to the Middle Eastern atmosphere.
The style of the painting is timeless – typical for Julie Wear. It was executed in 2017 but could have been also painted in the 19th century.
Julie Wear has visited various horse farms in the U.S., England and Ireland. Most of the reason for visiting horse farms was due to the fact that the owners wanted her to see their horses to paint them. Although she has been invited many times to travel to various Middle Eastern countries and would love to go, her immense flight fear hindered her from travelling to the Middle
East so far.
What fascinates her most about Arabian horses is their beauty. She explains that sometimes when you least expect it, there will be a flash of perfection as a horse is lunged at a show, or the way it is walking and holding itself, the perfect balance between how the neck is held out and arched and a correctly carried tail, the balance and symmetry. Even though it may only last for a few seconds it is fired into her mind and she strives to capture it in paint. Personally, she does not like the way horses are shown in halter. She prefers to see the natural nobility rather than the horse being stressed into something that is really unflattering to the conformation of the horse. In her opinion the natural nobility and dignity of the Arabian horse is subordinated to an unnatural unpleasantness. She likes to see some haughtiness especially in an Arab stallion. And she loves to see masculinity in a stallion.
Although the original paintings are privately commissioned and are therefore rarely seen in public, Wear’s work has been seen in numerous important publications such as Scientific American, Ciga Weekend Longchamp Magazine published by Europe’s largest
Quick Stallion sketch/study
“Arabian Stallion in a Courtyard”, oil painting, private collection
“Arabian Mare in a Stable”, oil painting, private collection
luxury hotel group, Ciga, in celebration of the running of The Arc D Triumph at Longchamp, as well as Spur magazine, The Bloodhorse magazine, Arabian Horse World, Arabian Horse Times, Thoroughbred Times, Equine Images, as well as in a scholarly publication in Ireland’s Trinity University of the genetic origins of the Thoroughbred.
Her master’s eye for color and design, and the same devotion to skilled artistry, seen in her original paintings helps her here for creating these extraordinary items.
I was commissioned by many top American breeders to paint their horses, including a number of famous U.S. champion Arabian stallions and mares.
Julie Wear’s day starts around 5:30 am. She drinks coffee, catches up on the news, then she needs to answer business emails and mentally prepare for the day. When she is working on a painting she is very strict. But as she is always in the mood to paint, it is really no effort to get into it. It is like easing into your favorite saddle. When she is working on a painting she paints most every day. “I have always said that the paint will tell me when it is time to quit for the day…but then I cannot wait until the
next day comes so I can get back to the painting.” Julie Wear adds with a smile.
When painting for many Arabian owners, we would talk about the horse that I was going to paint so I could assess the aspects they loved about the particular horse, that way I knew what to focus on. From there, they would say,
“just paint me one of your beautiful paintings with my horse in it”.
A few years ago Julie Wear started a design business. She designed and introduced into the US market a line of fine porcelain dinnerware, etched crystal glasses and Legacy Pewter. The product line is available in over 200 retail stores throughout the US. This year she will also release silk twill scarves and wool/silk wraps. All equestrian, of course.
To be honest, this business has grown faster than I ever would have thought possible.
HRH Queen Elizabeth II owned one of the scarves Julie Wear designed as well as an original painting that she commissioned her to paint. The painting remains in her private quarters in Buckingham Palace.
“Arabian Stallion Among Temple Ruins”, private collection in the Middle East
“Desert Stallions”, oil painting, private collection
“Arabian Stallion with Groom”, oil painting, private collection
In the past, Julie Wear had one-person exhibitions at the Hyatt Hotel lobby and The Marriott Resort Hotel lobby in Lexington Kentucky twice a year for several years during the Keeneland Thoroughbred bloodstock and yearling sales. However, she stopped exhibiting because many of the paintings were bought and she could not replace them. Julie Wear had a two year backlog of commissioned artwork to do! For many years, she was booked out for at least two years in advance. People would happily wait…
She also had exhibitions at the U.S. National Arabian Horse show for several years as well as the Scottsdale show.
Asked after her plans for the future, Julie Wear smiles and ponders: “I envision myself painting horses until my last day on earth.” q
“Night Watch”, bronze
“Bridled Horses“, silk scarf designed by Julie Wear
Bronze sculpture “Sultan’s Stallion”
Memories of Erika Schiele
n by Judith Wenning
This article is to commemorate one of the most outstanding personalities and best authors on Arabian horses in the 20th century. The German Erika Schiele wrote numerous publications about Arabians. The world was a different place during Erika Schiele’s lifetime: She worked analogously of course as there were no smart phones, internet or let alone Facebook, etc. available at her time. Her phenomenal memory for pedigrees, names and details concerning Arabian horses was impressive.
My first contact with her was when my grandmother gave me the book “The Arab Horse in Europe” as a present when I was still at school. It was one of my first books on the subject and fascinated me deeply.
Erika Schiele had received a great talent. She was able to write in an easily understandable way, her descriptive style, which reads effortlessly and quickly, still captivates the reader today. She liked to embellish her texts with
stories and narratives. Nevertheless, she possessed great accuracy in recording facts and figures. Not to be forgotten was her photographic talent, which produced many historical photographs of Arabian horses. Her photos of Ghazal, Kaisoon, Negatiw, Bandola, etc. are today important historical documents.
Erika Schiele was born in 1914. In one of her books, she remembered: “Before my second marriage, my
Erika Schiele with Ghazal.
Photo: Erika Schiele, Fotoarchiv Deutsches Pferdemuseum e.V. Verden (Aller), Deutschland.
A historical document: Hadban Enzahi (Nazeer x Kamla). He was bred by El Zahraa, Egypt and imported to Germany together with his half-brother Ghazal. Photo: Erika Schiele, Fotoarchiv Deutsches Pferdemuseum e.V. Verden
Erika Schiele’s stallion El Beshir. Photo: Erika Schiele, Fotoarchiv Deutsches Pferdemuseum e.V. Verden (Aller), Deutschland.
(Aller), Deutschland.
husband-to-be said, ‘I shall only marry a woman who can ride a horse!’. So, at 40 years old, I learned to ride.”
In her standard work “The Arab Horse in Europe”, first published in Munich in 1967, she wrote: “Horses and especially Carl Raswan’s book “Drinkers of the Wind” changed my life and also my professional career. They inspired her to publish articles and photographs in magazines, books and calendars. When Erika Schiele was 50 years old, she travelled through Europe in search of
Legendary Ghazal (Nazeer x Bukra), born 1953. Bred by El Zahraa, Cairo, Egypt. Photo: Erika Schiele, Fotoarchiv Deutsches Pferdemuseum e.V. Verden (Aller), Deutschland.
Always a sight to behold: Ghazal running free. Photo: Erika Schiele, Fotoarchiv Deutsches Pferdemuseum e.V. Verden (Aller), Deutschland.
the Arab horse. This resulted in her writing ”The Arab Horse in Europe”, “Horse Buying”, “Arabians Pferde, Allahs liebste Kinder” (“Arabia’s Horses, Allah’s favourite children”), etc. Especially “The Arab Horse in Europe” brought numerous new people to the Arabian horse. No wonder it appeared in several editions and languages. Photos and texts of different breeding programs – many of them now historical – as well as pictures of eyecatching Arabian horse artwork fascinate the readers.
In her book “The Arab Horse in Europe” Erika Schiele remembered: ‘”One day, a good friend of mine rang me up. “You are fond of horses,” he began, harmlessly enough. “How would you like to see something particularly lovely?” I asked “Where?” curiously. And how was I to guess that curiosity was about to change my whole life? “Come to the Arab Society’s show with me,” he tempted. “I promise you will not regret it.”
Arabs in Germany! I had heard of such things, of course, but had no proper image of what this meant. So I asked my vet, who passed for a horse specialist in our district. “Arabs?” said he with the contemptuous gesture. “What do you want with those little runts? They can neither walk out nor trot, all they can do is canter. You leave them alone!” This was not exactly encouraging, but it did whet my curiosity.
On a golden September day, I drove down with my friend to East Friesland. In front of a moated castle whose delicate red bricks of local clay glowed against the blue sky our journey came to an end. On the smooth-rolled gravel walks of the castle grounds a large crowd had collected, to watch horses being let out and critically examined. There I saw Ghazal, the silver-grey stallion from the Egyptian desert. He looked charming as he danced gracefully along, his white coat gleaming in the sunshine like metal. His mane and tail seemed to be made of soft, wavy silk. When he came to a halt the fiery glance of his great, jet-black eyes hit me like a thunderbolt, leaving me silent and awed. I had met a creature such as I have never seen before in such beauty and perfection: a pure-bred Arabian horse!
Since then I have never been free of the Arab spell, and I have sought them out wherever they were to be found – from Scotland (or nearly) to the Bosphorus, from Gibraltar to the Bug. Like thousands before me I fell a prey to “arabitis” – that strange disease which is incurable but not lethal, its only effect being to make the patient happier the sicker he becomes.”
One of her best friends in Arabian horses was CarlHeinz Dömken. She had first met him in 1967 and appreciated him a lot. They often visited each other, talking endless hours about their common passion Arabian horses. Carl-Heinz Dömken managed to purchase the legendary stallion Ghazal. Erika Schiele was also very fond of Ghazal and enjoyed the times with him, especially when Ghazal pulled a carriage with her and Carl-Heinz as happy passengers.
In 1974, Dr. W. Georg Olms met with a group of dedicated breeders and idealists in Hildesheim to found the Asil Club. Among them were Erika Schiele, CarlHeinz Dömken, Georg Thierer, Heiner Buschfort, Elke Behrens, Gustl Eutermoser, Eberhard FranckZügel, Jean Kayser, Karl-Heinz Kirsch, Foppe Bonno Klynstra, Barb Müller, and Heinrich Parzeller. The aim of the Asil Club was and still is to preserve those horses that could reasonably be assumed to represent 100% desert origins. The Club’s definition was the following: “An Asil Arabian horse is a horse whose pedigree is exclusively based on horses bred by the Bedouins, without any evidence whatever of non-Arabian blood being admixed at any time. The word ‘asil’ is derived from the Arabian language meaning pure, noble and genuine.” (Asil Arabians, Vol. I)
Erika Schiele thought a lot about the purity of Arabian horses. However, she began to have doubts about the various purity theories. Initially, she was also a great advocate of Carl Raswan’s theories, but the more she studied his work, the more contradictions she discovered. She came to the conclusion that she only considered the things she also found in other sources - not exclusively in Raswan”s works - to be probable. She would have liked to bring more biological and scientific approaches into the consciousness of breeders - more objectivity, less discrimination. Over the years, Erika Schiele was not only a treasure trove of knowledge about the Arabian horse, she had also gained great caution and wisdom.
Erika Schiele also tried her hand as a breeder. She acquired three mares with great pedigrees and imported the stallion El Beshir from the United States. The asil El Beshir was born in 1969, sired by Faaris out of Sirulla. The heavily flea-bitten stallion exuberated the classic, old type and was not only eye-catching, but also powerful. He attracted a lot of attention when he beat the Polish racing cracks on the European race tracks. One of El Beshir’s daughters, lovely JK Blue Hadbah was acquired by Marbach State Stud and graced the “silver herd” for a number of years.
Unfortunately, Erika Schiele’s many trips got in the way of her horse keeping and, above all, her breeding projects. Therefore, after some time, her mares moved on to Luxembourg. El Beshir went on to several stud farms. With some melancholy and perhaps even a little envy, she looked at the lives of other breeders who lived their daily lives with their horses and followed their breeding programs. However, her love of traveling,
Akhtal (Amrulla x Hagir), a straight Egyptian stallion bred by the EAO and born in 1968. He was especially wellknown for his children Morhaf EAO, Taymour EAO, and Ibn Adaweya. Photo: Erika Schiele, Fotoarchiv Deutsches Pferdemuseum e.V. Verden (Aller), Deutschland.
visiting stud farms and meeting other like-minded people was her top priority. Shortly before her death, Mr. Ohliger - a fellow breeder - kindly drove her to East Germany so that she could attend the founding of the first private Arabian breeding association there. There, as usually, she offered her much appreciated advice.
At the time, she was struggling with the after-effects of a fractured neck of femur. Despite diligent physiotherapy, underwater exercise, massage and lymphatic drainage, she had great difficulty healing. Walking without a cane or crutches had become impossible.
Erika Schiele spent the last years of her life in an idyllic retirement home in Dießen at lake Ammersee in Bavaria. Three days after her 76th birthday, she lay down to rest in the evening and never woke up. The Arabian horse breed had lost a great personality, a clever, far-sighted and hard-working woman. According to Erika Schiele‘s will, her estate went to the German Horse Museum in Verden / Aller. It can be viewed there at any time by appointment. It was very important to Erika Schiele that her photos, records, etc. should be preserved for posterity and be accessible to everyone. A visit to this museum dedicated to horses is an event not to be missed! q
Ibn Sharzada (Anter x Sharzada) in El Zahraa. Photo: Erika Schiele, Fotoarchiv Deutsches Pferdemuseum e.V. Verden (Aller), Deutschland.
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.
TB Hamida
(Nabeel Al Khaled x TB Heba) Strain: Obayan Om Grees
tre balzane stud |
amene
TB Helwa
(Ibn El Nil x TB Hasna)
In foal to Naseem Al Rashediah
Strain: Obayan Om Grees
amoun HadiyaH
(Jaffal Al Rayyan x Amoun Halisha)
In foal to Hilal Al Waab.
Strain: Dahman Shawaniyah
eGypTian
(Fa Medu Neter x Egyptian Asinah by Ansata Sinan) Siglawy Jedran Ibn Sudan strain
GH Badra
(Mudassir b Mehamam x gh baya by Khalif el assuad) and TB BaHiyaa, black filly by TB Yasir. Koheilan rodan strain. In foal to TB Yasir
TB malala
(Nabeel Al Khaled x TB Muneera) In foal to Naseem Al Rashediah. Siglawy Jedran Ibn Sudan strain
06044 Castel Ritaldi, Umbria - ITALY
e-mail: savier@arabi-egiziani.it
Phone: +39 335 5235135
MONIKA SAVIER
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
Strength of Spirit Celebrating Judith Forbis’s
Judi in her kayak
by Jennifer Ogden
90th Birthday
As the Arabian horse community gathered to celebrate Judith Forbis’s 90th birthday, it became evident that this occasion signified more than just a personal milestone; it represented a life rich in passion, creativity, and deep connections with both horses and the people who love them.
This celebration brought together friends and admirers from around the globe to honour a remarkable figure in the Arabian horse world. Known for her unwavering commitment to the breed and its rich heritage, Judi’s influence resonates deeply within the Arabian horse community, leaving a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
r enee Caspar Painting of Judith
When longtime friends Walter Mishek, founder of *Arabian Horse Times* magazine, and his wife Cheryl learned of Judi's upcoming birthday, they felt compelled to celebrate it in grand style. With infectious enthusiasm, they organized an invitational gathering at the beautiful home of Frank and Robin Semple in Tulsa, Oklahoma, coinciding with the 2024 US National Arabian Horse Show. They didn't stop there; they collaborated with their friend Stan Morey to arrange a short presentation in the ring where Judi would be honoured for her contributions to the Arabian breed, recognizing that many of today’s successful horses worldwide carry the blood of her Ansata breeding program. Notably, between 2011 and 2023 at the US Nationals, 16 Ansata horses were represented among the pedigrees of Senior Stallion and Mare Champions and Reserve Champions, with a total of 84 lines traced back to the Ansata breeding program, including Ansata Ibn Halima, who appeared 42 times.
As Judi's friends and family gathered to celebrate, it became clear that this was not just a birthday party but a tribute to the relationships and memories woven throughout her lifetime.
The ambiance of the Semples’ home, adorned with exquisite Native American art, was filled with laughter, heartfelt conversations, and an outpouring of love and gratitude. Guests eagerly shared their personal stories of how Judi’s passion for Arabian horses had shaped their own lives. The evening culminated in a special video tribute to Judi’s journey, produced by longtime friend Darryl Larson, followed by a heartfelt presentation recognizing her lifetime of contributions to the breed and community she so dearly loves. David Gardner then read a beautiful tribute he
don and Judith forbis
Judith and david gardner
forbis’s books
from left to right, frank Semple, Cheryl Mishek,
Desert Heritage Magazine
had written for Judi a few years earlier, which she proudly keeps framed in her office. She is a woman of letters and deeds, learned in the ways of desert horses. She knows of what she speaks. Regrettably, most people and their passions never cross paths. Others only brush sleeves with their passion in a hushed passing. Too often defeated for a thousand good reasons or ploughed under by life's unequal circumstances, they are ever wed to their passion. Scarcely one person each hundred years, in the rarified air of great creativity and dogged pursuit, chase their passion to the highest level of excellence and metaphysical understanding. The passion for desert horses is no exception. It is an exhaustive, unbending, unfaltering, all-consuming pursuit which taken in its entirety, leads to unprecedented
accomplishment. The result is a great and meaningful body of work for centuries hence. It is the most unselfish gift to others that will be embraced well beyond the grave of its giver such accomplishment, at the highest level imaginable, is the greatest glorification and the highest evidence to God that a gift that He has lent to us has infinite depth and meaning. This is you. With great admiration and affection, David Gardner.
After the show, my husband Paul, Bart Van Buggenhaut, and I travelled to Judi's home in Mena, Arkansas, where Paul and I settled into her cozy log cabin guesthouse for the week. Our days were filled with the warmth of her home, which overlooked Lake Wilhelmina, with every corner adorned with cherished art and mementos from a life devoted
Judith riding Her first Arabian mare Ceylon
Judith is a wonderful horse woman, here she is handling Ansata ibn Sudan for one of many presentations
Judith with Ansata Bint Bukra
Judith with Ansata ibn Halima
Judith with Ansata ibn Halima and Poopsi her first Chihuahua
Judith with Prince george & Sassy the six toed cat in front of the picture window overlooking Ouachita Mountains and Valley Below.
to travel and to the Arabian horse, particularly the legacy of the Straight Egyptian Arabian.
The first few days were spent relaxing as we indulged in delicious meals prepared by Judi while taking in the stunning Autumn colours through a large picture window that framed views of the Ouachita Mountains and the valley below. On the 29th, Judi's actual birthday, Bart invited all of us to enjoy lunch at the Queen Wilhelmina Lodge, perched atop Rich Mountain. Later that evening, several of Judi's local friends joined us at her home.
I was not surprised to discover that Judi was a talented artist and illustrator, having worked for a greeting card company in her earlier years, mentored by someone who had worked for Walt Disney. In addition, Judi has written and illustrated several children’s books and stories about the animals in her life. We spent an afternoon exploring some of her old portfolios, filled with delightful stories, illustrations, and cartoons.
During our stay, I had the privilege of conducting an interview with Judi, during which she shared her profound insights and memories. It was a remarkable opportunity to hear her story in her own voice, illuminating the treasures of her past. I also took the time to capture some memorable photos of her with her cherished and pampered Pomeranian, “George”, and 6 toed cat “Sassy” for this article.
Jennifer: What is the secret to your success?
Judith: Not everyone has the opportunity in life to do what they love, my advice is to do what you love, and love what you do.
There are things in life that are foreordained and that we come into this world for a purpose and if we are smart enough to make the sacrifices needed
to fulfil that purpose that is the greatest recipe for success. And you must have mentors along the way that believe in you. I was very lucky in that my parents and family supported my dreams, but I was determined to make them come true, regardless.
Jennifer: How did your passion for Arabians developed?
Judith: My passion for horses began at the age of three when my parents took me for an afternoon drive, and we passed a pony ring. Within minutes, I was riding the ponies-Minnie, a black pony, and Silver, a white one who quickly became my favourite. As I grew older and outgrew the ponies, I transitioned to riding Zsa Zsa Gabor's black gelding, Black Watch, which led to my first blue ribbon victory. At the time, Zsa Zsa was married to Conrad Hilton and lived near our home in Bay Shore, Long Island, New York.
When I was around five years old, my parents, William and Audrey Freni, divorced, despite the
separation, they maintained a connection with my Aunt Evelyn and her husband, George Whitwell. George, who was crippled from polio and unable to travel, had a deep passion for the mysteries and history of Egypt, which he instilled in me, sparking my own fascination with the Middle East. He also nurtured my love for animals; for my 12th birthday, he and my aunt gifted me Walter Farley’s book, *The Black Stallion*. This book profoundly changed my life, inspiring me to dream of racing Arabians across deserts in Arab lands and envisioning a future filled with Arabian horses. Both of those dreams eventually came true, and I later became friends with Walter Farley, who encouraged me to continue writing my own books.
Jennifer: Which have been the most important animals in your life?
Judith: I've had a deep love for animals for as long as I can remember, and I'm fortunate that my parents encouraged this passion. My first pet was a little black-and-white Fox Terrier named Skippy, who was my best friend until a tragic day when he escaped our backyard and was run over. I was heartbroken; however, it prepared me to handle life and death at an early age and to understand that animals are loaned to us only for an appointed time.
Throughout the years, I have owned many dogs, each an important part of my life. I developed a particular fondness for Collies, inspired by the movie *Lassie Come Home*, and eventually bred
Judith riding Silver her first pony
Judith with Black Watch owned by Zsa Zsa gabor, a Black gelding that she won her first blue ribbon on
rudolph Valentino and elizabeth Taylor like the movie stars. They were sitting on a Harley davidson
and showed several of this breed. Later, a special silver Miniature Poodle named Bel Tor Floodtide entered my life; he was a successful show dog who accompanied Don and me to Iran. One Christmas, Don surprised me with a tiny chocolate brown Chihuahua that we named Poopsie, a name chosen for obvious reasons. This sparked our love for this spirited little breed, and after Poopsie sadly passed away at the age of 14, we welcomed several more Chihuahuas, all named after movie stars: Charley Chaplin, Joan Crawford, Rudi Valentino, and our shining star, Elizabeth Taylor. Elizabeth loved to pose for the camera, and Richard Bryant captured some fantastic photos of her and Rudi dressed in Harley Davidson outfits, sitting on a black Harley bike!
After all the Chihuahuas had passed, I went for a period without any dogs. Then, while at a horse show, I laid eyes on an adorable Pomeranian puppy and instantly fell in love. I decided to enrich my life with a dog again and reached out to the puppy's breeder. She had a little blonde pup born on the same day as Prince George of England, so I named him Prince George of Ansata, who joined me and my rescued six-toed "Hemingway" cat named Sassy,
Judith with Poopsi a gift from don
who has ruled the house for years and continues to do so at the age of 14.
Jennifer: Of all the horses in your life, which one did you connect with best.
Judith: There were a few but for the mares, Bint Mabrouka was the love of my life. She only had one filly, and it died. That broke my heart, but she had three wonderful sons that have left serious marks on the breed. I loved Ansata Ibn Halima, but Ansata Ibn Sudan was my first love; he craved constant attention. I was there when he was born, and he was like my child. He loved people and loved to show off. He would bang on the stall walls until I would come and give him attention, and he would even sometimes play dead in the stall! He was a real character.
Sudan was the ultimate show horse, he had that special "look at me" attitude, and this is why I decided to show him. As many people know Hansi Heck and I had a real love hate relationship, but the same year Sudan won US National Champion, Hansi called and asked if I could look after Serenity Sonbolah and prepare her for the US Nationals so we had National Champion Mare and National
Champion stallion at our farm at the same time.
Jennifer: What are the most memorable experiences in your life?
Judith: There are certainly many unforgettable experiences to reflect on. Meeting Don Forbis while I was working with USAID in Ankara, Turkey, and later marrying him there stands out as a pivotal moment in my life. This relationship led us to race Arabians in Turkey and eventually travel to Egypt.
Don grew up riding quarter horses, and the first horse he raced was named Silver—ironically, the same name as the first pony I rode when I was three years old. After our marriage, we purchased two Arabian racehorses, one of which was a chestnut mare named Sohret. I rode her in races throughout southeastern Turkey, and she saved my life on several occasions. Despite her offset front knees, she carried me to many victories, teaching me that heart and determination often outweigh the imperfections of a horse’s conformation. This story is lovingly chronicled in my book, *Hoofbeats Along the Tigris*.
Another memorable experience was witnessing the magnificent horses at the Egyptian Agricultural Organization (EAO) in 1959, including celebrated
stallions like Nazeer, Aswan, Morafic, and El Sareei, as well as notable mares such as Bukra, Moniet el Nefous, and Mabrouka. That year, we also imported our first three yearlings: Ansata Ibn Halima, Ansata Bint Mabrouka, and Ansata Bint Zaafarana.
I also cherish the moments I spent watching the first foals sired by Ansata Ibn Halima, born to Ansata Bint Zaafarana (Ansata Ali Pasha) and Ansata Bint Mabrouka (Ansata Abbas Pasha and Ansata Ibn Sudan), all of whom became successful champions and sires.
Publishing my books has been another significant milestone in my life. My first book, “Hoofbeats Along the Tigris”, followed by “The Classic Arabian Horse” and “Authentic Arabian Bloodstock”—affectionately known as "the blue book," which has become a vital resource for Egyptian Arabian breeders—are all achievements
I am proud of. Additionally, finding the Abbas Pasha Manuscript with the Ahmed Sherif family in Egypt and collaborating with Gulsun Sherif to translate and publish it in English, was a notable accomplishment.
Each book I have written serves as a milestone and provides valuable insights, regardless of the
bloodline’s breeders choose. I take great pride in my articles for Arabian horse magazines and my published works, just as I do with the Ansata breeding program.
Don’s and my contributions to the Arabian horse community have been widely recognized, which brings me immense pride. However, the true joy for me lies in witnessing the profound connections formed between horses and people—a bond I have cherished throughout my life.
Jennifer: How do you see the competitive environment of Straight Egyptian horses?
In today's competition arena, it has become increasingly challenging for Straight Egyptians to secure victories at the US National Championships, let alone for Egyptian horses to dominate both the senior mare and stallion classes in the same year. What factors do you believe contribute to this shift in competitiveness, and how do you perceive the current state of the show ring?
Judith: I find it unfortunate that Straight Egyptian breeders have been less involved in open shows compared to their participation from the 1960s to the early 2000s. During that period, Straight Egyptians consistently showcased their competitive edge, capturing prestigious titles at major events. Breeding programs like Ansata, Gleanloch, Imperial, and others, including Al Shaqab, Al Naif, and Al Nasser, played pivotal roles in highlighting the excellence of Straight Egyptian horses. The inception of the Egyptian Event in Lexington, Kentucky, was primarily aimed at being a social and educational gathering rather than a conventional horse show. However, over time, the event began to
add more Egyptian-related and Straight Egyptian classes, evolving into the competitive landscape we see today. Unfortunately, this change led many breeders to pull their Straight Egyptians from open competitions, choosing instead to focus solely on the Egyptian Event.
This shift has fostered the emergence of exclusively defined Straight Egyptian shows worldwide, which, while advantageous for marketing and social engagement, has created a disconnect from broader competitive arenas. By concentrating their efforts exclusively on these specialized events, many Egyptian breeders have stepped back from open shows. As a result, international bloodlines have come to dominate the open competition circuits, with the finest Egyptian horses largely featured at Egyptian events and farm presentations.
It’s essential to remember that Egyptian blood has been infused into the first three generations of many of today’s top-winning show horses, including Marwan Al Shaqab, Gazal al Shaqab, and WH Justice, among others. The original intent behind preserving Egyptian bloodlines as a "breed within a breed," as outlined by The Pyramid Society, was to maintain this unique lineage developed over centuries to emphasize "classic type." Consequently, breeders who make use of, or mix various bloodlines—be they Spanish, Crabbet, Polish, or Russian—can tap into this dominant Egyptian blood when desired.
With this perspective, I genuinely hope to see a resurgence of Straight Egyptians competing in open shows, reclaiming the significant presence they once enjoyed. It is crucial for the future of the breed and the preservation of its legacy that breeders showcase their exceptional horses within
the broader competitive arena, highlighting their impressive capabilities and contributions to the Arabian horse community as a whole.
Jennifer: What was your breeding concept for Ansata? Your breeding program was renowned for excellent conformation with strong bodies, the Dahman strain seemed to dominate, what do you think of the other strains, which cross worked well for you and which were not as successful?
Judith: Although we were unaware at the time, our initial imports were based on two of the most
esteemed strains admired by Abbas Pasha I of Egypt: Dahman Shahwan and Saqlawi Jedran. This realization dawned on us later while translating the Abbas Pasha Manuscript.
The Dahman strain provided us with a strong foundation, contributing to robust bodies and beautiful heads, exemplified by horses like Ansata Ibn Halima and Ansata Bint Bukra. In contrast, the Saqlawi strain added elegance and refinement, as seen in Ansata Bint Mabrouka and Ansata Bint Zaafarana.
While we originally didn't have any direct lineage from the tail female Hadban Enzahi (specifically from the Samiha line of Nazeer), this Hadban influence was
Ansata ibn Sudan and Maurice Wingo winning US national Champion Stallion
Ansata Bint Mabrouka
greeting Card Sketch of nazeer done from life
Judith’s first and only sculpture,
“The Pharoah’s Stallion” sculpted in egypt
ink sketch of The Three
Judith Painting of Moniet el nefous
Wisemen
• Desert Heritage Magazine
Moniet el nefous & Ansata Bint Bukra Pencil Sketch
Cartoon illustrations of animals that had been in Judith’s life
Watercolor study of an Arab r aid for potential painting
illustrations done for a children’s book Judith had written
Ceramic horse head - Al dahmacreated in egypt
Desert Heritage Magazine • 107
prominent through Nazeer, the sire of our initial imports. This doubling of Nazeer in our program created a remarkable synergy.
Over the years, until we closed the Ansata farm in Mena, we successfully incorporated various strains in different combinations while staying true to our original vision.
The effectiveness of these combinations ultimately depends on the breeder’s creativity and selection process, including the percentages of each lineage and the specific goals of their breeding program.
One really must study pedigrees, and the individuals represented within the pedigree - what they looked like (phenotype) and how they produced (genotype) -consistent or not consistent for the attributes the breeder requires.
Jennifer: Finally, what is your advice to young breeders and new people falling in love with the Arabian horse?
Judith: Know your breed before you try and breed it. Love is the guiding force of the universe. For me, it was love at first sight at the age of three when I saw Silver, the grey pony - no explanation needed. Love was always the motivating force behind wanting to be with horses in some way all my life. One doesn't have to be a breeder to belong to the Arabian horse world. There are many avenues available besides being a breeder - so be sure you can deal with the joys as well as the heartbreaks in raising horses, be willing to make the sacrifices you will have to make, and "never give up"!
Becoming a breeder requires - most of all - learning about the breed through historical and current books, acquiring some knowledge and appreciation of all the arts (very important in understanding balance, rhythm and beauty) spending time with breeders, visiting horse shows and exhibitions, to discern the type and bloodlines one wants to breed. Cost factors enter in - it is expensive. "It is better to have once significant piece rather than many
Judith and Bart Vanbuggenhout
from left to right, Bart Vanbuggenhout, Paul Ogden, Jennifer Ogden, Judith forbis
insignificant pieces" applies equally to horses.
I want to emphasize the importance of following your passion, whatever that may be. Again, Love what you do, do what you love! Life can take unexpected turns, just as mine did, but it is that very passion that will guide you and give you strength. Most importantly, cherish all the animals in your life—they are not just companions; they are teachers that impart invaluable
lessons about love, loss, and living in the moment. I would recommend anyone who is involved with animals to read: Kinship with All Life by J. Allen Boone. It is still available through various book shops and Amazon.
Jennifer: Thank you, Judith, for this interesting insight into your life and thoughts.
Beyond her profound contributions to the Arabian horse community, Judi Forbis possesses a zest for life and a lively sense of fun that many may not fully recognize. Her laughter is infectious, and her love for her animals radiates through her every action, revealing a playful spirit intertwined with her nurturing nature. Many who know her primarily through her work may be surprised to discover this vibrant side of Judi—its warmth and joy echoing through her interactions and her story.
As I listened to her speak, I felt a profound sense of admiration and gratitude wash over me. Judi’s dedication to the Arabian horse community, her incredible journey, and her unyielding spirit continue to inspire everyone who has the privilege of knowing her.
Celebrating Judith Forbis at 90 was not just about marking the passage of time; it was an honour to recognize a life that has woven a legacy of love, passion, and endless dedication to the things she holds dear.
Al Murad Stud and the
“Of all the bloodlines of Arabian Horses in the world, straight Egyptians seem to evoke a special sense of history and the flowing river of time. While they may appeal to people from many walks of life, most who share a passion for Egyptian Arabians are also aficionados of art and culture, and possess a discriminating eye for harmony and classic beauty”.
Cynthia Culbertson
n ajya a l Murad (Mansour al Murad x el Thay k aya)
Art of Breeding
by Monika Savier
Al Mur A d Stud
Egyptian Arabian Horses
from the deep south of italy, from apulia, the al Murad stud farm has made its way to the centre of i taly. Today, the al Murad horses stand in the stables and pastures of the Tre Balzane stud farm in umbria.
Arabian horses have fascinated dentist Maurizio Morra Greco since his childhood. As an international art collector and president of a museum in naples (fondazionemorragreco.com), he developed a close relationship with these beautiful animals, which have written history like no other and are now experiencing a renaissance across continents.
In 2015, he founded his Arabian stud Al MurAd STud on an ancient farm in Apulia. His project, the breeding of pure Egyptian Arabians, was not a business model, but rather a cultural contribution to the preservation and development of Arabian horses.
Morra Greco is not only interested in the horses, but also in the emotions that they trigger or that are associated with them. In this respect, his stud farm is also a place of reflectionandretreat.However,thenecessary stud management, selection, breeding decisions and presentation are a reflection of today’s highly complex society between reproductive technology, globalisation and digital agriculture. All of this inevitably leads to the professionalisation of what was previously a romantic hobby. As a result, Maurizio Morra Greco decided to entrust his broodmares to the TrE BAlzAnE STud farm in umbria.
Straight Egyptians are special breed within the breed of the Arabian horses. Al MurAd STud aims to breed
beautiful Straight Egyptians of historical value in a natural environment.
Arabian horses that not only carry a long history through their genetic pool, but whose cultural heritage is combined with the demands of form and function, the objectives of today’s Arabian breeding for showing and riding. In breeding Straight Egyptian horses, the aim is mainly to maintain and to improve original bloodlines, horses with all their Arabian noblesse, their charm, type, elegance and their people-oriented character.
In order to buy a group of selected mares and fillies for the foundation of his breeding programme, Maurizio Morra Greco visited the countries of origin and finally imported horses from Europe. Straight Egyptian mares came from the El Thay, Al Qusar, Ponath and TrE BAlzAnE STud. By using the stallions Ansata nile Echo and Jamil Al rayyan, he was soon successful. His beautiful stallion Mansour Al Murad covered the first mares born at the stud this year.
Successful breeding is a great challenge nowadays and success will only be achieved if not only economic interests but also ethical ones regarding the horses are taken into account. With this in mind, Al MurAd STud is well on the way to success.
n ayla a l Murad
( jamil al r ayyan x insha Safrahna)
i n S ha Safrahna
(Miad al Shaqab x Simeon Sarice)
Desert Heritage
Man S our a l Murad
(ansata nile echo x Maysouna halima by Maysoun)
• Desert Heritage Magazine
n ajya a l Murad
(Mansour al Murad x el Thay k aya by Mashour halim)
r adalidaa
(Classic r ashman x Bint Classic alia)
Desert Heritage Magazine • 117
d hakira h ali Ma (Baqir al Safi x dB isis by hawi)
Zahaara a l Murad
(nabeel al r ayyan x Maysouna halima by Maysoun)
• Desert Heritage Magazine
Mayfou S a (el Thay Mahfouz x Maysouna halima by Maysoun)
Mufajaa a l Murad
(nabeel al r ayyan x r adalidaa by Classic r ashman)
Many good horses from the traditional stud farms of Europe have been sold to the Middle East in the last 30 years and have laid there the foundation for the best Arabian horses in the world. However, every now and then a gem comes along in Europe who is not only good looking and has an impressive pedigree, but who is also an excellent sire with outstanding fertility and reproduction. Here is such a stallion: MAnSOur Al MurAd. Born in South Italy, he is now with Tre Balzane in umbria and can cover your mares at a favourable price.
MANSOUR AL MURAD
* 2017, iTaly
an S aTa nile e C ho
an S aTa heja Z i
an S aTa hali M S hah
an S aTa S udarra
P rin C e fa M onie T
an S aTa W hi T e nile
an S aTa nile G if T
an S aTa hali M S hah
MayS oun
MayS ouna hali Ma
M oufi S a al kidir
MayS ouna
al kidir
M oufi S a hali Ma
The Straight Egyptian Mares from Al Murad
Al Mur A d Stud Egyptian Arabian Horses
Info: Elisabeth Auer studmanager +39 346 9818427
+39 346 9818427
Abbonamenti SUBSCRIPTIONS
Abbonamenti SUBSCRIPTIONS
q Versamento su c/c postale n. 20843256 o a mezzo vaglia postale intestato a: Alim Editrice s.n.c. - via Ressi, 22 - 20125 Milano - Italy q A mezzo Carta di Credito
MIAD AL SHAQAB | DF MAHA
photo by Joanna Jonientz
photo by
Jennifer Ogden
