Jadem Arabians BVBA - Christine Jamar-Demeersseman
Berkensingel 24 - 2490 Balen - Belgium - info@christine-jamar.be - www.christine-jamar.be
MMURANAS NADER
EMERALD J | MURANAS NABILA
MMADAGASCAR J
EXCALIBUR EA | MISSISSIPPI J
BREEDING SEASON 2025
photo by Richard Cunill
Shahalel AL SHAQAB
NAMOUS AL SHAHANIA | SIWAR AL SHAQAB
KATARA
JUNIOR FILLIES CONTENDER with
Arnauld Mertens
Gold Medal Junior Filly - GCAT Ajman 2025
Gold Medal Junior Filly - GCAT Riyadh 2024
Gold Medal Junior Fillies - KIAHF 2024 - GCAT Doha Edition 2024
Gold Medal Junior Yearling Fillies - World Arabian Horse Championship Doha 2023
Gold Medal Yearling Fillies - 39th All Nations Cup - Aachen 2023
Gold Medal Yearling Fillies - Mediterranean and Arab Countries AHC - Menton 2023
Gold Medal Yearling Fillies - Katara Int. Arabian Horse Festival 2023
KATARA
SENIOR MARES CONTENDER with Arnauld Mertens
Gold Medal Senior Mares - GCAT Ajman 2025
Gold Medal Junior Fillies - World Arabian Horse Championship - Doha 2023
Gold Medal Junior Fillies - Katara Int. Arabian Horse Festival 2023
Silver Medal Junior Fillies - World Arabian Horse Championship - PARIS 2022
Gold Medal Junior Fillies - 38° All Nations Cup - 2022
Gold Medal Junior Fillies - Mediterranean and Arab Countries AHC - Menton 2022
Gold Medal Junior Fillies - Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship 2022
Gold Medal Yearling Fillies - World Arabian Horse Championship - PARIS 2021
Gold Medal Yearling Fillies - Abu Dhabi International Arabian Horse Championship 2021
Gold Medal Yearling Fillies - Emirates Arabian Horse Breeders Championship 2021
eisan
| RAH ROSALIA
D SERAJ
ph. by Alessio Azzali
2024 Gold Champion Junior Colt at the All Nations Cup, Aachen 2024 Bronze Champion Junior Colt at the World Championship, Paris
Michalow Stud 2025 & 2026
ariela.arabians@gmail.com | www.ariela-arabians.co.il
(Shanghai EA x Fadwa AA)
gallery
Animalier Art 45 bloodline
Excellence in breeding “The Straight Egyptian Arabian” 54 Złoty Medal. The story of a Golden Boy 78 Magnificent Mares of the Polish State Studs part.III 144
The Haz Al generation at Royal Arabians 64
Ghaya El Aliya (Qamar El Zaman Al Waab x Ghezlan Al Waab)
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Proudly owned by Al Hamama Stud
IBN FARID | EKS BINT HELWAH
SILVER CHAMPION SENIOR STALLION
World Arabian Horse Championship - Paris 2024
GOLD CHAMPION SENIOR STALLION
International AHS - El Jadida 2024
SILVER CHAMPION SENIOR STALLION
World Arabian Horse Championship - Doha 2023
SILVER CHAMPION SENIOR STALLION
All Nations Cup - Aachen 2023
SILVER CHAMPION SENIOR STALLION
Mediterranean and Arab Countries AHC - Menton 2023
GOLD CHAMPION JUNIOR COLT
World Arabian Horse Championship - Paris 2019
GOLD CHAMPION JUNIOR COLT
All Nations Cup - Aachen 2019
SILVER CHAMPION JUNIOR COLT
Dubai International AHC - Dubai 2019
photos by Ewa Imielska-Hebda
ph. by Simone Bergamaschi
RFI UNIQUE | PLIVIA by
KAHIL AL SHAQAB
BRONZE CHAMPION YEARLING COLTS
POLISH NATIONAL AHS | PRIDE OF POLAND 2024
ALL POLISH AHC 2024
34th JUNIOR SPRING SHOW | BIALKA 2024
GOLD CHAMPION YEARLING COLTS
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 2023
POLISH NATIONAL AHS | PRIDE OF POLAND 2023
INT. B-SHOW | ARABIAN HORSE WEEKEND 2023
GOLD CHAMPION COLT FOALS
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 2022
BRONZE CHAMPION YEARLING COLTS
MEDITERRANEAN AND ARAB COUNTRIES AHC | MENTON 2023
BREEDING SEASON 2025
Gold Medal Junior Colts - Travagliato Arabian Horse Garden 2024
Gold Medal Junior Colts - Arabian Dream 2023
1st pl. Yearling Colts - Purosangue Arabi Bergamo 2022
Gold Medal Colt Foals - European Championship Verona 2021 1st pl. Nationals 2021
Standing at Vetrò Giuseppe ph: +39 320 0633048 - info@vg-arabians.com
SHANGHAI EA | ODISSEA DEL FALCO
Del Sar Gaito Arabians
Francesco Gaito
ph: +39 333 6327740
francesco.gaito@gmail.com
ph. Alessio Azzali
ANNA DZ
Excalibur EA | Asiya al Mar
Gold Medal Senior Mares Venice Land Cup 2024
Owner: Alseyade Stud
Gold Medal Colt Foals Arabian Dream Verona 2024
Silver Medal Colt Foals Anica Nat. Championships 2024
Magic Magnifique | PS Jubilee
ALEXANDRIA
Silver Medal Yearling Fillies Championship 2022 - B International Show
Bronze Medal Junior Fillies Championship 2023 - Milan International Cup
Silver Medal Junior Fillies Championship 2023 - B International Show
AMIR ALSAHRA
SG Gandalf | Panama di Mar
Michelangelo Regalis | Bella Viktoria
Kamiliya Hlayyil ASE
Kahil al Shaqab | ASE Bisiriya Hlayyil
Gold Medal Champion, Breeders Cup Koksijde 2024 with 92 points
Gold Medal Champion, Breeders Cup Lier 2023 with 91.60 points
Unanimous National Champion mare, The Netherlands 2024
Overall Winner, European Breeders Challange 2024
Winner Best Head Trophy, Breeders Cup Deurne 2024
Best Dutch Bred horse, Dutch Nationals 2024
Best Moving Horse of the show, GCAT Valkenswaard 2024
91.29 point GCAT Valkenswaard 2024
Proudly bred & Owned by:
JamilQARDABIYAH
BREEDING SEASON 2025 FROZEN SEMEN AVAILABLE
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GOLD MEDAL JUNIOR COLTS
Kuwait Int. Championship 2023
SILVER MEDAL JUNIOR COLTS
Dubai Int. AHC 2022
BRONZE MEDAL JUNIOR COLTS
PSAIAHF 2022
GOLD MEDAL YEARLING COLTS
KAAHC 2021
BRONZE MEDAL YEARLING COLTS
Paris World Arabian Horse Championship 2021
GOLD MEDAL YEARLING COLTS
International Cup Verona 2021
SILVER MEDAL YEARLING COLTS
Bruges Arabian Horse Event Int. B Show 2021
EZz AlKhashab
Kuwait - instagram: al_khashab_stud
( EMERALD J X MALIKAT AL MOLUK )
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)
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.
Złoty Medal
THE STORY OF A GOLDEN BOY
by Kamila Kozłowska
Photos: Erwin Escher, Sylwia Iłenda, Ewa Imielska-Hebda, Glenn Jacobs, Karolina Misztal, Patrycja Makowska, Stuart Vesty
Names are more than just words or labels. They become our identity and our constant companion throughout life. However, it is claimed by many that our names are much more powerful than that and that they in fact have the capability to shape our characters and determine our destiny. Even if it is not a universal truth, it was certainly the case of the classy grey colt who came into the world on 21st May 2012 in the foaling barn at the world-famous Michałów State Stud of Poland. His incontestable charm and
charisma combined with his attentiondemanding demeanour demonstrated his readiness to win the hearts of Arabian horse aficionados and to conquer the show arenas all over the world. This young colt was clearly destined for greatness and thus his breeders, Urszula and Jerzy Białobok, decided to name him ZŁOTY MEDAL (QR Marc – Złota Orda / Pesal). Given that this name means ‘gold medal’ in English, the expectations towards the colt were extremely high from the very beginning.
Nothing less than winning the highest honours was expected of Złoty Medal but it was more than his attractive appearance and powerful personality that gave grounds for high hopes of his breeders. His precious pedigree is packed with many remarkable representatives of the breed, including some acclaimed show superstars, who appear in large numbers in both his significant sire line and in his famous female family. As a proud member of the Saklawi I male line, Złoty Medal belongs to the most prominent and prevalent sire line in the modern Arabian horse breeding. Sired by the multiple World Championships medallist QR Marc (Marwan Al Shaqab – Swete
Dreams / Magic Dream CAHR), the twelve-year-old Michałów-bred stallion represents the royal dynasty commenced by his paternal great-grandsire, 2017 Platinum World Champion Male, Gazal Al Shaqab (Anaza El Farid – Kajora / Kaborr) and continued further by his equally esteemed paternal grandsire Marwan Al Shaqab (out of Little Liza Fame / Fame VF), three times World Champion and a highly influential individual in his own right. Not many Arabian stallions can boast about having three multiple World Champion winners as their direct male ancestors but the more impressive fact is that the number of the most prestigious titles that these three stallions managed to gather over the years is directly proportional to the influence they had on the breed as sires. It is close to impossible to name all the halter show champions sired by these superb stallions but the fact that the three of them produced nine Platinum World title winners is an impressive and inspiring accomplishment which shows the great genetic prepotency of Gazal’s family. Gazal himself sired three Platinum World Champion Mares: Pianissima (out of Pianosa / Eukaliptus), Pinga (out of Pilar / Fawor) and Emandoria
Złota Orda - Stuart Vesty
Złoty Medal (QR Marc x Złota Orda / Pesal) - Glenn Jacobs
Złoty Medal - Karolina Misztal
(out of Emanda / Ecaho). Marwan, his most significant successor, produced another five Platinum World Champion winners; four stallions: Baanderos (out of HB Bessolea / Besson Carol), Marquis CAHR (out of Rohara Magnifica / Echo Magnifficoo), Kahil Al Shaqab (out of OFW Mishaahl / Mishaah) and Hariry Al Shaqab (out of White Silkk / Dakar El Jamaal) as well as the 2021 Platinum World Champion Mare Baviera HVP, a full sister to Baanderos, while QR Marc is the sire of 2021 Platinum World Champion Stallion Equator (out of Ekliptyka / Ekstern). As one would expect, Equator is not the only precious progeny that QR Marc sired in Poland. At Janów Podlaski State Stud, he has left the US Triple Crown Winner Pogrom (out of Pętla / Visbaden) however it was Michałów-bred mares that seemed to be match made in heaven for QR Marc. Apart from Equator and Złoty Medal, the outstanding offspring of QR Marc born at Michałów include 2012 European and World Gold Champion Junior Filly Wieża Mocy (out of Wieża Marzeń / Ekstern), Piacenza (out of Primawera / Emigrant), who as a twoyear-old filly fetched the record price of € 475 000 at the 2011 Pride of Poland sale and Złoty Medal’s close cousin Zigi Zana (out of Zagrobla / Monogramm), many times national and international winner as well as a highly appreciated broodmare at Michałów. Additionally, the cross between QR Marc and the present-day Queen of Michałów Stud, 2018 Platinum World Champion Mare Emandoria, produced excellent results in the form of two bay full siblings, the international show sensation and super successful sire Emerald J, bred and owned by Jadem Arabians of Belgium, and the brilliant broodmare Esmeraldia,
best known as the dam of the ethereal El Esmera (by Sahm El Arab), 2021 European Champion Junior Filly and the highest sold horse of the most recent Pride of Poland auction, purchased by Al Zobair Stud of the UAE for €810 000.
It seems almost impossible to match the accomplishments of Złoty Medal’s
paternal ancestors, however his distinguished dam line of Selma DB is no less special. Tail female, he traces back to 1981 European Reserve Champion Senior Mare and 1984 All Nations Cup Champion Senior Mare Zazula (Negatiw – Złota Iwa / Arax) through her highly decorated granddaughter Zagrobla (Monogramm – Zguba /
Zagrobla - Erwin Escher
Enrilo). Throughout her long and lustrous show career, Zagrobla won numerous prestigious prizes and her most amazing achievements include the titles of 2000 All Nations Cup Champion Senior Mare, 2000 and 2007 European Reserve Champion Senior Mare, 2000 World Champion Senior Mare and 2003 US National Champion Senior Mare. After promoting the Polish Arabian horse in various corners of the world, Zagrobla became a broodmare at Michałów and blessed her breeders with two fantastic fillies, the aforementioned highly acclaimed Zigi Zana as well as Złoty Medal’s gorgeous grey dam Złota Orda. The latter was sired by the best stallion ever bred in the 40-year-long history of
Białka Stud, Pesal (Partner – Perforacja / Ernal), 1996 Polish National and All Nations Cup Reserve Champion Senior Stallion, 1997 Polish National Champion Senior Stallion and 2003 Dutch National Champion Senior Stallion.
With the exotic type and refinement of QR Marc and the unique beauty, correctness of built and powerful movement of his Polish dam line, Złoty Medal appears to combine the best of both worlds. His show career commenced at the 2013 Junior Spring Show in Białka, the first important test for all young Arabian show horses in Poland, shortly after he turned one. His breeders could not have come up with a more suitable
name for the young colt as he easily won a large class of 13 contenders as well as a richly deserved gold medal at the very first show he attended. It was a really good omen for the rest of his show career. Just a few months after the show in Białka, Złoty Medal was presented at the Polish Nationals in Janów Podlaski where he became Silver Champion Junior Colt, an amazing accomplishment given that the gold medal went to a year older and more developed Janów-bred Barok (Om El Bellissimo – Baida / Balon). As a two-year-old colt, Złoty Medal added one more silver champion title to his collection at Białka Junior Spring Show as well as won his class at the Polish Nationals, which concluded his show
Złoty Medal - Sylwia Iłenda
career in the junior colt section. All these accomplishments demonstrated Medal’s potential for a future breeding stallion and thus as a three-year-old colt he underwent racetrack training, an element of the Polish programme that determines performance capabilities of horses that are further used for breeding. Therefore, Złoty Medal did not return to the show ring until he turned five in 2017.
His career in the senior stallions’ section started with a warm-up show in Radom, where Złoty Medal placed third in his class with a good total score of 91.33 points. The same final mark at the more challenging and competitive Polish Nationals gave Medal second
place in his class and a great result in the championship. After a tie for silver with Calateon (Vitorio TO – Calatea / Ekstern), who had a slightly higher class score, Złoty Medal eventually became Bronze Champion but it was clear that the young dapple grey stallion did not show his best side at this point, especially when it comes to movement. As is often the case with young horses, he needed time not only to mature and develop but also to feel completely at ease in the show arena. Also, his newly acquired role of chief sire at his home stud limited the number of shows that he attended. Nevertheless, the following three years of competition resulted in two bronze medals at the 2018 and 2019 All Polish
Arabian Horse Championship in Radom and two Top Five Senior Stallion titles at the 2019 and 2020 Polish Nationals in Janów Podlaski, where Medal just missed out on the podium. The situation seemed no different at the 2022 Polish National Show where he won his class and again placed fourth in the senior stallions’ championship but this time
Złoty Medal - Karolina Misztal
Złoty Medal - Dominika Jaros
he triumphed as a sire with the Silver Champion Senior Stallion title being awarded to his then four-year-old grey son Ptolemeusz (out of Parmana / Al Maraam) who also finished the class competition in first place. There is no better testimony of success for a stallion than his own son defeating him in the show ring as it demonstrates progress in breeding and strong genetic prepotency of Złoty Medal as a sire.
From then on, the tides have turned in favour of Złoty Medal and the series of his successes seems to have no end even though, due to his chief sire duties, he still participates in a limited number of shows. Not only has he matured into this silvergrey masculine Arabian with marvellous movement but he also established a
Złoty Medal - Sylwia Iłenda
Złoty Medal, Eryks, Forman - Tomasz Emil
strong bond based on mutual trust with his current trainer and handler Artur Łojowski who has accompanied Złoty Medal in the show arena since 2018. It is interesting to observe how they have grown as partners, gaining more and more confidence in the ring and reaching for high honours at some very significant shows. Just a week after the 2022 Polish Nationals, Złoty Medal won his class at Prague Intercup with a superb score of 92.69 points, including a 20 for type and a 20 for movement, which further led to two silver medals in both the international championship and EuroCup, a separate competition only reserved for horses bred and owned by European citizens. Slightly intimidated by competition at the 2022 European Championships in Lier, Medal placed third in his class with a good total score of 91.80 points and qualified for the championships. Such a good result at an important title show might have been an indication of Medal’s readiness to shine in the European show arenas.
2023 was definitely the year of Złoty Medal as he only took part in three shows and brought home four champion titles. After missing out on the podium of Polish Nationals several times in his show career, the eleven-year-old stallion was determined to claim the crown in the 2023 senior stallions’ championship. And he did it in style! After winning his class with an impressive score of 92.70, including a 20 for type, Złoty Medal hypnotised all six judges with his captivating performance in the finals and was named Unanimous Gold Champion Senior Stallion. His good fortune followed him to Prague, where he took part in the ECAHO A-class event and also placed first in his division, receiving
92.05 points and two 20s for movement. This great result contributed to his silver medal in the Intercup championship and to a gold one in the European Cup. The European Championships in Bedizzole, Italy was the final show of the 2023
season for Złoty Medal and, being the prestigious title show, also the toughest test for the stallion. Nevertheless, Medal managed to meet everyone’s expectations and returned to Michałów with a European Bronze Champion Senior
Złoty Medal - Karolina Misztal
Stallion title and a matching medal on his chest.
Halter show trophies, however important for a breeding stallion, are not the only factors taken into consideration while choosing a future sire. The leading idea to produce beautiful and correct Arabians that will not only shine in the show rings but will also exhibit performance capabilities has prevailed in the Polish breeding programme for hundreds of years. For this reason, Złoty Medal spent one season at the racetrack where he took part in eight races, seven of which he finished in the money. As if it was not enough to establish his great health and stamina, Medal has also been successful
in Arabian horse sports competitions alongside Marta Jaros, a breeding specialist at Michałów Stud, with whom the stallion has also developed a unique relationship based on mutual love, trust and respect. Nowadays, it is often forgotten that mental stability mixed with the ability to make strong bonds with humans has always been one of the main factors when selecting Arabian horses for breeding.
All the desirable traits like type, beauty, correctness of built, good health, stamina or mental stability do not mean much in a breeding stallion if he is unable to pass them onto next generations. Fortunately,
Złoty Medal has repeatedly stamped his offspring with his most sought-after attributes. He has already produced not one but two heirs that currently occupy the chief sire stalls at Michałów Stud, the older grey Ptolemeusz 2018 (out of Parmana / Al Maraam) and the younger bay Porto Rico 2020 (out of Parmania / Kahil Al Shaqab). For such close cousins (Parmana is the dam of Parmania, so they share 75% of ancestors), the two young stallions exhibit many differences but they have both followed in their sire’s footsteps when it comes to halter show career. Ptolemeusz has so far been named 2020 Białka Junior Spring Show Silver Champion Junior Colt, 2020 European
Porto Rico - Ewa Imielska-Hebda
Ptolemeusz - Sylwia Iłenda
Ptolemeusz - Ewa Imielska-Hebda
Ptolemeusz - Patrycja Makowska
Silver Champion Junior Colt and, as mentioned before, 2022 Polish National Silver Champion Senior Stallion, while Porto Rico won the titles of 2021 Białka Junior Spring Show Silver Champion Yearling Colt and 2021 Prague EuroCup Bronze Champion Yearling Colt. Additionally, Porto Rico is an acclaimed athlete with a successful racing career. In 2023, he won two races, including the prestigious National Support Centre for Agriculture Cup for three-year-old Arabian horses of the second group.
When it comes to female progeny, the 2019 bay Pustynna Lilia (out of
Pustynna Kalia / Esparto) is another athletic Michałów-bred beauty sired by Złoty Medal. This young mare is both 2020 Białka Junior Spring Show Bronze Champion Yearling Filly as well as the winner of international race for threeyear-old Arabian horses of second group over a distance of 1907 meters. Medal is also the sire of the 2018 grey mare Emilia Złota (out of Emily / Poganin), who recently became Gold Champion Senior Mare at the 2023 Kurdistan Pure Breed Arabian Horse Show. As far as private breeding is concerned, Medal produced the 2019 grey Wirat (out of Wentaja / Gaspar), Silver Champion Yearling Colt
at the 2020 Arabian Horse Event in Bruges.
It is difficult to say for sure whether Złoty Medal’s name foreshadowed his fate but one thing is certain; he fulfilled the high expectations of his breeders that believed in him since the day he was born. A successful show champion, an acclaimed athlete, a superb sire with a great character, Złoty Medal is the epitome of a classic and complete horse that fully fits into the Polish breeding vision of a brave and beautiful Arabian. His classic style and completeness together with correctness of built and kind disposition
Pustynna Lilia - Ewa Imielska-Hebda
he repeatedly passes onto his progeny, proudly continuing the priceless heritage of his prominent Saklawi I sire line, his esteemed dam line of Selma DB and his world-renowned breeding programme of Michałów State Stud. ■
Pustynna Lilia - Karolina Misztal
Pustynna Lilia - Karolina Misztal
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Magnificent Mares of the Polish State Studs
beauty beyOnd bOrderS part iii
u by Kamila Kozłowska u
The term ‘beauty’ encompasses so many different qualities and, as it is somewhat subjective, it often feels like everybody has its own unique idea of what it actually means. The Oxford Dictionary defines beauty as ‘the quality of giving pleasure to the senses or to the mind’, while the Cambridge Dictionary adds that it particularly refers to physical appearance. It is all true but it seems that Arabian horse aficionados have their own distinct definition of beauty which specifically refers to one of the most captivating creatures in the world – the Arabian mare. Actually, the Arabian mare herself can be regarded the most extraordinary embodiment of beauty that has ever existed as no other individual illustrates this notion better than the forceful yet feminine, dignified yet delicate being who incessantly inspires painters and poets alike. It may seem that calling an Arabian mare beautiful is an understatement as she is so much more than a ‘pretty face’. With all her charm
and charisma, elegance and exquisiteness, grace and refinement, she was believed by the Bedouins to be a gift from God who can fly without wings. The Polish breeders must have been God’s favourites as they have been blessed with mares that not only possess the most desirable characteristics of the breed but also barely touch the ground while trotting. The breathtakingly beautiful and profoundly powerful Polish mare can be considered one of God’s finest creations.
Part I and II of this article covered eight distinguished Polish dam lines that have produced many outstanding individuals over the years but there are a few more potent Polish families whose influence on the Arabian breed cannot be overlooked.
One of such outstanding dam lines tail female traces back to a desert-bred mare SCHERIFE 1896, imported to the Hungarian State Stud of Babolna in 1902. Her
great-granddaughter BULWA 1937 (Kuhailan Zaid DB – 12 Siglavy Bagdady / Siglavy Bagdady DB) was imported to Poland in 1946 with other Babolna-bred mares who arrived to Polish state studs mingled among the Polish Arabians reclaimed from Germany shortly after the end of World War II. Before she returned to Hungary in 1951 where she was put to death in 1957, BULWA produced three full siblings by the epochal stallion WITRAŻ 1938 (Ofir – Makata / Fetysz), two fillies and one colt.
Bulwa (Kuhailan Zaid DB - 12 Siglavy Bagdady / Siglavy Bagdady DB) with her daughter Bulgotka by Witraż
While the stallion CHMIEL 1949 was not used for breeding at all, the two mares, ALGA 1947 and BULGOTKA 1951, proved to be prolific producers. The former is best remembered as the dam of the amazing ALGONKINA 1961 (by Pietuszok), while the latter greatly influenced the worldwide breeding through her daughters BOGORIA 1956 (by Laur), BOLTONKA 1958 (by Arax) and BUSZNICA 1960 (by Faher). After being exported to Sweden, the grey BOGORIA blessed her new owners, the Blommeröd Arabstuteri,
with a dark-bay filly BOREXIA 1968 (by Exelsjor), an excellent broodmare and the dam of the legendary stallion PROBAT 1975 (by Pohaniec). PROBAT, a paternal grandson to the prematurely deceased COMET 1953 (Abu Afas – Carmen / Trypolis), came to Poland in the early 1980’s to reestablish the significant sire line of KUHAILAN AFAS DB which at that time was on the verge of extinction. Before being further exported to the US in 1987, PROBAT served as a stud at Janów Podlaski and Michałów
where he sired 154 foals of which 80 mares and 32 stallions were used for breeding in Poland and abroad. Apart from leaving the invaluable legacy in the form of many exceptional broodmares and a few classic stakes winners, PROBAT sired some show ring superstars like European and World Champion Senior Stallion PIRUET 1983 (out of Pieczęć / Palas),
Algonkina (Pietuszok - Alga / Witraż) Zofia Raczkowska
Probat (Pohaniec - Borexia / Exelsjor) Jerry Sparagowski
Boltonka (Arax x Bulgotka / Witraż) Alexander
Borexia (Exelsjor - Bogoria / Laur)
Aleksja (Czort - Algonkina / Pietuszok)
Jerry Sparagowski
Algomej (Celebes - Algonkina / Pietuszok)
Gabrielle Boiselle
World Champion Junior Colt FAWOR 1981 (out of Fatma / Anarchista), World Reserve Champion and All Nations Cup Champion Senior Mare PIKIETA 1982 (out of Platyna / Czardasz) and European Reserve Champion Senior Mare EGZOTYKA 1982 (out of Elana / Elf).
In 1963, the bay BOLTONKA was bought by Dr Eugene LaCroix of Lasma Arabians and exported to the USA, where she became 1964 US National Reserve Champion Mare as well as 1964 and 1965 US National Top Ten Park Horse. The horses purchased that year in Poland by LaCroix for Lasma included one of the most prominent sires in the history of the American Arabian horse breeding – BASK 1956 (Witraż – Bałałajka / Amurath Sahib) with whom BOLTONKA was crossed repeatedly while being the broodmare at Lasma Arabians. This match of two US National Champions produced two US National Top Ten winners in performance, the bay mare TONKI 1967 and the bay stallion BOMARC 1970. BULGOTKA’s chestnut daughter BUSZNICA produced a few valuable broodmares but it was her 1968 grey colt BUSZMEN (by Negatiw) that made the mark on the North American show scene as 1974 Canadian National Champion Stallion, 1975 US National Reserve Champion
Stallion and three times Grand Champion Stallion in Scottsdale in 1972, 1974 and 1975.
Without a doubt, the daughters of BULGOTKA were great assets to the Arabian horse breeding worldwide but it was the aforementioned ALGONKINA who was and still is alegend in her own right. Not only was she a progenitor of a very successful family that still stands strong in the world show rings but she also left a lasting mark on the Arabian breed. Bred by Albigowa State Stud, ALGONKINA spent most of her life at Janów Podlaski where she served as a broodmare until her premature death in 1974. The 1968 bay mare ALEKSJA (by Czort) and full siblings, the 1971 bay mare ALGERIA and the 1973 bay stallion ALGOMEJ, linebred to WITRAŻ through their maternal granddam ALGA and their sire CELEBES 1949 (Witraż - Canaria / Trypolis), were ALGONKINA’s most valuable offspring. ALEKSJA had left only three daughters in Poland
Alsa (Kahil Al Shaqab - Alameda / Wachlarz)
Sylwia Iłenda
before she was exported to the USA and two of them, the bay ALWERNIA 1974 (by Celebes) and the grey ALBANIA 1976 (by Gwarny) as well as their descendants, were mostly predisposed for racing and endurance. On the contrary, the 1975 grey ALEJA (by Bandos) did not race at all but she produced the beautiful bay ALEJKA 1985 (by Palas), 1993
Polish National Champion Senior Mare and the granddam of the remarkable bay ALSA 2013 (Kahil Al Shaqab – Alameda / Wachlarz), three times European Champion Senior Mare (Gold in 2020, Bronze in 2021 and again Gold in 2023) as well as 2021 Bronze Champion Senior Mare in Menton, France. ALSA continuously captivates the crowds with her
commanding charisma and powerful movement and at the same time exhibits the femininity and finesse of her gorgeous granddam ALEJKA. As a young mare with so much breeding and show potential, ALSA managed to mesmerise Nayla Hayek, the founder and owner of Hanaya Arabian Stud, and thus since the end of 2019 she proudly represents the Swiss stud in the show arenas all around the globe. The abovementioned ALGOMEJ was 1980 Swedish National Champion and 1986 Polish National Reserve Champion Senior Stallion, while his full sister ALGERIA, 1982 Polish National Champion Senior Mare, has forever changed the Polish and world Arabian horse breeding through her priceless progeny. Out of her three sons used for breeding, the 1983 bay ALEGRO (by Probat) was not only a successful show horse that won the title of Dutch National Champion Senior Stallion but he also stood out as a sire that produced two Polish
Albigowa (Fawor - Algeria / Celebes)
Zofia Raczkowska
Algeria (Celebes - Algonkina / Pietuszok) Zofia Raczkowska
Albula (Fawor - Algeria / Celebes) Gigi Grasso
National Reserve Champions, the bay EUROL 1989 (out of Europa / Bandos) and the grey ANGOR 1992 (out of Angola / Palas). Yet, it was ALGERIA’s daughters that became crème de la crème of Arabian horse breeding, especially the two full sisters sired by World Champion
Junior Colt FAWOR. The younger ALBULA 1994 reached for the title of Polish National Champion Junior Filly and Best in Show as a yearling and four years later she fetched the record price of $130 000 at the 1999 Polish Prestige Sale, purchased by the famous British breeders, the late
Amba (Eukaliptus - Albigowa / Fawor) Stuart Vesty
Amra (Eukaliptus - Albigowa / Fawor) Sylwia Iłenda
Altona (Eukaliptus - Albigowa / Fawor) Stuart Vesty
Amra (Eukaliptus - Albigowa / Fawor) Stuart Vesty
Shirley and Charlie Watts of Halsdon Arabians. The older ALBIGOWA 1987, appropriately named to honour the birthplace of her highly-influential maternal granddam, started a separate sub-branch of the SCHERIFE family through her distinguished daughters. The three grey full sisters sired by the first Polish National Champion Stallion EUKALIPTUS 1974 (Bandos – Eunice / Comet), ALTONA 1999, AMRA 2000 and AMBA 2001, were successful in the show arena and in the breeding barn. The oldest one ALTONA proved to be an outstanding producer before being sold to Belgium for €180 000 at the 2007 Pride of Poland auction. Even though she left only three fillies at her home stud in Janów Podlaski, she ensured the continuity of this superb sub-family. All three of her daughters were grey, exceptionally
Altamira (Ekstern - Altona / Eukaliptus) at the 2013 Polish Nationals. Ewa Imielska-Hebda
Anawera (Piaff - Altamira / Ekstern) Sylwia Iłenda
Altamira (Ekstern - Altona / Eukaliptus) Stuart Vesty
feminine and of excellent quality. Enormous black eyes, incomparable dryness, horizontal top line and heart-stopping movement were their identification marks. ALTONA’s firstborn ALTAMIRA 2005, sired by the immortal EKSTERN 1994 (Monogramm – Ernestyna / Piechur), combined the best of her sensational sire and her delightful dam. She was Polish National Reserve Champion Junior Filly as well as the dam of the international show winner ANAWERA 2012 (by Piaff) and 2015 European Gold Champion Yearling Filly
Alabama (Gazal Al Shaqab - Altona / Eukaliptus) Sylwia Iłenda
Adelita (Kahil Al Shaqab - Altamira / Ekstern) Glenn Jacobs
Atma (Ekstern - Altona / Eukaliptus) Anette Mattsson
ADELITA 2014 (by Kahil Al Shaqab). In 2015, ALTAMIRA was sold for €250 000 to Great Britain and joined the exceptional, predominantly Polish broodmare band at Halsdon Arabians. ALTAMIRA’s full sister ATMA 2007 was petite yet powerful. Her incredible movement and undeniable charisma made her a medallist of a few national and international shows and all her highly sought-after features she passed onto her progeny. ATMA’s best daughter to date is the grey ATAKAMA 2015 (by Empire), 2018 Białka Junior Spring Show Gold Champion Junior Filly. Last but not least, ALABAMA, the 2006 grey daughter of ALTONA and World Champion GAZAL AL SHAQAB 1995 (Anaza El Farid – Kajora / Kaborr), after acquiring bronze medals at the 2010 Scandinavian Open Championship and the 2011 Polish Nationals, was purchased by Al Thumama Stud of Qatar for €165 000 at the 2014 edition of Pride of Poland sale.
The second daughter of the incomparable ALBIGOWA and the legendary EUKALIPTUS, the charming and charismatic AMRA, was born at the Janów Podlaski State Stud at the turn of the century. She was another stellar example of what her phenomenal family is capable of creating. Abundant in show attitude and distinctly feminine, AMRA did not only enchant the judges of the 2002 Polish National Show, who granted her the titles of Champion Junior Filly and Best in Show, but she also won the hearts of Shirley and Charlie Watts who paid €340 000 at
the 2008 Pride of Poland sale to be able to take this magnificent mare home. If it was not for the unrivalled Platinum World Champion Mare KWESTURA 1995 (Monogramm –Kwesta / Pesennik), who sold for the astronomical amount of €1 125 000 at the same auction, AMRA would have fetched the record price at the unforgettable Pride of Poland sale in Janów Podlaski that year. It seems like the renowned British breeders at Halsdon Arabians held the family of ALGERIA in high regard as apart from her daughter ALBULA, her granddaughter AMRA and her
Atakama (Empire - Atma / Ekstern)
Paola Drera
Atakama (Empire - Atma / Ekstern) Sylwia Iłenda
Albula (Fawor - Algeria / Celebes) Gigi Grasso
Adyga (Kahil Al Shaqab - Amiga / Piaff) Stuart Vesty
Amiga (Piaff - Amra / Eukaliptus) Sylwia Iłenda
Agusta (Piaff - Albigowa / Fawor) Stuart Vesty
great-granddaughter ALTAMIRA, they also acquired ALBIGOWA’s last daughter AGUSTA 2005 (by Piaff), who later in life found a loving home at Vineyard Arabians of Slovenia where her handsome brown full brother ALBEDO 2006 serves as a chief sire. As if it was not enough, the granddaughter of AMRA, the beautiful bay ADYGA 2013 (Kahil Al Shaqab – Amiga / Piaff), 2015 Prague Intercup Silver Champion Junior Filly, purchased for €130 000 at the same edition of the Janów Podlaski auction as her close cousin ALTAMIRA, was also added to the Halsdon Arabians broodmare collection. AMRA’s legacy at Janów Podlaski is continued through her bay granddaughter AMORENA 2016 (Pogrom – Amiga / Piaff), the dam of the classy bay colt AL NARCISO 2021 (by Erantis), twice Polish National Bronze Champion Colt in 2022 and 2023 as well as repeat winner at other national and international shows.
The last produce of EUKALIPTUS and ALBIGOWA, the elegant grey AMBA, was sold as a maiden mare for the second highest price of the 2005 Pride of Poland auction, bringing €85000 to her Polish home stud in Janów Podlaski. After the auction, AMBA travelled overseas where she blessed her new owners, Hennessey Arabians of the USA, with some highquality broodmares. She was later resold to another devoted breeder of Polish Arabians, Tex M. Kam of Little Acre Arabians in Canada with whom she will probably stay for the rest of her life
The only daughter of ALBIGOWA and Polish National Champion Stallion
ECAHO 1990 (Pepton – Etruria / Palas), the gorgeous grey ALHAMBRA 2002, phenotypically resembled her three half-sisters by EUKALIPTUS. Next to the excellent EMANDA 1996 (out of Emanacja / Eukaliptus) and the precious PALMETA 2001 (out of Pilica / Fawor), ALHAMBRA was one of the best daughters of ECAHO bred
at the Polish state studs. As such, she was Champion Senior Mare at the IV Autumn Show in Janów Podlaski and is best remembered as the granddam of the international sensation AL JAZEERA 2013 (Kahil Al Shaqab –Alhasa / Ganges) who missed out on the podium by one place at the two most significant shows in the world,
Amorena (Pogrom - Amiga / Piaff) Sylwia Iłenda
Alhambra (Ecaho - Albigowa / Fawor) Stuart Vesty
the 2014 All Nations Cup in Aachen, Germany and the 2014 World Championships in Paris, France.
The contribution to breeding of ALBIGOWA’s year younger bay halfsister ALGORA 1988 (by Probat) also needs to be noted as she produced two full brothers by EUKALIPTUS, the bay ASLAN 1998 and the grey ALWARO 2000. As both stallions were successful at the racetrack and in the show ring, they became chief sires at their home stud. ASLAN was 2000 Białka Junior Spring Show
Al Jazeera (Kahil Al Shaqab - Alhasa / Ganges) Sylwia Iłenda
Alhasa (Ganges - Alhambra / Ecaho Sylwia Iłenda
Reserve Champion Junior Colt, while ALWARO won the title of Champion Senior Stallion at the 2006 Autumn Show in Janów Podlaski.
Another immensely important dam line in the Polish breeding was founded by the chestnut desert-bred mare RODANIA, born in 1869 and imported to the renowned Crabbet Park Stud of Great Britain by Wilfrid and Lady Anne Blunt in 1881. Out of her three daughters born in Britain, the chestnut ROSE OF SHARON 1885 (by Hadban DB) was the most prolific one. Her chestnut greatgreat-granddaughter RISSALMA 1932 (Shareer – Rissla / Berk) was imported to Tersk State Stud of the
Alwaro
Algora / Probat) Stuart Vesty
(Eukaliptus -
Aslan (Eukaliptus - Algora / Probat) Stuart Vesty
Algora (Probat - Algeria / Celebes) Stuart Vesty
former Soviet Union where with the Janów-bred PIOŁUN 1934 (Koheilan I –Dziewanna / Bakszysz) she produced the significant stallion PRIBOJ 1944, the sire of PIETUSZOK 1954 (out of Taktika / Taki Pan). RISSALMA was purchased by the Russians from Crabbet Park together with other twenty-four horses, including the stunning grey stallion NASEEM 1922 (out of Nasra / Daoud), allegedly the most beautiful son of the legendary SKOWRONEK 1909 (Ibrahim DB –Jaskółka / Rymnik), bred by Antoniny Stud of Poland. Bred to NASEEM, RISSALMA produced the chestnut filly NATURALISTKA 1937 whose grey daughter PIENOCZKA 1952, sired by the pure Polish stallion PAWODOK 1945 (Piołun – Włodarka / Ofir), was acquired by Michałów State Stud in 1956. Due to some fertility issues, PIENOCZKA produced only one foal for Michałów, the grey filly PLANETA 1958 (by Nabor) who turned out to be a remarkable broodmare. Her
five foals born at Michałów include POHANIEC 1965, one of the best sons of COMET and the sire of the aforementioned PROBAT, as well as two grey fillies, POHANIEC’s full sister PALETA 1964 and PLATYNA 1966 (by Czardasz). As a three-year-old filly, PALETA was exported to the USA, whereas her dam died in an accident in 1970, so the burden of prolonging the dam line was solely carried by the not-so-pretty PLATYNA. Against all odds, PLATYNA did not disappoint as the only progenitor of her precious female line and became the dam of seven high-quality fillies.
Interestingly enough, her most successful show progeny, the aforementioned PROBAT’s daughter PIKIETA, was not the one who extended the dam line of RODANIA DB in Poland. After conquering national and international show arenas and acquiring the titles of 1987 Polish National Reserve Champion
Senior Mare and 1988 World Reserve Champion Senior Mare, PIKIETA was exported to the USA in 1990. She was later repurchased by Shirley
Pikieta (Probat - Platyna / Czardasz) Zofia Raczkowska
Pikieta (Probat - Platyna / Czardasz) Gigi Grasso
Paleta (Comet - Planeta / Nabor) Johnny Johnston
Watts of Halsdon Arabians from where she continued her triumphant parade through international show rings until she reached the peak of her long and lustrous show career, winning the honours of 1997 All Nations Cup Champion Senior Mare. As a broodmare, PIKIETA is best remembered for producing one of the Halsdon Arabians chief sires, the black stallion HS PIRANDELO 1999, sired by the Janów-bred bay PILOT 1987 (Fawor – Pipi / Banat). Four other daughters of PLATYNA, PLAJTA 1974 (by Gedymin), PERSJA 1975 (by Namet), PILAWA 1976 (by Burkan) and PLOTKA 1986 (by Penitent) did not produce any fillies for the Polish breeding programme, while POGOŃ 1977 (by Burkan) left only one average female descendant, PANDA 1982
(by Partner), so again the whole responsibility of retaining the dam line was put on one mare, the grey PATERA 1978, the only daughter of PLATYNA and the prominent sire BANDOS 1964 (Negatiw – Bandola / Witraż).
PATERA, a petite but pretty mare, did surely deliver what was expected of her and beyond. She produced four fine fillies for Michałów, including two excellent full sisters by Polish National and European Champion Stallion PENITENT 1979 (Partner – Penza / Faher), PRETORIA 1985 and PALESTRA 1986. Before being exported to France and gaining the title of 1995 French National Reserve Champion Senior Mare, PRETORIA produced one daughter, PUSTYNNA TARCZA
Pilawa (Burkan - Platyna / Czardasz)
Persja (Namet - Platyna / Czardasz) Jerry Sparagowski
Platyna NA (Shanghai EA - Pantera / Ekstern) Sylwia Iłenda
1991 (by Pamir), the founder of the whole dynasty with the nickname ‘pustynny(a)’ which corresponds to the adjective ‘desert’ in English. Out of her six daughters born in Poland, PUSTYNNA RÓŻA 1999 (by Emigrant) and PUSTYNNA DROGA 2000 (by Laheeb) seemed to have the highest
breeding potential when it comes to show progeny. The younger halfsister PUSTYNNA DROGA, exported to the UAE in 2004 as a four-year-old maiden mare, was the winner of some significant shows, including the 2007 Ströhen International Arabian Horse Show in Germany and the 2009 Arabian
Masters in Bordeaux, France. Matched with World Junior Champion MARAJJ 2004 (Marwan Al Shaqab – RGA Kouress / Kouvay Bey), PUSTYNNA DROGA produced the 2008 grey stallion MARJAN ALBIDAYER, the gold and silver medallist of the 2015 Austrian National and International
Palestra (Penitent - Patera / Bandos)
Stuart Vesty
Pustynna Tarcza (Pamir - Pretoria / Penitent)
Stuart Vesty
Pustynna Tarcza (Pamir - Pretoria / Penitent) Sylwia Iłenda
Palestra (Penitent - Patera / Bandos)
Irina Filsinger
Arabian Horse Show in Wels as well as European Bronze Champion Senior Stallion in Verona in 2015. PUSTYNNA RÓŻA, the bearer of a beautiful name that means ‘desert rose’, was 2000 Polish National Reserve Champion Junior Filly as a yearling and the dam of six quality fillies as a broodmare at
Michałów. Her 2008 grey daughter PUSTYNNA MALWA (by Ekstern), with her ground-covering trot, was always a strong contender in the Polish show arenas but competing against so many other phenomenal daughters of her legendary sire as well as the younger generation of
fillies sired by World Champion QR MARC 2005 (Marwan Al Shaqab –Swete Dreams / Magic Dream), made her usually end up in the top five of her class but she never reached the championship podium. However, her firstborn filly, the breath-taking dark-bay PUSTYNIA KAHILA
2013
Pustynna Malwa (Ekstern - Pustynna Róża / Emigrant)
Glenn Jacobs
Pustynna Róża (Emigrant - Pustynna Tarcza / Pamir) with her 2006 filly Pustynna Gala by Galba. Sylwia Iłenda
Pustynna Droga (Laheeb - Pustynna Tarcza / Pamir) Stuart Vesty
Pustynna Malwa (Ekstern - Pustynna Róża / Emigrant) Sylwia Iłenda
(by Kahil Al Shaqab), reached for the highest possible honours an Arabian horse can acquire. The long list of her most significant titles includes 2014 Polish National Bronze Champion Junior Filly, 2014 All Nations Cup Bronze Champion Yearling Filly, 2014 European Silver Champion Yearling Filly, 2014 World Gold Champion Yearling Filly, 2015 Polish National Gold Champion Junior Filly, 2017 Polish National Gold Champion Senior Mare, 2017 European Silver Champion Senior Mare, 2018 All Nations Cup Silver Champion Senior Mare and 2018 European Silver Champion Senior Mare. Apart from this extremely successful granddaughter who is now one of Michałów’s most cherished broodmares, PUSTYNNA RÓŻA is also represented by another
bay showwinning mare, PUSTYNNA LILIA 2019 (Złoty Medal – Pustynna Kalia / Esparto), Bronze Champion Yearling Filly of the 2020 Białka Junior Spring Show.
The precious, powerfully moving PALESTRA 1986 was the highest scored horse of the 2000 European Championships, receiving the remarkable total score of 94.20 points. A year after the show, she was sold to the UAE but first she ensured the continuity of her priceless gene pool at her home stud in Michałów. Her firstborn filly PROGNOZA 1990 (by Etogram) followed in her dam’s footsteps and also left Poland but she ended up closer to home, at Kullatorp Arabian Stud in Sweden, where she was a most appreciated broodmare who also won the
titles of triple Swedish National Champion Senior Mare in 1998, 2001 and 2003 as well as 1998 Reserve Champion and 2007 Champion Senior Mare at the Scandinavian Open in Blommeröd. PALESTRA’s most precious progeny include two exceptional full sisters sired by the unforgettable MONOGRAMM 1985 (Negatraz – Monogramma / Knippel), PALESTYNA 1994 and PALMIRA 1995. PALESTYNA was eventually sold at the 2004 Pride of Poland auction for the record price of €300 000 but before her exportation, she produced a firstclass filly by the championmaker GAZAL AL SHAQAB, the grey PAMPA 2004. PAMPA is best known as the maternal granddam of the 2015 gorgeous grey PLATYNA NA (Shanghai EA – Pantera / Ekstern). Bred by the well-known Polish
Pustynia Kahila (Kahil Al Shaqab - Pustynna Malwa / Ekstern) Sylwia Iłenda
private breeder Alicja Najmowicz and currently owned by Hanaya Arabian Stud, PLATYNA NA was 2017 Polish National Bronze Champion Junior
Filly, 2023 Bruges Bronze Champion
Senior Mare and 2023 European Silver Champion Senior Mare. PALESTYNA can also be found in the pedigrees
of some recent show winners. She is the maternal great-granddam of the 2022 grey colt SHAALAN AL ZOBAIR (Raoud Albidayer – Nawader Al Zobair / FA El Rasheem), multiple medallist of various Middle Eastern shows, including the 2023 Sharjah International Arabian Horse Festival and the 2023 Fujairah International Arabian Horse Championship.
PALESTRA’s youngest Polishbred daughter PALMIRA, a highlydecorated show champion herself, made the greatest contribution as far as the preservation of the RODANIA dam line at Michałów is concerned. As 2003 World Reserve Champion Senior Mare, 2007 Polish National Champion Senior Mare and Best in Show as well as 2007 All Nations Cup Champion Senior Mare, PALMIRA passed her most desirable qualities onto her precious
Pustynna Lilia (Złoty Medal - Pustynna Kalia / Esparto) Ewa Imielska-Hebda
Palestyna (Monogramm - Palestra / Penitent) Stuart Vesty
Pampa (Gazal Al Shaqab - Palestyna / Monogramm) Stuart Vesty
progeny, especially onto the 2004 grey PISTORIA (by Gazal Al Shaqab) and the 2008 grey PARMANA (by Al Maraam). When it comes to a successful show career, PISTORIA’s accomplishments were not far from those of her distinguished dam. No wonder that this 2007 European Champion Junior Filly, 2011 European Reserve Champion Senior Mare and 2013 All Nations Cup Bronze Champion Senior Mare sold for €625 000, the second highest price of the memorable 2015 Pride of Poland auction when the Janów-bred grey PEPITA 2005 (Ekstern – Pepesza /
Eukaliptus) fetched the highest price in the history of Polish sales to date€1 400 000. PISTORIA was purchased by Al Zobair Stud of the UAE where she became a worthy successor of her stunning granddam PALESTRA. In 2020, PISTORIA blessed her current owner with an amazing grey filly, AJWAN AL ZOBAIR (by Suhail Al Zobair), 2023 Sharjah Arabian Horse Festival (UAE Bred) Silver Champion, 2023 Fujairah International Silver Champion and 2024 Ajman Gold Champion Senior Mare.
PARMANA’s show career was
slightly less impressive than that of her dam or her older half-sister, yet she managed to secure the titles of 2009 Białka Junior Spring Show Reserve Champion Junior Filly, 2010 Ströhen International Gold Champion Junior Filly, 2010 Elran Cup Bronze Champion Junior Filly and 2011 West Coast Cup International Bronze Champion Junior Filly. However, PARMANA made a major contribution to the Polish breeding by producing the young promising sire PTOLEMEUSZ 2018 (by Złoty Medal), 2020 Białka Junior Spring Show Silver Champion Junior Colt,
Palmira (Monogramm - Palestra / Penitent) Sylwia Iłenda
Palmira (Monogramm - Palestra / Penitent)still beautiful at the ripe age of 25. Karolina Misztal
2020 European Silver Champion
Junior Colt and 2022 Polish National Silver Champion Senior Stallion, as well as the beautiful dark-bay PARMANIA 2013 (by Kahil Al Shaqab)
who, together with her dam, is responsible for the survival of this small but significant sub-branch of RODANIA family at Michałów Stud. And she seems to be doing a stellar
job! Not only did she produce two high-quality fillies: 2020 Białka Junior Spring Show Gold Champion Junior Filly PESALINA 2018 (by El Omari) and 2023 Prague EuroCup Silver
Pistoria (Gazal Al Shaqab - Palmira / Monogramm) Paola Drera Ajwan Al Zobair (Suhail Al Zobair - Pistoria / Gazal Al Shaqab)
Morhaf Al Assaf
Ptolemeusz (Złoty Medal - Parmana / Al Maraam) Sylwia Iłenda
Parmana (Al Maraam - Palmira / Monogramm) Glenn Jacobs
Champion Yearling Filly PROTESTA 2022 (by AJ Azzam) but she is also the dam of the young auspicious stallion PORTO RICO 2020 (by Złoty Medal), 2021 Białka Junior Spring Show Silver Champion and 2021 Prague EuroCup Bronze Champion Yearling Colt, who
has just started his career as a sire at Michałów Stud.
Another female line of utmost importance to the Polish breeding is the family of SELMA DB 1865, bred by Abbas Pasha I in Egypt. Similarly
to RODANIA, this particular dam line was first introduced to Europe by Wilfrid and Lady Anne Blunt who brought SELMA’s grey daughter SOBHA 1879 (by Wazir) to Crabbet Park Stud in the UK from where this significant family spread across
Porto Rico (Złoty Medal - Parmania / Kahil Al Shaqab) Sylwia Iłenda
Parmania (Kahil Al Shaqab - Parmana / Al Maraam) Sylwia Iłenda
Protesta (AJ Azzam - Parmania / Kahil Al Shaqab) Sylwia Iłenda
Pesalina (El Omari - Parmania / Kahil Al Shaqab) Sylwia Iłenda
the Old Continent. In 1927, Baron William Bicker, the owner of Ujazd Stud in Poland, bought the bay mare SARDHANA 1924 (Nureddin II – Selima / Astraled), SOBHA’s greatgranddaughter bred by Crabbet Park, who was lost in the turmoil of World War II in 1945. After the war, all the breeding material of Ujazd Stud was nationalized and divided between the state studs in Albigowa and Klemensów. In this way, SARDHANA’s last daughter RASIMA 1943 (by Rasim Pierwszy) became a broodmare in Albigowa. According to Roman Pankiewicz, the deputy director of Albigowa Stud, RASIMA was a large mare with a beautiful head, huge eyes and incredible movement. Repeatedly bred to WITRAŻ, she produced eight foals of whom her firstborn bay filly CESIMA
1949 commenced a sub-line which remains active in the Polish breeding until today. At the beginning of her breeding career at Albigowa, CESIMA produced two average colts and thus she was sold to Jerzy Maryański of Bratkowice Stud where in 1958 she gave birth to a bay filly, ZŁOTA IWA (by Arax). Interestingly enough, the filly was later found and purchased by Pankiewicz and in 1963 she became a broodmare at Michałów Stud. As such, she produced eleven offspring of whom the 1972 grey ZAZULA (by Negatiw) turned out to be tremendously valuable as a show champion and as a broodmare.
In 1981, the nine-year-old ZAZULA became European Reserve Champion Senior Mare and three years later she stood on the podium of the prestigious All Nations Cup in Aachen as Champion Senior Mare. Her career as a broodmare was no less remarkable. She crossed especially well with PROBAT and with his 1981 chestnut son ENRILO (out of Emisja / Carycyn), the maternal
Rasima (Rasim Pierwszy - Sardhana / Nureddin II) Sardhana (Nureddin II - Selima / Astraled)
Zazula (Negatiw - Złota Iwa / Arax) Michałów Stud Archives
half-brother to the Michałów most celebrated broodmatron EMIGRACJA 1980 (by Palas). With PROBAT, ZAZULA produced two fillies, the 1981 bay ZULA and 1982 chestnut ZUELA. ZUELA’s heritage at Michałów was continued by the grey ZENOBIA 1988 (by Endel), the only filly she left in Poland before being
exported to Great Britain. Currently, this continuation is ensured by two great-granddaughters of ZENOBIA, both out of the 2008 bay ZAZULKA (Ekstern – Zuzelia / Werbum), the 2014 bay ZULIMA (by Equator) and the 2017 bay ZAZONA (by Pogrom).
A strong sub-branch of the family was started by ZULA and continued by her 1991 dark-bay daughter ZATOKA (by Arbil). Her most distinguished descendants include 2021 Polish National Silver Champion Yearling Filly ZŁOTA MYŚL 2020 (Equator –Złota Bulla / Kahil Al Shaqab), 2022 Białka Junior Spring Show Silver Champion Yearling Filly ZŁOTA AURA 2021 (Morion – Złotna / El Omari), both bred and owned by Michałów Stud, as well as 2021 Israeli National Silver Champion Yearling Filly ZAREEM AA 2020 (Emerald J – Złota Gwiazda / Al Maraam), bred and owned by Ariela Arabians and Guy Zvirin. ZATOKA’s year older full sister ZEMSTA is no longer represented at
the Polish state studs, however her female descendants still exist in private breeding, including her granddaughter ZEKSTERNA 2003 (Ekstern – Zorza Polarna / Wojsław), bred by Czeple Arabians of Poland, and her great-granddaughter
ZENOBIA KA 2014 (Mikado KAZafia D’Elzenwalle / Extreme), bred by Knocke Arabians of Belgium, two times gold medallist at Bruges Arabian Horse Event in 2016 and 2017. Also, 1991 Polish National Reserve Champion Junior Filly ZALETA 1989 (Piechur – Zula / Probat) has currently no female representatives in the Polish breeding but it is worth noting that she produced the grey stallion ZŁOCIEŃ 2000 (by Laheeb), 2001 Polish National Reserve Champion Junior Colt and 2002 Polish National Champion Junior Colt as well as the sire of the award-winning grey mare BAJADERKA 2007 (out of Bagatela / Pesal), bred by Agricola Farm of Poland and currently a broodmare in Kuwait. Taking into consideration
Zula (Probat - Zazula / Negatiw) Stuart Vesty
Zuela (Probat - Zazula / Negatiw) Zofia Raczkowska
Zenobia (Endel - Zuela / Probat) Stuart Vesty
the fact that ZŁOCIEŃ did not get too many opportunities to breed high-quality mares, siring only one successful show filly seems like a
great achievement.
The grey ZGUBA 1986 (by Enrilo), the last daughter of the exquisite ZAZULA, turned out to be one of Michałów’s most appreciated broodmares, mainly due to her highly-decorated daughter ZAGROBLA 1994 (by Monogramm). Over the years, ZAGROBLA shone
Złota Myśl (Equator - Złota Bulla / Kahil Al Shaqab) Ewa Imielska-Hebda
Złota Aura (Morion - Złotna / El Omari) Sylwia Iłenda
Zemsta (Arbil - Zula / Probat) Stuart Vesty
Zatoka (Arbil - Zula / Probat) Stuart Vesty
Zazulka (Ekstern - Zuzelia / Werbum) Glenn Jacobs
bright in the European and overseas show arenas where she achieved the following awards: 1995 and 1996 Polish National Reserve Champion
Junior Filly, 1996 All Nations Cup Reserve Champion Junior Filly, 2000
All Nations Cup Champion Senior Mare, 2000 and 2007 European Reserve Champion Senior Mare,
2000 World Champion Senior Mare, 2003 Scottsdale Reserve Champion
Senior Mare, 2003 US National Champion Senior Mare, 2017 Polish National Reserve Champion Senior Mare and 2018 Polish National Bronze Champion Senior Mare. As ZAGROBLA spent most of her time promoting the Polish Arabian horse
in different corners of the world, there was not much time left for her to be a broodmare. Still, she blessed Michałów with two fantastic grey fillies, ZŁOTA ORDA 1999 (by Pesal) and ZIGI ZANA 2009 (by QR Marc). The former produced a few quality fillies for Michałów but her 2012 grey son ZŁOTY MEDAL (by QR Marc) is
Zagrobla (Monogramm - Zguba / Enrilo) Erwin Escher
Zagrobla (Monogramm - Zguba / Enrilo) Sylwia Iłenda
Zguba (Enrilo - Zazula / Negatiw) Stuart Vesty
Złota Orda (Pesal - Zagrobla / Monogramm) Stuart Vesty
surely her greatest achievement. As 2013 Białka Junior Spring Show Champion Yearling Colt, 2013 Polish National Reserve Champion Junior Colt, 2014 Białka Junior Spring Show Reserve Champion Junior Colt, 2017
Polish National Bronze Champion Senior Stallion, 2022 Prague Intercup and EuroCup Silver Champion Senior Stallion, 2023 Polish National Gold Champion Senior Stallion, 2023 Prague Intercup Silver Champion and EuroCup Gold Champion Senior Stallion and, most recently, 2023 European Bronze Champion Senior Stallion, ZŁOTY MEDAL has undoubtedly earned his name which means ‘gold medal’ in English. However, he also stands out as a sire who has so far produced the aforementioned PUSTYNNA LILIA, PTOLEMEUSZ and PORTO RICO as well as the 2018 grey EMILIA ZŁOTA (out of Emily / Poganin), Gold Champion Senior Mare at the 2023 Kurdistan Pure Breed Arabian Horse Show, and the 2019 grey WIRAT (out of Wentaja / Gaspar), Silver Champion Yearling Colt at the 2020 Arabian Horse Event in Bruges.
The youngest daughter of ZAGROBLA, the enchantingly elegant ZIGI ZANA, started her show career as 2010 Białka Junior Spring Show
Złoty Medal (QR Marc - Złota Orda / Pesal) at the 2022 Polish National Show in Janów Podlaski. Karolina
Zigi Zana (QR Marc - Zagrobla / Monogramm) at the 2023 All Polish Arabian Horse Championship in Tarnów. Karolina Misztal
Zigi Zana (QR Marc - Zagrobla / Monogramm) at the 2011 European Championships in Verona. Erwin Escher
Misztal
Reserve Champion Junior Filly, 2010 Polish National Champion Junior Filly as well as 2010 and 2011 European Reserve Champion Junior Filly. As Polish mares mature like fine wine, she continued her show career as a senior contender, winning the titles of 2013 Polish National Reserve Champion, Gold Champion and Best in Show Female of the 2023 All Polish Arabian Horse Championship as well as 2023 Polish National Bronze Champion Senior Mare. ZIGI ZANA’s best produce to date include 2019 Polish National Bronze Champion Senior Mare ZIGI ZARA 2015 (by Shanghai EA) and the 2022 bay colt ZIGI ZAHN (by AJ Azzam), who reached for gold at the 2023 All Polish Arabian Horse Championship, the same show at which his dam was crowned Gold Champion and Best in Show Female. In 2005, after ZAGROBLA returned from her overseas travels, she gave birth to a grey colt ZIGI-ZAN (by Padrons Psyche), who grew into a
masculine, charismatic stallion and a phenomenal mover. In 2012, he was sold to Sinus Arabians Stud of Sweden where he got a chance to shine in the show rings of Scandinavia. Soon after, ZIGI-ZAN became 2012 Scandinavian Open Bronze Champion
Senior Stallion and the star of the 2013 Swedish Nationals with the titles of Gold Champion Senior Stallion, Liberty Champion and Best in Show. A few years later, ZIGI-ZAN won the titles of 2015 Nordic Open Silver Champion Senior Stallion as well as 2015
Zigi Zara (Shanghai EA - Zigi Zana / QR Marc) Sylwia Iłenda
Taktika (Taki Pan - Krona / Kann)
Podwika (Comet - Potencja / Priboj) Jerry Sparagowski
Scandinavian Open Gold Champion Senior Stallion and Best in Show.
The other sub-branch of the SELMA dam-line originates from the Terskbred bay mare POTENCJA 1952 (Priboj – Taktika / Taki Pan) who tail female traces back to SOBHA through SARDHANA’s maternal halfsister, the bay STAR OF THE HILLS 1927 (by Raswan), purchased by the Russians at the 1936 Crabbet Sale. STAR’s bay daughter TAKTIKA 1943 (by Taki Pan) was named 1958 All Union Champion in Moscow and graded ‘elite’ at Tersk, the highest possible honour in Russian breeding, so it made sense to incorporate her daughter POTENCJA as well as her full brother PIETUSZOK into the Polish breeding programme. In 1956, POTENCJA won the Polish Derby and in 1960 she became a broodmare at Michałów. She was hardly the epitome of an Arabian mare as she
rather resembled a half-bred but she proved to be a valuable producer. Out of her five fillies born at Michałów, the 1964 bay PAGODA (by Branibor) was exported to France, the 1965 grey PODWIKA (by Comet) and the 1967 bay PATYNA (by Czardasz) were sold to the USA, while the 1968 darkbay POCHODNIA (by Bajdak) was purchased by Christinelunds Stud in Sweden.
The only one left at Michałów was PATYNA’s full sister POTĘGA 1966, whose 1980 bay granddaughter PASSA (Eukaliptus – Pascha / El Paso) became the first Michałówbred winner of the coveted World Champion title - 1982 World Reserve Champion Junior Filly. Today, PASSA is present in the pedigrees of many show winners, including 2014 Tulip Cup, Bruges and All Nations Cup Silver Champion Junior Filly, 2015 Chantilly Bronze Champion Junior
Filly and 2015 European Gold Champion Junior Filly, PENELOPE KA 2012 (QR Marc – Polonia / Ekstern). It is worth noting that PENELOPE KA, bred by Knocke Arabians of Belgium and owned by Al Thumama Stud of Qatar, is the dam of two rising starts of the show rings, the 2019 grey full brothers sired by 2020 Straight Egyptian World Champion Stallion NASEEM AL RASHEDIAH 2014 (Al Adeed Al Shagab - Nabaweyyah Ezzain / Ansata Almurtajiz), PALERMO AT and POSITANO AT. The former was named 2020 Qatar International Gold Champion Yearling Colt, 2021 Italian National Gold Champion Junior Colt and 2022 All Nations Cup Bronze Champion Junior Colt, while the latter won the title of 2022 L’Arte del Cavallo Gold Champion Junior Colt and 2022 United Crown Cup Bronze Champion Junior Colt. As far as the Polish breeding programme is concerned, PASSA’s prizewinning
Penelope KA (QR Marc - Polonia / Ekstern) Sylwia Iłenda
Passa (Eukaliptus - Pascha / El Paso) Zofia Raczkowska
descendants include 2018 Białka Junior Spring Show Bronze Champion Yearling Filly, 2019 Polish National Bronze Champion Junior Filly, 2019 and 2020 European Silver Champion Junior Filly and 2021 Ströhen International Silver Champion Senior Mare, PAPROTNIA 2017 (Elgast –Paeksa / Ekstern) as well as 2020 Prague Intercup Gold Champion Junior Filly, PAWITA 2017 (WH Justice – Paema / Ekstern). PAPROTNIA and PAWITA, bred by the late Lech Błaszczyk, are close cousins as ELGAST 2010 (out of Elfera / Psytadel) was sired by WH JUSTICE 1999 (Magnum Psyche - Vona Sher-Renea / El Sher-Mann), while their dams are full sisters tracing back to PASSA through her 2000 bay daughter PASYWA (by Wachlarz) and her 2005 bay granddaughter PASYMA (by Piaff).
It is next to impossible to name all the important and influential mares born at the Polish state studs and fully demonstrate the extent to which they have shaped the world Arabian horse breeding over the years. These priceless pearls born on Polish soil as well as their precious progeny have dominated the national and international show rings. Without a doubt, they will continue to do so as shown by the most recent successes of the marvellous Michałów-bred EMARELLA 2018 (Sahm El Arab –Emandorella / Eden C), the typical representative of the meritorious family of MILORDKA, and the bewitching Białka-bred PERFINKA 2011 (Esparto – Perfirka / Gazal Al Shaqab), who represents
the significant dam line of SZAMRAJÓWKA. The former was named Bronze Champion Senior Mare of the significant title show –the 2024 Katara International Arabian Horse Festival in Qatar, while the latter won the laurels of Champion Senior Mare at the 2024 Scottsdale Show in the USA. High prices at auctions also reflect the unflagging interest in Polish mares. At the most recent Pride of Poland sale, two Michałówbred beauties, the wondrous grey WILDONA 2014 (Shanghai EA – Wilda / Gazal Al Shaqab), who represents the world-renowned dam line of SZWEYKOWSKA, and the ethereal grey EL ESMERA 2018 (Sahm El Arab – Esmeraldia / QR Marc), another mesmerizing member of the famous family of MILORDKA, brought nearly € 1 500 000 to their home stud. WILDONA was purchased by Hanaya Arabians of Switzerland for €650 000, while her classy stable companion EL ESMERA, the highest bid of the 2023 sale in Janów Podlaski - €810 000, found her new home at Al Zobair Stud of the UAE.
Due to the fact that Polish breeders have always aimed at adhering to their foremost philosophy of producing a ‘bold and beautiful’ Arabian horse, no other mares in the world have been so prepossessing
Paeksa (Ekstern - Pasyma / Piaff) Sylwia Iłenda
Pawita (WH Justice - Paema / Ekstern) Sylwia Iłenda
yet so well-built and powerfully moving at the same time. Even some of the most celebrated mares in the world have never reached for the title of Polish National Champion Mare, so strong was the competition at a national level. The magnificent mare KWESTURA might serve as an illustration. A show legend in her own right, a champion on three continents, multiple World Champion title winner, including the most prestigious Platinum prize, KWESTURA was ‘only’ Reserve Champion Senior Mare in Poland (twice!) and there are many more cases like hers.
As already highlighted in the previous parts of this article, the preservation of the precious Polish dam lines that exhibit the most desirable qualities of the breed and ensure its genetic diversity is of utmost importance and
should not be treated lightly. Not only is each of these female lines special in its own way but they also defied the odds and survived the most dangerous of times: the wars, the revolutions, the communist regime… Each and every time, the Polish female lines rose like a phoenix from the ashes, often being rebuilt from a single representative, to give the world so many incredible individuals who continuously captivate the crowds with their incontestable charm and commanding charisma. The magnificence of Polish mares transcends the standard definition and understanding of ‘beauty’ and defies any
physical or mental boundaries that we as breeders and human beings chose to create. The Polish mare, an endless source of inspiration and one of God’s finest creations, is beauty in its most refined form that reaches beyond borders. u
The author of the article with the multichampion mare El Esmera who fetched the highest price of the 2023 Pride of Poland sale. Karolina Misztal
Paprotnia (Elgast - Paeksa / Ekstern) Sylwia Iłenda Paema (Ekstern - Pasyma / Piaff) Sylwia Iłenda
