ARAB HORSE COUTURE - PARIS 2021!

ARAB HORSE COUTURE

VOL. 7, NO. 3 - 2021

ARAB HORSE COUTURE Table of Contents

Jean Paul Guerlain In the past, in addition to his role as Master Parfumer for the House of Guerlain, Jean Paul also accumulated World Championships in Dressage and Carriage Driving. The article below conveys Jean Paul Guerlain’s wealth of knowledge for training and his love of horses.

Guerlain is a French parfum house, amongst the oldest in the world.

The House of Guerlain was founded in 1828 when Pierre-Francois Pascal Guerlain opened his parfum store in Paris. Jean Paul Guerlain is fourth generation Guerlain and the last family Master Parfumer.

Jean Paul Guerlain continues to travel the globe to develop new fragrances.

The Half Halt

Riding in the Classical Way on Your Beautiful Arabian Horse

12 - The Half Halt

So how? The half halt begins in the rider’s seat, back and legs. These run the engine (the hindquarters) allowing the horse to animate its steps. The rider’s hands receive the energy and channel it accordingly.

The proper seat of the rider is: upper body erect and tall, shoulders relaxed, chest open, elbows bent—relaxed and heavy at the sides, broad hips and the hip joints fluid with suppleness. The rider then softens the seat and sits on their pubic bone. The hand should hold the inside rein; it retains the flexion, not restraint. The rider should merely close their fingers around the reins, this supports the neck of the horse. Close, then open the outside rein. This is the rider’s active rein aid and should last no more than a stride or two.

Next, the rider softens both reins instantly and equally after the half halt, towards the mouth of the horse.

Riding in the Classical Way on Your Beautiful Arabian Horse Written by Jean Paul Guerlain

Written by Jean Paul Guerlain

The “half halt” is a call for attention, the simultaneous coordinated action of the seat, the legs and the hands of the rider, but it has to be very subtle. When we ask for a half halt, we ask the horse to generate energy “upward”—that is to elevate, become rounder and more expressive. Shifting more of the horse’s weight onto the hindquarters balances and lightens the forehand without changing the rhythm.

The half halt is a balancing tool. It tells the horse to prepare for the next move, or transition. This allows the horse to bend its hocks and step underneath; therefore, preparing a horse to stride in balance.

The rider should feel the same amount of power from the hind legs as from a lengthening of stride; however, the rider should contain both with their seat and receiving hands. The half halt is useful before transitions from one pace to another and within the pace before corners, before lateral movements and before changing the bend.

The Fine Artist & Sculptor

All occurring within seconds, to half halt as often as necessary does not mean that the rider should fiddle endlessly and aimlessly with the hands, this makes the mouth insensitive. As a result of this, even more and stronger aids will need to be given to achieve any effects.

Keep in mind, the rider should not block the horse with their hands, the reins are the rider’s refining aid. The rider generates energy from their seat. If the horse is nonresponsive, the rider should bring their legs closer again to the horse’s side to encourage a step forward, without actively holding both reins at the same time. The rider should use the inside rein to support the horse’s neck and the outside rein to ask the horse to stay in rhythm and take the energy upward rather than forward.

The well-trained horse will require more than a change of the rider’s posture to perform the half halt. Remember the sequence: drive >receive>lighten>drive>yield, with the hands.

To practice, it is great to have an instructor explain all of the above whilst on the horse.

Wishing you well with your wonderful friend, the Arabian horse!

NATIONAL ARABIAN HORSE DAY!

If you have questions or comments, please contact: vitalcell.km@gmail.com

The rider yields with their hands after the half halt, with a focus on relaxing; any tension in the rider’s body will cause tension in the movement. The half halt used before transitions, will lead to clean transitions and better strides at the next pace.

JPG

Arabian horses fill their owners with a passion equal to what they hold for loved family members.

So, every day to them is National Arabian Horse Day. However, on February 19, the Arabian horse is recognized as one of the most popular breeds in the world.

When asking the question, "What horse breed most exemplifies beauty, grace, stamina, athletic ability, adaptability, pride, refinement, versatility, and emotional connections with its human counterpart," the Arabian horse tops the list.

From the backyard family member to Champion show horse, the Arabian horse fits every capacity a person can imagine. Their unique history and distinctive head shape also make them one of the most easily recognizable horse breeds.

Arabian Horse History The origins of the oldest purebred Arabian horse in the world date back thousands of years to the Arabian Peninsula. The Bedouins, tribesmen of Arabia, are believed to be the first to domesticate the Arabian horse, forming a harmonious relationship in times of both peace and war, a horse that is good-natured, quick to learn, and willing to please, while also exhibiting supreme endurance and speed. A symbol of military might, cavalry needs led to the spread of the breed around the world. Still, today, the Arabian horse retains all these desired qualities that made it so coveted. The Arabian is also the foundation for many other familiar breeds such as the Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, Morgan A fine artist, Mona Al Mokdad’s fingertips are strings with which she plays the sweetest and American Saddlebred. melodies. She touches clay, bronze and marble until they become softer than silk and Arabian Horse Facts thinner than the breeze, in a flow that carries you. Her fine artistry lures you to a place of Beyond its unique beauty and athletic traits, the absolute beauty and soaring creativity to the depths of your soul. It melts you like a statue, Arabian is also known for bonding with humans both vibrant and telling of her message of conscience; to root in minds and settle in hearts. and its loyal disposition.

Mona Al Mokdad chose her language for Noted for its distinctive features, enthusiasts immediately recognize the Arabian's dished face humanity in sculpture. With her sculpture, and high tail. Other notable features include she addresses the world, and through it wide-set eyes, large nostrils, an arched neck and brings her concepts to us. She aligned an easy stride. herself with the subject of horses where There are over one million Arabian horses in 62 she finds the same spirit of work; countries, with the U.S. having more than half. of strings, intensity, fluidity, The average lifespan of Arabian horses is 25-30 departure and delicate years.

16 -

Notable Arabian horse owners include: Napoleon Bonaparte, George Washington, Wayne Newton, Patrick Swayze, and Shania Twain.

NATIONAL ARABIAN HORSE DAY!

The Arabian horse has endured for thousands of years. That's just one reason why they are so loved and admired. They are also loyal companions to young and old. Arabian horses also offer endless opportunities to be active and meet new people.

Anyone can have one in their life.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalArabianHorseDay Celebrate your love of the Arabian horse on National Arabian Horse Day. Celebrate the day with The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, where the Arabian horse, breeders, competitors, and enthusiasts can appreciate all the breed's magnificent qualities.

Attend a competition to experience the qualities of the Arabian horse in action.

Get involved! Join or attend your local affiliate club to learn more about Arabian horses. Visit arabianhorses.org for more information.

Visit a local Arabian horse farm near you. Go to experiencearabianhorses.com/farm-finder to learn more.

Share your experience and knowledge of the Arabian horse with others.

Experience the Arabian horse and use #NationalArabianHorseDay to share on social media.

NATIONAL ARABIAN HORSE DAY HISTORY Founded in 2021 by Arabian Horse Association of Arizona (a non-profit organization), National Arabian Horse Day seeks to introduce and educate the world on the benefits of having an Arabian horse in your life, thus ensuring the breed's longevity.

20 - The Fine Artist & Sculptor

sensitivity.

The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Arabian Horse Day in 2022.

There are over 1,500 national days. Don't miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day® with National Day Calendar®!

Mona Al Mokdad

Translated by Doaa Magdy

“Whomever loves horses searches for the perspective through which they can communicate their message.

Art must carry something special that expresses the artist’s vision. The artist always seeks perfection in their work, which is close to their heart.”

Mona Al Mokdad

For Mona Al Mokdad, her goal is to show the character and charisma of Egyptian Arabian horses.

Mona relates, “I feel Leonardo Da Vinci achieved success by provoking feelings filled with love and honesty. However, working with clay has a different feeling, and the Lord of the Worlds created us from it. Some of the most beautiful moments are when an artist sees their work in the eyes and hearts of people.

In sculpture, I control the shadows and the light, and express what is inside me. As an artist, I have spent hours observing Egyptian Arabian horses until my eyes are satisfied and I am left with their enduring presence.”

Arab Horse Couture had the wonderful opportunity to meet the brilliant creative talent, Mona Al Mokdad. In the following interview, we enter her world. We fly in it and live within it as an enjoyable journey in art, thought, humanity and beauty.

27 - What’s the Problem

AHC: With your creative experience, do you think studying makes an artist out of a person who does not have the talent?

MAM: Studying artistry without aptitude is a wasted effort that creates a performer. Without talent, there is no constructing of design.

Talent gives you the ability to implement and accentuate your skills.

with Verbal Contracts?

Written by Julie I. Fershtman, Attorney at Law

What’s the Problem with Verbal Contracts?

ANDREA BOCELLI

Written by Julie I. Fershtman, Attorney at Law equinelaw.net

Horseman, Operatic Tenor & Humanitarian

F

or decades, this author has written articles on the importance of getting equine-related agreements in writing. Some of the articles even shared common characteristics of effective contracts. Still, people in the horse industry continue doing business with nothing in writing, and disputes have occurred. This article explores what can potentially happen when verbal contract disputes become the subject of a legal battle.

32 - ANDREA BOCELLI

photo by STEFANO MARINARI

HORSES

Horseman, Operatic Tenor & Humanitarian

Arab Horse Couture is pleased to present to its readers an exclusive three-part interview with Andrea Bocelli, an avid horseman, and of course, the Italian award-winning opera tenor and instrumentalist who has bridged the gap between classical and pop music.

Known as one of the greatest singing talents worldwide, Andrea Bocelli speaks with the magazine regarding horses, his professional career and the Andrea Bocelli Foundation (ABF)—a charitable organization promoting and supporting national and international humanitarian projects.

AHC: You have owned and ridden horses for many years.

How does this affect your personal life and professional career?

AB: Riding has been a passion of mine since I was a child. Even today, it is still a source of great joy every time and a kind of psychophysical therapy, to bring my body and mind back to a more genuine, direct and intense relationship with nature.

Horses are instruments of freedom and freedom is the most precious thing we can pursue. Horses are the perfect companions for an activity that I consider “also” – yet certainly not “only” – a fun and stimulating way to stay in shape.

Riding is a sport but, after long tours, unrelenting rhythms and continuous time zone changes, it is a privileged path to make peace with life and take me back to the real, opulent beauty that nature offers, in the image and likeness of the One that created nature itself and us with it.

AHC: What are the greatest attributes of the horse?

AB: Horses symbolize beauty, strength and the spirit of self-sacrifice. They can arouse strong feelings and present themselves as a life and travel companion. They are intelligent, vivacious animals that are able to convey volition and athleticism, as well as great affection and empathy with their rider.

photo by LUCA ROSSETTI

photo by LUCA ROSSETTI

8 Arab Horse Couture

VOL. 7, NO. 3 - 2021

VOL. 7, NO. 3 - 2021

PASSION & VERSATILITY A Portrait of Terence Gilbert

Written by Judith Wich-Wenning

Terence Gilbert’s range of work is definitely remarkable. His paintings of city sceneries in London and Paris are impressive; his portraits of celebrities, actors and politicians are highly regarded. However, Terence Gilbert has a deep lifelong love of horses that plays an important role for him since his childhood. His paintings are unique as they reflect his deep love for equine subjects and his great passion, the Arabian horse.

42 - PASSION & VERSATILITY A Portrait of Terence Gilbert “Desert Storm”.

Written by Judith Wich-Wenning

The British artist Terence Gilbert with an Arabian stallion.

Terence Gilbert’s father had enormous influence on his son’s later career. “Art is my life,” smiles Terence. “I was born in Lambeth, South London. My father loved horses, particularly the English Thoroughbred, whose ancestors were three Arabian stallions—here is where they get their speed and beauty from. My father took an active interest in horseracing and from the age of five, I accompanied him to race meetings all over the country. There I saw some of the finest horses in training, parading in the paddocks, then winning on the course. Because of my father, I started drawing and painting in all my spare time.

“Exercise”, oil on board.

“Arabian Gold”.

Thanks to its experience and expertise, PLR Equitation creates, manufactures and markets original design and quality articles for the comfort and well-being of the rider and the horse.

All of our articles are intended for equestrian enthusiasts and also for all people looking for a new and elegant style that is original and comfortable!

48 - PLR EQUITATION “Arab Heads”.

THE MARK OF SUCCESS

PATRICK LE ROLLAND First noticed by Master Couillaud (founder of the Horseman Professional School) for his outstanding abilities, and then by the Colonel Lair (Écuyer en Chef) for his obvious talent, Patrick Le Rolland rapidly joined the famous Le Cadre noir de Saumur in 1964. Very young and in the midst of brilliant "Écuyers", Patrick Le Rolland showed real equestrian quality and prowess. Very quickly he became “Maître de Manege” and ended his military career as “Chief Warrant Officer”.

After several experiences in horse racings and eventing, Patrick Le Rolland became the only rider to represent the Le Cadre noir de Saumur in Dressage International Competitions during many years: - 4 Times Winner of the French Championship: 1970, 1971, 1972 and 1973 with his horse, Cramique - Vice Champion of the French Championship: 1971 and 1972 with his horse, Quipos - Winner of the Rotterdam International Horse Trial in 1970 with Quipos - Munich Olympic Games Participant in 1972 - 4th at the Grand Prix of Aix-la-Chapelle with the French National Team in 1973 - 7th at the World Championship of Copenhagen in 1974

- 3rd at the Grand Prix of Aix-la-Chapelle with the French National Team in 1975 - 12th at the European Championship of Aarhus in 1979 Patrick Le Rolland remains one of the rare riders in the world to have received the mark of 10/10 “in position”, during an International Horse Dressage contest.

After numerous victories and through an atypical route, Patrick Le Rolland became the contemporary rider of exception who managed to marry the elegance and the lightness of equitation with performances at the highest level of competition.

Worldwide acknowledgement by his peers, he is considered as the most talented French Dressage Specialist. Patrick Le Rolland was named National Trainer of this specialty in 1981.

- Los Angeles Olympic Games in 1984 - Margit Otto-Crepin’s Coach and her horse, Corlandus At the end of 1984, Patrick Le Rolland left the French Equestrian Federation to become a private coach.

After a short break at the Rockefeller's barns in the USA, he moved to Belgium where his fame followed him and where he rapidly became a coach globetrotter.

In 2001, Patrick Le Rolland returned to France where he carried on his career as a private Dressage Coach in Normandie. Back to Saumur in 2005, Patrick Le Rolland was still very much sought-after in France as well as worldwide.

Patrick Le Rolland continued to provide clinics to advanced riders of the highest level and the emerging generation seeking to deepen and develop its unique expertise. Appreciated for its pedagogy, Patrick Le Rolland taught much more than a simple technique to his students. Patrick Le Rolland transmitted to his students his philosophy of the horse; communion between the horse and rider, always in the respect of the horse.

Patrick Le Rolland remains one of the international references in the Equestrian World alongside Nelson Pessoa or Nuno Oliveira.

In late 2007, Patrick Le Rolland and his son Thomas founded a new French clothing and riding accessories brand called: PLR Equitation. PLR Equitation proposes a brand-new style of show jackets, with a revolutionary and avant-gardist design, combining elegance, originality and extreme comfort.

PLR Equitation has its own original line of raincoats, of chic sportswear, accessories for riders and equipment for horses. From the bridles to the original Le Rolland training aid passing by the stirrups, all the PLR tack shop products were thought and validated by Patrick Le Rolland as well as recommended for the wellness of your horse.

PLR EQUITATION

THE MARK OF SUCCESS Patrick Le Rolland embodies the Equitation of French Tradition

50 - PATRICK LE ROLLAND

PLR Equitation is a French and family brand that takes its name from Patrick Le Rolland, former Écuyer of the Le Cadre noir de Saumur, Rider and International Dressage Champion, Federal Trainer and Coach of many riders of all disciplines.

Our range of products: show jackets, dressage tailcoats and short tailcoats, riding raincoats, chic sportswear, stirrups, Le Rolland original training aids, anatomic bridles and double bridles in premium leathers, boot covers and more, are original products thought of and recommended by the late Patrick Le Rolland. patricklerolland.com Facebook: PLR-Equitation-The-Mark-of-Success

Why Do We Stop Ourselves

2011 was the year of release of one of the book references in horse Dressage: "Les Principes de Dressage de Patrick Le Rolland”.

from Success and Happiness?

In January 2012, the movie "Of Women and Horses" was released at the cinema. Directed by Patricia Mazuy, this film was freely inspired by the life of Patrick Le Rolland, with actor Bruno Gantz playing the role of Patrick Le Rolland.

55

- Why Do We Stop Ourselves from Success and Happiness?

Written by Nancy Dye Breakthrough Mental Skills Coach Emotional Strength and Resiliency Trainer Strategic Interventionist elitelifestyletransformations.com

After 71 years of a hectic life entirely dedicated to the horse, Patrick Le Rolland regrettably passed away, struck down by a heart attack, at his home near Saumur, on August 28, 2014.

Patrick Le Rolland is remembered fondly by his family, friends and the many equestrian riders he coached and inspired throughout his legendary career.

Written by Nancy Dye

60

There is a subtler approach to educating our newborn foals before an emergency such as this.

The principals involved in this educational process enable the foal to live in our world fraught with dangers. You can lengthen the process so as not to stress a foal and to have positive memories for yourself.

- Part Two: Teaching a Foal to Deal with the Ever-Present Restraint that will be Present in their Lives left : HMA Cazshablanca (Sharif El Shaklan x HMA Cazsmira) right : HMA Cazsmira (Versace x Cazsandra)

The methods discussed here, in essence, help us to unlearn our instincts as a predator to grab hold, chase and seek submission from our prey.

In Part One, I discussed the first introduction of a foal to our world. We, the responsible owner, desire for a foal to live in our world without danger that is inherent when a foal acts instinctively to the ever-present barriers.

We make a bargain with a foal to accomplish this when we bring them into our world away from theirs. The goal is to communicate to the newborn foal we are not a danger to them and through experiences with us, we teach them to react differently to their natural instincts.

“For some indeterminate reason, for FOUR days in a row, I woke up happy. I woke up inexplicably happy. My norm is neutral to negative. It felt great. Of course, it’s gone now.”

This was a comment from one of my riders.

My answer?

You’ve been coaching for the purpose of getting unstuck in your riding and personal life and to become happier. And to ride better.

Written by Mark M. Hanna The Next Step

Restraint begets resistance. This restraint is ever present in a horse’s natural life as well as in our own world. The halter we use on a newborn foal restrains them from moving freely. A wall is a restraint, as well as a fence and the inside of a trailer. You can see where I am going with this. We now have a foal that is instinctively a prey animal reacting to these restraints by escaping with the fight or flight reflex.

Horses are intelligent creatures and we can help them to be safe by teaching them to Give Way.

Part Two: Teaching a Foal to Deal with the Ever-Present Restraint that will be Present in their Lives

Our first lesson involved cradling the foal around the hindquarters and shoulders using a subtle control, being aware to give way ourselves when they begin to fight. We need to learn this lesson as well.

Literally, we are both learning to unlearn our natural instincts--the foal as prey and we as predators as was discussed in Part One. This cradling may be used to stimulate the foal to move forward along with your movement with our soft subtle touch as we give way when they fight to lessen that instinct.

Remember, when they begin to fight, you back off which lets the foal know you are not a predator.

Written by Mark M. Hanna markmhanna.com

A predator grabs hold, the subject fights you, tries to escape or ultimately submits. Every attempt should be made to ensure this negative experience does not happen to a newborn foal.

In Part One of this series, I discussed dealing with approximately 40 foals in the mare barn where I was working who were exposed to a deadly disease. These foals required their temperatures taken daily, as well as a transfusion of serum at birth and at one month of age. It was difficult to accomplish this task in a timely manner as the foals were hard to catch and handle. The foals with high temperatures risked being overlooked, possibly succumbing to a deadly bacterial disease. The foals needed to be “halter educated” rather quickly; restraining them, which brings out the foal’s natural instincts to survive. Time was wasted in this instance which led to a negative experience.

Remember, restraint begets resistance. You can cradle for movement in all different directions.

I often talk to the foal and congratulate them when they are doing a great job. Every small attempt is positive and should be encouraged. You will see the foal’s ears and eyes soften with feet cocked.

There are subtle signals that show stress and fear

VOL. 7, NO. 3 - 2021

as well. Always look for these contrasting signs. Let the signs lead you to make the next move or to back off. A horse, being a prey animal, will look for danger. Never force a movement, but ask. When they comply, reward them, as they will then follow your lead. Therefore, the foal learns without force what you are asking them to do. You may use slight force, but judiciously.

By this time, you will have a foal that wants to be in your hands and you can move on to using a halter and a soft lead. When you place the halter on the foal’s head, you should have a halter that fits. Use the same give way attitude when you halter them for the first time. A soft approach and retreat work well. When haltered, the foal may react wildly. Do not be tempted to grab them and restrain them, they will fight harder; however, if you did a good job, they will accept the halter. Allow the foal to move on their own around the stall with monitoring as they become accustomed to the halter.

A foal can easily get their foot caught in the halter.

It is imperative the halter NOT remain on the head of an unattended foal at any time. I catch the foal again when they are quite used to that strange thing on their heads. I connect a lead rope to the halter and gently place the rope over their back starting from the left side of their head. By this time, the foal is accustomed to the touch of your cradling. I bring the rope around the right side of the foal’s

9 Arab Horse Couture

ARAB HORSE COUTURE

VOL. 7, NO. 3 - 2021 LJB PUBLICATIONS LLC HEADQUARTERS:

METRO DETROIT AREA MICHIGAN USA

Dear Readers, I address you in Paris at the prestigious World Arabian Horse Championship Show.

Wishing all the 2021 show participants the very best!

LAURA J. BRODZIK

Arab Horse Couture extends its sincere gratitude to Andrea Bocelli for his poignant and gracious interview featured in this issue.

lauraj@arabhorsecouture.com

Please take a moment to visit the Andrea Bocelli Foundation (ABF) website.

Owner, Founder & Publisher ARAB HORSE COUTURE MAGAZINE

YASSER GOMAA GOUDA Lead Designer - Dubai

yassergomaa77@gmail.com MOHAB ELSHAYAT Photography - Dubai

info@arabhorsecouture.com

The ABF mission is to empower people and communities suffering from disease, poverty, and social exclusion by promoting and supporting national and international humanitarian projects that help them overcome barriers and express their full potential. andreabocellifoundation.org Kindest regards,

ADVERTISING; E-NEWSLETTERS; MARKETING; PROMOTION; PRESS RELEASES: 248.866.8756 info@arabhorsecouture.com EDITORIAL INQUIRIES: 248.866.8756 info@arabhorsecouture.com SUBSCRIPTION HOTLINE: 248.866.8756 info@arabhorsecouture.com SUBSCRIBE TODAY! PRINT & DIGITAL

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10 Arab Horse Couture

VOL. 7, NO. 3 - 2021

ARAB HORSE COUTURE

On the Cover: ANDREA BOCELLI Horseman, Operatic Tenor & Humanitarian andreabocelli.com Cover photo by Luca Rossetti

VOL. 7, NO. 3 - 2021

©2021 ARAB HORSE COUTURE LJB Publications LLC - All Rights Reserved No portion of this publication may be reproduced by any mechanical, photographic, scanned or electronic process without prior written consent from the Publisher.

CONTRIBUTORS: Jean Paul Guerlain – France Hares Fayed - Dubai Julie I. Fershtman - USA Judith Wich-Wenning - Germany Nancy Dye - USA Mark M. Hanna - USA Arab Horse Couture

248.866.8756 info@arabhorsecouture.com

Laura J. Brodzik Editor in Chief Owner & Publisher Arab Horse Couture

VOL.7,7,NO. VOL. NO.12--2021 2021 VOL. 7, NO. 3 - 2021

VOL. 7, NO. 3 - 2021

Arab Horse Couture

Owners, Breeders, Trainers: Affordable Advertising Rates Available 248.866.8756 info@arabhorsecouture.com

The Original International Lifeeyle, Art & Culture Arabian Horse Magazine arabhorsecouture.com

Pictured:

EKS Alihandro - Owned by Athbah Stud, KSA Photo Anette Mattsson

Jean Paul Guerlain In the past, in addition to his role as Master Parfumer for the House of Guerlain, Jean Paul also accumulated World Championships in Dressage and Carriage Driving. The article below conveys Jean Paul Guerlain’s wealth of knowledge for training and his love of horses.

Guerlain is a French parfum house, amongst the oldest in the world.

The House of Guerlain was founded in 1828 when Pierre-Francois Pascal Guerlain opened his parfum store in Paris. Jean Paul Guerlain is fourth generation Guerlain and the last family Master Parfumer.

Jean Paul Guerlain continues to travel the globe to develop new fragrances.

The Half Halt

Riding in the Classical Way on Your Beautiful Arabian Horse

Written by Jean Paul Guerlain

The “half halt” is a call for attention, the simultaneous coordinated action of the seat, the legs and the hands of the rider, but it has to be very subtle. When we ask for a half halt, we ask the horse to generate energy “upward”—that is to elevate, become rounder and more expressive. Shifting more of the horse’s weight onto the hindquarters balances and lightens the forehand without changing the rhythm.

The half halt is a balancing tool. It tells the horse to prepare for the next move, or transition. This allows the horse to bend its hocks and step underneath; therefore, preparing a horse to stride in balance.

The rider should feel the same amount of power from the hind legs as from a lengthening of stride; however, the rider should contain both with their seat and receiving hands. The half halt is useful before transitions from one pace to another and within the pace before corners, before lateral movements and before changing the bend.

12 Arab Horse Couture

VOL. 7, NO. 3 - 2021

So how? The half halt begins in the rider’s seat, back and legs. These run the engine (the hindquarters) allowing the horse to animate its steps. The rider’s hands receive the energy and channel it accordingly.

The proper seat of the rider is: upper body erect and tall, shoulders relaxed, chest open, elbows bent—relaxed and heavy at the sides, broad hips and the hip joints fluid with suppleness. The rider then softens the seat and sits on their pubic bone. The hand should hold the inside rein; it retains the flexion, not restraint. The rider should merely close their fingers around the reins, this supports the neck of the horse. Close, then open the outside rein. This is the rider’s active rein aid and should last no more than a stride or two.

Next, the rider softens both reins instantly and equally after the half halt, towards the mouth of the horse.

All occurring within seconds, to half halt as often as necessary does not mean that the rider should fiddle endlessly and aimlessly with the hands, this makes the mouth insensitive. As a result of this, even more and stronger aids will need to be given to achieve any effects.

Keep in mind, the rider should not block the horse with their hands, the reins are the rider’s refining aid. The rider generates energy from their seat. If the horse is nonresponsive, the rider should bring their legs closer again to the horse’s side to encourage a step forward, without actively holding both reins at the same time. The rider should use the inside rein to support the horse’s neck and the outside rein to ask the horse to stay in rhythm and take the energy upward rather than forward.

The rider yields with their hands after the half halt, with a focus on relaxing; any tension in the rider’s body will cause tension in the movement. The half halt used before transitions, will lead to clean transitions and better strides at the next pace.

VOL. 7, NO. 3 - 2021

The well-trained horse will require more than a change of the rider’s posture to perform the half halt. Remember the sequence: drive >receive>lighten>drive>yield, with the hands.

To practice, it is great to have an instructor explain all of the above whilst on the horse.

Wishing you well with your wonderful friend, the Arabian horse!

If you have questions or comments, please contact: vitalcell.km@gmail.com

JPG

13

Arab Horse Couture

NATIONAL ARABIAN HORSE DAY! Arabian horses fill their owners with a passion equal to what they hold for loved family members.

So, every day to them is National Arabian Horse Day. However, on February 19, the Arabian horse is recognized as one of the most popular breeds in the world.

When asking the question, "What horse breed most exemplifies beauty, grace, stamina, athletic ability, adaptability, pride, refinement, versatility, and emotional connections with its human counterpart," the Arabian horse tops the list.

From the backyard family member to Champion show horse, the Arabian horse fits every capacity a person can imagine. Their unique history and distinctive head shape also make them one of the most easily recognizable horse breeds.

Arabian Horse History The origins of the oldest purebred Arabian horse in the world date back thousands of years to the Arabian Peninsula. The Bedouins, tribesmen of Arabia, are believed to be the first to domesticate the Arabian horse, forming a harmonious relationship in times of both peace and war, a horse that is good-natured, quick to learn, and willing to please, while also exhibiting supreme endurance and speed. A symbol of military might, cavalry needs led to the spread of the breed around the world. Still, today, the Arabian horse retains all these desired qualities that made it so coveted. The Arabian is also the foundation for many other familiar breeds such as the Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, Morgan and American Saddlebred.

Arabian Horse Facts Beyond its unique beauty and athletic traits, the Arabian is also known for bonding with humans and its loyal disposition.

Noted for its distinctive features, enthusiasts immediately recognize the Arabian's dished face and high tail. Other notable features include wide-set eyes, large nostrils, an arched neck and an easy stride.

There are over one million Arabian horses in 62 countries, with the U.S. having more than half.

The average lifespan of Arabian horses is 25-30 years.

16 Arab Horse Couture

Notable Arabian horse owners include: Napoleon Bonaparte, George Washington, Wayne Newton, Patrick Swayze, and Shania Twain.

The Arabian horse has endured for thousands of years. That's just one reason why they are so loved and admired. They are also loyal companions to young and old. Arabian horses also offer endless opportunities to be active and meet new people.

Anyone can have one in their life.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalArabianHorseDay Celebrate your love of the Arabian horse on National Arabian Horse Day. Celebrate the day with The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, where the Arabian horse, breeders, competitors, and enthusiasts can appreciate all the breed's magnificent qualities.

Attend a competition to experience the qualities of the Arabian horse in action.

Get involved! Join or attend your local affiliate club to learn more about Arabian horses. Visit arabianhorses.org for more information.

Visit a local Arabian horse farm near you. Go to experiencearabianhorses.com/farm-finder to learn more.

Share your experience and knowledge of the Arabian horse with others.

Experience the Arabian horse and use #NationalArabianHorseDay to share on social media.

NATIONAL ARABIAN HORSE DAY HISTORY Founded in 2021 by Arabian Horse Association of Arizona (a non-profit organization), National Arabian Horse Day seeks to introduce and educate the world on the benefits of having an Arabian horse in your life, thus ensuring the breed's longevity.

The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Arabian Horse Day in 2022.

There are over 1,500 national days. Don't miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day® with National Day Calendar®!

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Since 2008, Al Badia, the prestigious Arabic publication, is devoted to bringing the latest news and views on the equestrian world, Polo sporting and lifestyle. It is a tribute to the age-old passion for the Thoroughbred, an integral part of the rich Arabian culture. Al Badia focuses on the highly valued sport of horseracing, including information about events taking place in the region and services sought by the equestrian world. Besides being a specialized lifestyle magazine to meet the refined taste of the equestrian community, it features a wide range of information, including very exclusive coverage-like interviews of the Sheikhs and the who’s who of the Arab world.

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Widely circulated across the Gulf & Middle East, Al Badia targets the crème de la crème of society. It is an excellent media platform to showcase premium brands, as it has a wide readership comprising sports enthusiasts, eminent personalities and royalty.

Hares Fayad - Publisher & Editor-in-Chief hares@albadiamagazine.com albadiamagazine.com

VOL. 7, NO. 3 - 2021

‫ﻛــــــﺄس ﻣــﻬـﺮﺟــــﺎن ﺑــﻴــﻨــﻚ ﺑــﻮﻟـــــــــﻮ‬ Ö≤∏dG RGôME’ (CG) äƒàæZ Oƒ≤J óªëe âæH AÉã«e

‫ دﺑــــــــــــــــــــﻲ‬2020 ‫إﻛـﺴـــﺒـــــــــــﻮ‬ ∫ƒ«î∏d OGõà áÑ°SÉæŸÉH »Øàëj »HO §Hôe Hares Fayad - Publisher & Editor-in-Chief hares@albadiamagazine.com albadiamagazine.com

‫ﻛــــــﺄس رﺋــﻴــــــــﺲ اﻟﺪوﻟــــــــﺔ‬ GóædƒH ádƒL π£H "¢ùjôcGO »∏µjh"

‫ ﻣـﻠــﻴــــــﻮن دوﻻر‬35 ‫أﻛــﺜــــــــــﺮ ﻣﻦ‬ ájOƒ©°ùdG ¢SCɵd áãdÉãdG áî°ùædG õFGƒL

The Fine Artist & Sculptor

Translated by Doaa Magdy

“Whomever loves horses searches for the perspective through which they can communicate their message.

Art must carry something special that expresses the artist’s vision. The artist always seeks perfection in their work, which is close to their heart.”

Mona Al Mokdad

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A fine artist, Mona Al Mokdad’s fingertips are strings with which she plays the sweetest melodies. She touches clay, bronze and marble until they become softer than silk and thinner than the breeze, in a flow that carries you. Her fine artistry lures you to a place of absolute beauty and soaring creativity to the depths of your soul. It melts you like a statue, both vibrant and telling of her message of conscience; to root in minds and settle in hearts.

Mona Al Mokdad chose her language for humanity in sculpture. With her sculpture, she addresses the world, and through it brings her concepts to us. She aligned herself with the subject of horses where she finds the same spirit of work; of strings, intensity, fluidity, departure and delicate sensitivity.

For Mona Al Mokdad, her goal is to show the character and charisma of Egyptian Arabian horses.

Mona relates, “I feel Leonardo Da Vinci achieved success by provoking feelings filled with love and honesty. However, working with clay has a different feeling, and the Lord of the Worlds created us from it. Some of the most beautiful moments are when an artist sees their work in the eyes and hearts of people.

In sculpture, I control the shadows and the light, and express what is inside me. As an artist, I have spent hours observing Egyptian Arabian horses until my eyes are satisfied and I am left with their enduring presence.”

Arab Horse Couture had the wonderful opportunity to meet the brilliant creative talent, Mona Al Mokdad. In the following interview, we enter her world. We fly in it and live within it as an enjoyable journey in art, thought, humanity and beauty.

AHC: With your creative experience, do you think studying makes an artist out of a person who does not have the talent?

MAM: Studying artistry without aptitude is a wasted effort that creates a performer. Without talent, there is no constructing of design.

Talent gives you the ability to implement and accentuate your skills.

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On the other hand, talent without study is not enough; study balances and enriches an artist’s abilities. The more an artist works and follows the experiences of others, the sooner they will find success through distinguishing, establishing and creating their own personal style.

AHC: Childhood is the first stage of an artist’s creativity. Please explain how your childhood affected your fine artistry.

MAM: My mother worked with me extensively as a child due to my love of drawings. I translated my studies into drawings. After my school teachers discovered my love and creativity in drawing, I was asked to translate each lesson and subject into drawings on the blackboard. I was creative in history, poetry and Arabic language by expressing each subject into drawings. I transformed the interpretation of poems and battles into drawings. Therefore, during exams, I used my drawings to convert the answers into 22 Arab Horse Couture

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words to answer the questions. As an adult, I have tried to teach my children this method.

AHC: What was the subject of your first carving?

MAM: I sculpted all types of animals as a child using clay and then advancing to ceramic paste. When I attended the university and joined the College of Fine Arts, I began to use clay in sculpture.

AHC: Looking back, how did you perceive yourself in college?

MAM: In the beginning we studied all art disciplines, but my hobby was sculpting. I felt that I could control the shadows and the light, and express many of my inner thoughts through sculpture.

AHC: Typically, the distinctive characteristics of the Arabian horse breed are observed over many years. How did you gain this vital knowledge displayed so beautifully in your artistry?

MAM: With love. I used to draw any horse I admired. I paint from my heart and feelings towards the horse. In Syria, I painted murals of horses and received the highest marks in drawing horses. I discovered that drawing the character of a real Arabian horse made me feel that all the prior work I did was a revolution around the main idea of the horse.

AHC: You came to Egypt from Syria. Please tell us about this move and how it affected your artistry.

MAM: I came to Egypt in 2014. Initially, I drew what people asked of me, so I created a statue of the Virgin Mary and models of Italian and classical art. I also presented many works.

My Arabian horse journey began at Rabab Stud in Egypt when I was asked to create the 2016 Breeders Cup. I was looking for horse farms at the time as I knew Egypt had the top breeds of horses. I realized, in order to develop my hobby and my drawings in the artistry field, I had to visit many horse farms, to observe the horses.

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MAM: The true beauty of the Egyptian Arabian horse is reflected in the diligent work of an artist. The artistry must show the muscles and beautiful qualities of the horse.

Then the artist strives once more to highlight the spirit of the horse in their subsequent artistry pieces.

I had already seen the Leonardo Da Vinci drawings and models of horse anatomy plus pictures, but my actual meeting with the horse began at Rabab Stud. It had been difficult for me being exposed to many breeds of horses; however, this is when I became closely acquainted with the Egyptian Arabian horse. I created the Rabab Show Breeders Cup in 2016 and 2017.

I also began to sculpt the horses in their natural size. Rabab Stud provided many opportunities for me to approach, observe and live day to day with the Egyptian Arabian horse. My eyes became steeped with these magnificent horses from spending many meaningful moments with them.

AHC: What was the first horse statue you carved in Egypt and how would you describe this experience?

MAM: From my time at Rabab Stud, I gathered my thoughts and began to create a statue of the first foal I carved. The process of size perspective and close details were a challenge for me; however, I finished the statue. I did not want to create a replica of the pony. My goal was to show the character and charisma of the pureblood Egyptian Arabian foal. Following this, I created an Egyptian Arabian horse head, a complicated piece of artwork.

AHC: Your artwork is extremely successful.

Are you satisfied with your current creation of the Egyptian Arabian horse?

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No artist reaches the stage of satisfaction and perfection in their work. Remembering the famous Michelangelo, he knelt before the statue of the Virgin Mary and wept as he felt he had reached perfection and had nothing left to offer. No artist reaches the stage of perfection and satisfaction, and if an artist should reach this stage, they have neared the end of their career. An artist must have a constant quest to reach what is inside of themselves.

AHC: Who is your most beloved artist in sculpture?

MAM: Michelangelo is my favorite.

AHC: Please tell us about your journey to begin a statue design.

MAM: The journey begins with an idea. I search for a new topic to implement that brings out the possibilities within my creative realm. I study the horse subjects intently until I discover there is a creative path, not just a duplicate.

AHC: What type of materials do you use in your fine artistry?

MAM: I tend to use clay, but there are materials that are carved, such as wood, rock, wax or gypsum. Working with clay has a completely different feel than any other material, and I believe the secret of this feeling is that the Lord of the Worlds created us from clay. This talent in my perception derives from the Creator.

AHC: How do you know that your artistic message reaches the audience?

MAM: For each piece of my artwork, I read the responses of the viewers after a photo is posted on social media. I am pleased with their comments which prompts me to begin looking for a new business idea.

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AHC: What is the most important work you have done that has affected you?

AHC: Have you participated in fine artistry exhibitions?

MAM: A statue of an Iraqi artist who passed away. His wife asked me to design it for her.

This work for me was purely humanitarian; I wanted to bring happiness and joy to her heart. And when she saw the statue, she kept hugging him and crying. This is the most beautiful moment that I lived in my life in the field of sculpture as I succeeded in conveying a message, and I witnessed other’s feelings of happiness and joy with this work.

The most beautiful moments in the life of an artist are when they see the impact of their artwork in the eyes and hearts of people.

MAM: I have participated in Syrian exhibitions affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and in Dubai as well. I plan to participate in exhibitions in Egypt during the coming period.

www.monaalmokdad.com Facebook: monaalmokdadartist

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What’s the Problem with Verbal Contracts?

Written by Julie I. Fershtman, Attorney at Law equinelaw.net

F

or decades, this author has written articles on the importance of getting equine-related agreements in writing. Some of the articles even shared common characteristics of effective contracts. Still, people in the horse industry continue doing business with nothing in writing, and disputes have occurred. This article explores what can potentially happen when verbal contract disputes become the subject of a legal battle.

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Real Cases Where Verbal Contracts Failed Over the years, verbal contract disputes have generated legal battles. Here are three examples of cases where verbal agreements failed in court challenges because of state laws: - In a 2003 case from Maine, a verbal agreement regarding ownership, care, training and racing of thoroughbred racehorses was found to be void and unenforceable based on a state law [Maine Statute of Frauds, 33 M.R.S.A. Sec. 51(5)] that required certain types of contracts to be in writing. The verbal arrangement in that case, the court found, violated the law.

-In a 2000 New York case, the court refused to enforce a verbal contract involving the boarding, breeding and care of mares and resulting foals.

In doing so, the court relied on a state law [New York General Obligations Law Section 5-701] that required certain types of contracts to be in writing to be enforceable.

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-In a 1972 New York case, the plaintiff was a horse buyer who claimed to have a verbal agreement to buy the defendant’s racehorse for $60,000.

The seller denied an agreement existed, however, and no written contract existed. Arguing that the alleged verbal agreement should not be enforced, the seller cited a different state law [New York’s Uniform Commercial Code, Article 2-201], which required contracts for the sale of goods priced at $500 or more to be in writing. Based on the law, and considering circumstances of the dispute, the court ruled that no enforceable agreement existed.

Equine Industry Statutes That Can Make Contracts Important Aside from general state laws referenced in the cases described above, that can apply to a wide variety of industries, many states have laws unique to the equine industry. These laws sometimes make written contracts important, if not necessary. For example: VOL. 7, NO. 3 - 2021

Equine Activity Liability Statutes.

Currently, 48 states (all but California and Maryland) have some type of equine activity liability statute. Some require written contracts.

Arizona’s law, for example, provides no protection unless the equine activity participant has signed a “written waiver” that includes specific language supplied in the law. Similarly, West Virginia’s law requires participants to sign a written statement using language that the law provides. Under the laws in a small number of states, “equine activity professionals” or “equine activity sponsors”, will lose any benefits in their equine activity liability statute unless their written contracts include the law’s “warning” language or other language as the law specifies.

Equine Sale Disclosure Laws.

California, Florida, and Kentucky have equine seller disclosure laws, which can impact the language of certain equine sales contracts in those states. Kentucky’s law requires, among other things, written bills of sale and disclosure of agency relationships in sales transactions involving race horses. Florida has an equine sales statute that requires, in part, that sellers and agents in Florida horse sales use written disclosures and consent agreements. California’s Business and Professional Code can impact sales contracts involving racehorses in that state as it requires written bills of sale, disclosures of commissions, and more.

What Happens in a Verbal Contract Dispute?

When legal disputes involve a verbal agreement, resolving them is never quick, easy, or inexpensive.

Why? With nothing in writing, each party to the transaction usually will have a totally different understanding of what it involved. As a result, the outcome of lawsuits can be uncertain, but what is certain is that legal fees could be very expensive.

About the Author Julie I. Fershtman, one of the nation’s most experienced Equine Law practitioners, is a Shareholder with Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC, in Michigan. She has successfully litigated equine cases in 18 jurisdictions nationwide and has tried cases in four states. She is listed in The Best Lawyers in America and received the American Bar Association (ABA) “Excellence in the Advancement of Animal Law Award”. Her speaking engagements span 29 states. In 2019, the ABA published her latest, 372-page book called “Equine Law & Horse Sense”. It is available on Amazon. For more information, please visit: equinelaw.net

This article is not meant to suggest that written contracts will prevent all disputes from occurring.

Sometimes even the most sophisticated contracts can generate legal disputes. To their credit, however, written contracts can help narrow the grounds of a dispute, which can save time, money, and aggravation.

This article does not constitute legal advice. When questions arise based on specific situations, direct them to a knowledgeable attorney.

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ANDREA BOCELLI Horseman, Operatic Tenor & Humanitarian

Arab Horse Couture is pleased to present to its readers an exclusive three-part interview with Andrea Bocelli, an avid horseman, and of course, the Italian award-winning opera tenor and instrumentalist who has bridged the gap between classical and pop music.

Known as one of the greatest singing talents worldwide, Andrea Bocelli speaks with the magazine regarding horses, his professional career and the Andrea Bocelli Foundation (ABF)—a charitable organization promoting and supporting national and international humanitarian projects.

photo by LUCA ROSSETTI 32 Arab Horse Couture

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photo by STEFANO MARINARI

HORSES AHC: You have owned and ridden horses for many years.

How does this affect your personal life and professional career?

AB: Riding has been a passion of mine since I was a child. Even today, it is still a source of great joy every time and a kind of psychophysical therapy, to bring my body and mind back to a more genuine, direct and intense relationship with nature.

Horses are instruments of freedom and freedom is the most precious thing we can pursue. Horses are the perfect companions for an activity that I consider “also” – yet certainly not “only” – a fun and stimulating way to stay in shape.

Riding is a sport but, after long tours, unrelenting rhythms and continuous time zone changes, it is a privileged path to make peace with life and take me back to the real, opulent beauty that nature offers, in the image and likeness of the One that created nature itself and us with it.

AHC: What are the greatest attributes of the horse?

AB: Horses symbolize beauty, strength and the spirit of self-sacrifice. They can arouse strong feelings and present themselves as a life and travel companion. They are intelligent, vivacious animals that are able to convey volition and athleticism, as well as great affection and empathy with their rider.

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photo by LUCA ROSSETTI

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AHC: Where are some of your favorite locations for riding?

AB: I am fortunate enough to live in Tuscany, a region that has different landscapes that are equally charming. In the winter, when possible, I ride on the beaches of my beloved Versilia, surrounded by the scent of the salt water that fills the air and the warm fragrances of the maritime pines and Mediterranean scrub. During the summer, on the other hand, I prefer the hills of Valdera, where I was born and raised, surrounded by a veritable symphony of beauty.

In recent months, I’ve gone even further, creating a rather ambitious project: a pilgrimage, a route of several hundred kilometers that I traveled with my wife Veronica entirely on horseback, along the ancient Via Francigena, from Piazza San Pietro in Rome to Lajatico, my birthplace. A truly unforgettable experience.

AHC: Do your horses and riding provide inspiration for your music?

AB: Riding can even be a form of meditation. After all, I believe that with singing, as with any art or craft, it is what we produce and convey that is the sum of our experience.

Horses are an important part of the passion that I have for life tout court and the desire I pursue to always cultivate beauty, which – as I will never tire of saying – is intrinsically connected to good. The relationship I had for many years with an Arabian horse, Giasir – a wonderful animal – has stayed with me, so much so that when he died, I dedicated a poem to him.

photo by LUCA ROSSETTI

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PROFESSIONAL CAREER World renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli’s highly successful album released in November 2020, “Believe”, is a collection of songs “celebrating the power of music to soothe the soul”. Here we discuss the new album “Believe” with Andrea Bocelli.

AHC: You mention the album “Believe” is based on three principal concepts: faith, hope and charity. Please share how these three concepts relate to the album.

AB: Faith, hope and charity are the theological virtues of Christianity but also the universal pillars that are able to give meaning and fulfillment to our earthly existence. The album takes you on a very diverse, and at times experimental, journey, as it places the works of great classical authors alongside pop songs.

After a few records focused on the theme of sensuality, this project finds its common denominator in the desire to be – in a certain sense – a salve for the soul, offering those who seek it a moment of relief and optimism.

AHC: The music on the album “Believe” is very personal to you. How did you decide on this particular collection of songs?

AB: Every track is important in its own way and has strong personal motivations behind it. I didn’t impose any limitations upon myself in terms of time, style and language; the common thread is the emotional intensity that I believe these tracks are able to convey. Every song on “Believe” is synonymous with that verb, which encompasses the selection of tracks.

I’m thinking of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and the beautiful meaning behind its lyrics; the Franciscan-inspired song “Fratello sole sorella luna”; the unorthodox yet intense religiosity expressed by Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”. As well as the hymn of thanks, “Amazing Grace”, which was written in the 18th century and is able to move and stir the world of the third millennium; of “Inno sussurrato”, composed by the great Ennio Morricone a month before VOL. 7, NO. 3 - 2021

photo by STEFANO MARINARI

he passed, and the unreleased melody by Giacomo Puccini, which has become a vibrant prayer.

The anthology that makes up the album also includes two of my tracks. Last but not least, I cannot forget the contribution of two great artists, Alison Krauss and Cecilia Bartoli, who enriched the album with their voices.

AHC: Is there a specific meaning you hope the worldwide audience will take away from this album?

AB: The album is a kind of spiritual autobiography. It was created during a period of enforced rest due to the pandemic, during a particularly dark period in Italy and much of the world. “Believe” is the embodiment of a need to lay a new path that brings together tracks that speak to the soul, thereby giving the person listening an incentive to engage with their own spiritual side and listen to what it has to impart.

My modest artistic contribution aimed to emphasize how, to emerge from this epochal emergency better off, we need to begin with altruism and therefore with love, which is a kind of medicine for all of us, as it distracts us from always putting our own difficulties and anxieties at the center of everything. andreabocelli.com Facebook: andreabocelli 35 Arab Horse Couture

ANDREA BOCELLI FOUNDATION ABF Mission: The Andrea Bocelli Foundation was created to empower people and communities in situations of poverty, illiteracy and distress due to illness and social exclusion. We do this by promoting and supporting projects in Italy and abroad that help overcome these barriers and drive people to express their full potential.

ABF Vision: “Our faith in love and justice calls upon us to build a better world than the one we have found. It calls upon us to give back to the world all the good things we have received, so the less fortunate or most vulnerable members of our society get a chance to achieve a life full of opportunity and beauty. So those who take up the challenge will find concrete opportunities and the energy required to thrive in their own lives.” Andrea Bocelli andreabocelli.com Facebook: andreabocelli

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AHC: Please describe the Andrea Bocelli Foundation (ABF) and its charitable support.

AB: The foundation that bears my name was founded ten years ago and I think that, in its own small way, it is the attestation that no dream is unreachable, even more so if there are many people who dream the same dream.

ABF is an extraordinary venture that has grown exponentially over the years and is now working internationally in the field of education and technological research, on the trajectory of our mission of “Empowering people and communities”. It is one big extended family that implements projects all over the world, which aim to offer opportunities to people and communities to express their talent.

AHC: Please describe the ABF’s current and past generous missions.

AB: From 2011 to today, the ABF has raised over 40 million euros that have led to us building nine schools in Italy and Haiti. Schools that provide daily access to quality education to more than 3,500 students. Furthermore, the ABF has created welfare projects that provide access to drinking water and basic medical care to the more than 400,000 people who live in the most remote and impoverished areas of Haiti.

Lastly, recently in Florence, the ABF inaugurated its social, educational and cultural project “ABF GlobaLAB”. Within the spaces of the San Firenze Complex, a series of workshops and discussion events for young people aged 25 and under will be put on starting from this Fall, with big international names from the world of business, entertainment and culture.

The ABF has recently accepted a new challenge in an area in Central Italy that was most affected by the 2016 earthquake. In fact, it will take on the project manager role for a reconstruction project for another large school, in the Marche region once again, and thus donate the technical project, as well as oversee the construction of the building.

AHC: What is your role and personal philosophy concerning the ABF?

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AB: The foundation is managed by a team of professionals. It is structured like a “living laboratory”, where the individual and specific skills are enhanced. I share the mission and guidelines that underlie the projects carried out with Veronica and the team.

Specifically, we consider that education is the starting point on a journey of knowledge, skill and awareness, when expressed as respect for your neighbor and the dissemination of positive values. The Foundation promotes educational projects that use music as an additional element for social inclusion and the enhancement of talent, in line with Goal 4.7 of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

An individual who has the opportunity to fully express their potential becomes a better representative for their entire community.

Solidarity is a strong and concrete choice that I believe in: being philanthropic is a moral duty, as well as an act of intelligence, a path that everyone, within the limits of their own possibilities, should pursue with no hesitation.

As I love to say repeatedly: for me, solidarity means the joy of sharing. Without solidarity, there can be no acceptance, no overcoming of differences, no empathy and, simply, the strongest wins. Solidarity should form the foundation of relationships between people.

AHC: Are volunteers as well as charitable donations needed at the ABF? AB: If alone we can achieve a lot, we can do much more by uniting forces. Every drop bears weight in everyday actions, even the smallest contribution must be valued. You may support the foundation’s individual projects via the many options offered on the ABF website and social media pages, as they are regularly updated about the state of art and the successful completion of projects.

We can all do something, each to the extent of our own means. For example, by donating that which is all the more precious because it cannot be bought, and by that, I mean your time. Even at this point in time, our team is always happy to welcome new volunteers and thus expand our large family.

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It is a new, unique and elite online media platform for luxury lifestyle brands in the Gulf Coast Countries and Levant. A car magazine website aimed at affluent and influential high net worth individuals.

Published in English, CarBook Magazine features news and reviews of modern and classic cars, watches, boats and yachts, airplanes, hotels, clothing, accessories, fragrances and technology.

CarBook Magazine sets a new benchmark in photography, design and content as it provides a definitive view of the affluent world.

We aim to inspire, entertain and inform with unique reports for connoisseurs passionate about exquisite and beautiful things in life.

CarBook Magazine is the most visited automotive recreation site in the UAE, featuring a colorful photographic theme, exceptional content quality and a unique character that suits its brand image.

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Hares Fayad, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief hares@carbookmagazine.com carbookmagazine.com

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Hares Fayad, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief hares@carbookmagazine.com carbookmagazine.com

PASSION & VERSATILITY A Portrait of Terence Gilbert

Written by Judith Wich-Wenning

Terence Gilbert’s range of work is definitely remarkable. His paintings of city sceneries in London and Paris are impressive; his portraits of celebrities, actors and politicians are highly regarded. However, Terence Gilbert has a deep lifelong love of horses that plays an important role for him since his childhood. His paintings are unique as they reflect his deep love for equine subjects and his great passion, the Arabian horse.

“Exercise”, oil on board.

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“Desert Storm”.

The British artist Terence Gilbert with an Arabian stallion.

“Arabian Gold”.

Terence Gilbert’s father had enormous influence on his son’s later career. “Art is my life,” smiles Terence. “I was born in Lambeth, South London. My father loved horses, particularly the English Thoroughbred, whose ancestors were three Arabian stallions—here is where they get their speed and beauty from. My father took an active interest in horseracing and from the age of five, I accompanied him to race meetings all over the country. There I saw some of the finest horses in training, parading in the paddocks, then winning on the course. Because of my father, I started drawing and painting in all my spare time.

“Arab Heads”.

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“Arabian”, oil on gold.

I won a painting competition run by a many Western book covers; his impressive national newspaper when I was ten years scenes of horses and riders in the American old.”

West were highly popular. The Museum of Western Art in Colorado as well as many Terence Gilbert’s father worked as a warden private collectors began to purchase his at the National Gallery. This allowed young original paintings and drawings.

Terence to achieve valuable experience studying the Old Masters. “At the age of From the middle of the 1970’s on, Terence twelve, I was given special permission Gilbert was represented by notable galleries to copy the works of the Old Masters at and received numerous commissions for the National Gallery. I went there three his art. His subjects included portraits of mornings a week. Later, I studied full-time significant personalities including Damon at Camberwell School of Art and upon Hill and Charlton Heston. Terence also leaving, worked freelance as an illustrator,” painted a portrait of H.R.M. The Queen and Terence Gilbert remembers.

Ronald Reagan at Windsor Castle, which was later presented to the President at the In the 1960’s, Terence began his career at White House. an advertising company and four years later progressed as an illustrator for movie Middle Eastern art enthusiasts became posters, magazines and book covers. He interested in Terence Gilbert as well. also created designs for a James Bond Terence received first commissions from film. During this time, Terence illustrated the Emir of Sharjah; the National Guard of 44 Arab Horse Couture

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Saudi Arabia; H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar; H.R.M. King Fahd of Saudi Arabia; H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Emir of Abu Dhabi and the first President of the U.A.E. Subsequently, paintings were commissioned from the Rulers of Bahrain and Oman, as well as from H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai.

Terence Gilbert’s connections to the Middle East are very strong. An avid horse lover from childhood, Terence has a fascination for Arabian horses. “What fascinates me about Arabian horses?” he ponders. “Where do I start and where do I finish? Of all creatures on earth, they are the most beautiful. As well as great beauty, they have pride, stamina and loyalty. They are magnificent, magical creatures. The proud way they hold their heads, their action, the shine on their coats, the long flowing manes and high held tails are every artist’s dream subject.”

“The Beloved”, oil on board.

“Arabian White on Gold”.

Terence Gilbert’s first encounter with Arabian horses was momentous. “A client of mine owned several Arabian horses. I had previously accepted commissions to paint her prize-winning Saluki hounds; however, I visited her home and stud farm where I saw her Arabian horses as well. I was spellbound by their beauty and retrieved my sketchbook to begin numerous drawings of them. The beautiful Arabian horses and Salukis became a major focus of my work.”

Travels have led Terence Gilbert to many Middle Eastern countries including Kuwait.

He was fascinated by this country and its motives. Terence enjoyed sketching the dhows moored in the port area. This inspired his several oil paintings later on. Furthermore, he visited Egypt, Dubai, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman. In the U.A.E., Terence Gilbert was commissioned to visit the Royal Stables to paint Arabian horses in their natural environment – a very special experience for Terence.

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“The Horse Dealer, Oman”.

“The Favorite”, oil on board.

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“Stallion exercised in the Sea”.

About the Author: Judith Wich-Wenning is a well-known prolific journalist from Germany. She has published the highly appreciated book “Jewels of the Desert” as well as numerous articles and photos in various international Terence Gilbert paints in a very unique style Arabian horse magazines. The Arabian combining realism with impressionism. horse in art is one of her most favorite “Today, I mainly paint in oil, but over the subjects. years I have painted in all mediums.

Certain subjects such as small landscapes Her travels have taken her around the world can be effectively executed in watercolor. and especially to the Middle East. Judith Subjects that are required to dry quickly Wich-Wenning breeds fine Arabians of are best done in acrylic. Horses require the Straight Egyptian bloodlines at her stud depth and richness of color which brings farm, “Orienta Arabians”. You may contact out the shine in their coats, especially Judith at when they are running at speed,” explains judithwich@t-online.de Terence.

The Old Masters have been a large influence for Terence Gilbert. His lifelong admiration is the marvelous artist George Stubbs (1724 – 1806) who was a true expert for equine subjects.

Terence Gilbert states, “My plans for the future are to hopefully continue to paint beautiful horses and have my work exhibited in galleries worldwide. My dream is to have an entire exhibition devoted to the Arabian horse.”

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VOL. 7, NO. 3 - 2021

PLR EQUITATION

THE MARK OF SUCCESS Patrick Le Rolland embodies the Equitation of French Tradition PLR Equitation is a French and family brand that takes its name from Patrick Le Rolland, former Écuyer of the Le Cadre noir de Saumur, Rider and International Dressage Champion, Federal Trainer and Coach of many riders of all disciplines.

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Thanks to its experience and expertise, PLR Equitation creates, manufactures and markets original design and quality articles for the comfort and well-being of the rider and the horse.

All of our articles are intended for equestrian enthusiasts and also for all people looking for a new and elegant style that is original and comfortable!

Our range of products: show jackets, dressage tailcoats and short tailcoats, riding raincoats, chic sportswear, stirrups, Le Rolland original training aids, anatomic bridles and double bridles in premium leathers, boot covers and more, are original products thought of and recommended by the late Patrick Le Rolland. patricklerolland.com Facebook: PLR-Equitation-The-Mark-of-Success VOL. 7, NO. 3 - 2021

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PATRICK LE ROLLAND First noticed by Master Couillaud (founder of the Horseman Professional School) for his outstanding abilities, and then by the Colonel Lair (Écuyer en Chef) for his obvious talent, Patrick Le Rolland rapidly joined the famous Le Cadre noir de Saumur in 1964. Very young and in the midst of brilliant "Écuyers", Patrick Le Rolland showed real equestrian quality and prowess. Very quickly he became “Maître de Manege” and ended his military career as “Chief Warrant Officer”.

After several experiences in horse racings and eventing, Patrick Le Rolland became the only rider to represent the Le Cadre noir de Saumur in Dressage International Competitions during many years: - 4 Times Winner of the French Championship: 1970, 1971, 1972 and 1973 with his horse, Cramique - Vice Champion of the French Championship: 1971 and 1972 with his horse, Quipos - Winner of the Rotterdam International Horse Trial in 1970 with Quipos - Munich Olympic Games Participant in 1972 - 4th at the Grand Prix of Aix-la-Chapelle with the French National Team in 1973 - 7th at the World Championship of Copenhagen in 1974

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- 3rd at the Grand Prix of Aix-la-Chapelle with the French National Team in 1975 - 12th at the European Championship of Aarhus in 1979 Patrick Le Rolland remains one of the rare riders in the world to have received the mark of 10/10 “in position”, during an International Horse Dressage contest.

After numerous victories and through an atypical route, Patrick Le Rolland became the contemporary rider of exception who managed to marry the elegance and the lightness of equitation with performances at the highest level of competition.

Worldwide acknowledgement by his peers, he is considered as the most talented French Dressage Specialist. Patrick Le Rolland was named National Trainer of this specialty in 1981.

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- Los Angeles Olympic Games in 1984 - Margit Otto-Crepin’s Coach and her horse, Corlandus At the end of 1984, Patrick Le Rolland left the French Equestrian Federation to become a private coach.

After a short break at the Rockefeller's barns in the USA, he moved to Belgium where his fame followed him and where he rapidly became a coach globetrotter.

In 2001, Patrick Le Rolland returned to France where he carried on his career as a private Dressage Coach in Normandie. Back to Saumur in 2005, Patrick Le Rolland was still very much sought-after in France as well as worldwide.

Patrick Le Rolland continued to provide clinics to advanced riders of the highest level and the emerging generation seeking to deepen and develop its unique expertise. Appreciated for its pedagogy, Patrick Le Rolland taught much more than a simple technique to his students. Patrick Le Rolland transmitted to his students his philosophy of the horse; communion between the horse and rider, always in the respect of the horse.

Patrick Le Rolland remains one of the international references in the Equestrian World alongside Nelson Pessoa or Nuno Oliveira.

In late 2007, Patrick Le Rolland and his son Thomas founded a new French clothing and riding accessories brand called: PLR Equitation. PLR Equitation proposes a brand-new style of show jackets, with a revolutionary and avant-gardist design, combining elegance, originality and extreme comfort.

PLR Equitation has its own original line of raincoats, of chic sportswear, accessories for riders and equipment for horses. From the bridles to the original Le Rolland training aid passing by the stirrups, all the PLR tack shop products were thought and validated by Patrick Le Rolland as well as recommended for the wellness of your horse.

2011 was the year of release of one of the book references in horse Dressage: "Les Principes de Dressage de Patrick Le Rolland”.

In January 2012, the movie "Of Women and Horses" was released at the cinema. Directed by Patricia Mazuy, this film was freely inspired by the life of Patrick Le Rolland, with actor Bruno Gantz playing the role of Patrick Le Rolland.

After 71 years of a hectic life entirely dedicated to the horse, Patrick Le Rolland regrettably passed away, struck down by a heart attack, at his home near Saumur, on August 28, 2014.

Patrick Le Rolland is remembered fondly by his family, friends and the many equestrian riders he coached and inspired throughout his legendary career.

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Classy, glamorous and trendy, FIRST AVENUE is a complete lifestyle magazine published exclusively for the affluent and influential contemporary women in the United Arab Emirates. The bimonthly English magazine inspires and encourages the refined tastes of urban women, who have a great passion for fashion, quality and style.

With its vast and comprehensive features, FIRST AVENUE readers will find themselves attending the hottest society parties, checking out celebrity news and runway coverage, analyzing health and beauty tips, visiting studios of the best fashion designers, chatting with eminent personalities, dining at the most exquisite restaurants, shopping at exclusive stores and travelling to the most 52 Arab Horse Couture

exotic destinations promoting designer wear, fashion accessories, perfumes, watches, jewelry, automobiles, home décor, fine dining, health and fitness, luxury accommodations and electronic gadgets. It also has a dedicated segment to check out what’s happening in the high streets of Dubai - one of the fastest emerging fashion capitals of the world.

Hares Fayad, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief hares@firstavenuemagazine.com firstavenuemagazine.com

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Hares Fayad, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief hares@firstavenuemagazine.com firstavenuemagazine.com

Why Do We Stop Ourselves from Success and Happiness?

Written by Nancy Dye Breakthrough Mental Skills Coach Emotional Strength and Resiliency Trainer Strategic Interventionist elitelifestyletransformations.com

“For some indeterminate reason, for FOUR days in a row, I woke up happy. I woke up inexplicably happy. My norm is neutral to negative. It felt great. Of course, it’s gone now.”

This was a comment from one of my riders.

My answer?

You’ve been coaching for the purpose of getting unstuck in your riding and personal life and to become happier. And to ride better.

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You have made a ton of progress in all those areas. You have stepped up and picked up the reins and taken back control of your life.

Yet, the reason for waking up happy was “indeterminate” and you were “inexplicably” happy? That was the goal. And it happened.

Why did you snap back to the “norm”? Because instead of continuing to enjoy and embrace it, and to give yourself the credit for making it happen, to feel empowered by recognizing and accepting that you are now feeling and behaving in more empowered patterns, AND that YOU created it.

You downgraded the experience and your SUCCESS by giving it a meaning of OUT OF CONTROL! (Note that you did this to yourself with your language of “indeterminate” and “inexplicably”.)

“My norm is neutral to negative”. Why is that your normal? Why is that your belief about who you are?

You have had a lifetime of shutting yourself down, so you have laid down those neuropathways in your brain. You developed bad habits of 56 Arab Horse Couture

thinking negatively. And also, some of the “neutral” is from the shutting down caused from not wanting to feel bad or uncomfortable emotions. To deal with life and the adversities that it sometimes brings. However, when we build walls and/or block negative emotions, we ALSO are blocking the good feelings like JOY! Or even low-level happiness.

Those emotions are just no longer accessible on the neuropathway that we laid down in that part of our brains. This is why we worked on laying down a completely NEW neuropathway in the brain.

And we labeled THAT pathway (or bridle path), “Equestrian Rockstar Mindset”.

On THAT neuropathway, we think and take action that is empowering and creates peak performance in all areas of our lives. Replacing the old negative and unhappy thoughts with good ones. Called happiness. That is how we rewire the brain.

New neuropathways based upon changing the identity!

And leading our thoughts and behaviors with THAT. But yes, it will FEEL like uncertainty (anything that is new). And, depending upon how you are “hard VOL. 7, NO. 3 - 2021

wired”, you either enjoy the thrill of uncertainty (because you LOVE adrenaline) and welcome it, or you LOVE certainty and “run back to your burning barn” to feel centered in your comfy chair.

This is why some people struggle to embrace the NEW NORMAL. What should feel good actually feels unsettling in some ways.

And then again, “of course it’s gone now”, says everyone, right? At least we are in control of creating certainty by staying stuck in our old ways!

Do you see what tripped up this rider? (And by the way, this DID negatively affect her horse show results that weekend.)

Why? Because the belief was that she wasn’t REALLY in control of ALL her results. Bad things, yes, but good things “just happen”. Or they don’t. (This is NOT taking personal responsibility to a whole new level!)

Sometimes, if we don’t take control (and credit) and FEEL and EMBRACE the success we created by being more empowered, we will then pick up the reins and take control so we can FEEL successful by running back to the burning barn.

Back to our certainty. Our comfy chair. After all, we are EXPERTS at executing THAT performance!

YES, I CAN create whatever results we want. The question is, can you WANT the new results of happiness and performing like a Rockstar?

“We will always remain consistent with who we believe that we are.” - Tony Robbins

This rider worked hard and kept going over to and riding on the bridle path of her new identity of the “Equestrian Rockstar”, in all areas of her life, but then staying there and showing up every day with those same success results of being a happy and empowered rider.

HALT! The thought was, “Wait, this is not me. This is not who I really am!”

Yes, it is! Or will be. If you choose to embrace it and decide to BELIEVE that is who you WILL be.

(NOT “can” be.)

The more you stay there on that path and embrace and practice that identity, you will eventually feel comfortable on that new bridle path.

And then guess what happens?

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That old bridle path, that OLD NEGATIVE AND POWERLESS VICTIM identity that you have perfected and have been “rocking”, THAT will feel uncomfortable. THAT will be the uncertainty.

And then you will avoid that bridle path like the plague that it is! And, you will gallop back to the path of being in control of showing up and feeling the happiness, and seeing the results of, rocking the “Equestrian Rockstar”!

Complete transformations are about adopting new beliefs about who we are and what we can accomplish. Then deciding we WILL accomplish it. – Nancy Dye And yes, in the beginning, we don’t REALLY believe that we can be that person or that rider, but we ALL are today where our thoughts have brought us.

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Our current results in life (or lack thereof), our identities and our beliefs, were all created by us originally. By repetitive thoughts and actions that we just kept practicing over and over.

To learn more about Nancy Dye, schedule a session, or download her book, please visit: elitelifestyletransformations.com

So, if you have the power to create “the monster”, so to speak, to create bad habits by digging deep “rabbit hole” ruts on that neuropathway of your brain, you then just simply reverse engineer and design and practice being the “Rockstar”!

Lay down a fresh, new bridle path in your brain.

Become your own IT Director and code that computer! Design and program yourself for happiness and success!

And just keep showing up as that new identity and behaving like one!

Act as if, until you become that new identity.

It’s a decision.

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Nancy Dye Equestrian Mindset Coach Strategic Interventionist EliteLifestyleTransformations.com NancyDyeSIcoach@gmail.com 561.866.0402 VOL. 7, NO. 3 - 2021

Congratulations Mark M. Hanna

author of The Horse Listener an international best-seller in six categories in seven countries.

Best seller PuBlishing A Premiere Hybrid-Publishing Company Over 1000 books launched internationally U.S.A., Canada, Mexico, England, Denmark, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Dubai, and Japan, among others Find out more

contact Bob Harpole at Bob@BestSellerPublishing.org or (626)765-5163

Part Two: Teaching a Foal to Deal with the Ever-Present Restraint that will be Present in their Lives Written by Mark M. Hanna markmhanna.com In Part One of this series, I discussed dealing with approximately 40 foals in the mare barn where I was working who were exposed to a deadly disease. These foals required their temperatures taken daily, as well as a transfusion of serum at birth and at one month of age. It was difficult to accomplish this task in a timely manner as the foals were hard to catch and handle. The foals with high temperatures risked being overlooked, possibly succumbing to a deadly bacterial disease. The foals needed to be “halter educated” rather quickly; restraining them, which brings out the foal’s natural instincts to survive. Time was wasted in this instance which led to a negative experience.

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There is a subtler approach to educating our newborn foals before an emergency such as this.

The principals involved in this educational process enable the foal to live in our world fraught with dangers. You can lengthen the process so as not to stress a foal and to have positive memories for yourself.

left : HMA Cazshablanca (Sharif El Shaklan x HMA Cazsmira) right : HMA Cazsmira (Versace x Cazsandra)

The methods discussed here, in essence, help us to unlearn our instincts as a predator to grab hold, chase and seek submission from our prey.

In Part One, I discussed the first introduction of a foal to our world. We, the responsible owner, desire for a foal to live in our world without danger that is inherent when a foal acts instinctively to the ever-present barriers.

We make a bargain with a foal to accomplish this when we bring them into our world away from theirs. The goal is to communicate to the newborn foal we are not a danger to them and through experiences with us, we teach them to react differently to their natural instincts.

The Next Step Restraint begets resistance. This restraint is ever present in a horse’s natural life as well as in our own world. The halter we use on a newborn foal restrains them from moving freely. A wall is a restraint, as well as a fence and the inside of a trailer. You can see where I am going with this. We now have a foal that is instinctively a prey animal reacting to these restraints by escaping with the fight or flight reflex.

Horses are intelligent creatures and we can help them to be safe by teaching them to Give Way. Our first lesson involved cradling the foal around the hindquarters and shoulders using a subtle control, being aware to give way ourselves when they begin to fight. We need to learn this lesson as well.

Literally, we are both learning to unlearn our natural instincts--the foal as prey and we as predators as was discussed in Part One. This cradling may be used to stimulate the foal to move forward along with your movement with our soft subtle touch as we give way when they fight to lessen that instinct.

Remember, when they begin to fight, you back off which lets the foal know you are not a predator.

A predator grabs hold, the subject fights you, tries to escape or ultimately submits. Every attempt should be made to ensure this negative experience does not happen to a newborn foal.

Remember, restraint begets resistance. You can cradle for movement in all different directions.

I often talk to the foal and congratulate them when they are doing a great job. Every small attempt is positive and should be encouraged. You will see the foal’s ears and eyes soften with feet cocked.

There are subtle signals that show stress and fear VOL. 7, NO. 3 - 2021

as well. Always look for these contrasting signs. Let the signs lead you to make the next move or to back off. A horse, being a prey animal, will look for danger. Never force a movement, but ask. When they comply, reward them, as they will then follow your lead. Therefore, the foal learns without force what you are asking them to do. You may use slight force, but judiciously.

By this time, you will have a foal that wants to be in your hands and you can move on to using a halter and a soft lead. When you place the halter on the foal’s head, you should have a halter that fits. Use the same give way attitude when you halter them for the first time. A soft approach and retreat work well. When haltered, the foal may react wildly. Do not be tempted to grab them and restrain them, they will fight harder; however, if you did a good job, they will accept the halter. Allow the foal to move on their own around the stall with monitoring as they become accustomed to the halter.

A foal can easily get their foot caught in the halter.

It is imperative the halter NOT remain on the head of an unattended foal at any time. I catch the foal again when they are quite used to that strange thing on their heads. I connect a lead rope to the halter and gently place the rope over their back starting from the left side of their head. By this time, the foal is accustomed to the touch of your cradling. I bring the rope around the right side of the foal’s 61 Arab Horse Couture

Photo by Mary Cornelius

hindquarters, go around the left side and back over the back, eventually ending up back at the right side of the foal’s head. You may now grasp the lead snap along with this end of the rope and place the crossed section that is over the foal’s back in your other hand which is like a suitcase handle. You have all sorts of control now in either direction. I softly do the same with the hindquarters rope, as if it is your hand using your own give way.

I need to define give way as related to a foal.

Moving forward, you and the foal are both giving way; however, the foal does not know the concept very well. Although you have given the foal the first part by the stimulation of movement while you were cradling, giving way to pressure when they feel it is the key. As you sense when they give way, you do the same to give them a reward of the release of pressure. This reward will be what the foal is seeking upon feeling pressure.

The natural reaction to pressure as a prey animal is to either push against you, pull away from you, run over you, or just fight you. This may cause serious injury to an uneducated horse who will get caught in a fence and pull their hoof off, or pull back when tied in a horse trailer and jump forward into the manger. A horse will run through a fence when they are being pursued by a snake that is attached to them (the halter and lead rope), when they escape from you or the board ripped off a 62 Arab Horse Couture

*Shahwan GASB (Said GASB x Sayana GASB)

fence that will follow them continually until they crash and burn through an immovable object.

This is what I am referring to as our responsibility to teach them to live in our world fraught with all these dangers.

My next step with this suitcase-like handle formed from the lead rope is to teach them to go left or right and to stop or back. I can ask the foal to move toward me as they sidestep over or away. When the foal makes a few laps in either direction of the stall, you may remove the handle and let the lead hang loose in your hand. Get down on your knee and let them explore, only restrained by the lead in your control. If they like you, they will move with you and back to you. Remember to reward them with your voice of encouragement. You will notice the soft ears and eyes, cocked legs and feet and a chewing, and maybe a little moisture dripping out of their nostrils.

I will use a wall or a corner for many purposes.

This is a great tool to use to keep a foal in control so they will not escape and have that lead rope snake follow them. I will face the foal and place slight pressure on the lead to ask them to come towards me. If they do not move forward, softly increase the pressure, being aware that too much pressure will result in the foal flipping over backwards.

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We as predators, will hang on and pull until the foal reacts like a prey animal and flips over backwards. Foals should never experience this with you. Relax when they fight you, allow them softly to return until they contact the wall. Let the foal think about it, then apply the same pressure again softly until you feel them giving way to the pressure, moving forward towards you. Instantly release the pressure and reward them with voice and release. Do this again until you obtain a consistent give way on the foal’s part. They will move a small step each time you ask them with slight pressure.

You may find some foals are aggravated by this.

These foals become bored and start to avoid or oppose you. Try not to let this happen. Anticipate it and deny it from ever happening by letting up, and coming back a little later after you give the foal some loving. If the foal understands, do not practice, but go on to the next lesson.

Your goal is to obtain a feeling as if you have a foal attached to a rope made of dental floss, where the foal will move forward with the slightest pressure.

Remember, release of pressure is the reward here.

You may ask the foal, seeking the give way method as I do. The foal will lead right back up to you with a look on their small face that says, “I’m doing good, right?” They will have that great smile with their floppy ears, cocked legs and feet and a wonderful soft look in their eyes.

You have now accomplished the foal giving way to your pressure. If they have learned their lesson, they should stand tied and not pull back. If the foal stops when you are leading them, place slight pressure until they resume their movement with you. You should almost have them moving with you with very little pressure at all.

Now ask the foal to move towards you when you are three steps to either side. You will also be able to place the lead on the opposite side. Lead them doing the same exercises the foal has learned on the other side. From the left side, place the lead over the foal’s back and around the hindquarters.

Ask the foal to give way and circle, following the lead back to your side. Now you may try this without a lead attached. Step aside on both sides and beckon the foal to come to you.

To have a foal move toward you on their own accord because they desire to is exhilarating. It will bring tears to your eyes!

You and the foal have unlearned negative reactions to your natural instincts. Hopefully, they will be safe, waiting for you to come get them VOL. 7, NO. 3 - 2021

out of their predicaments. You have become the foal’s safe haven. They are relying on you to be their partner as they are yours. You have taken your place in the herd as the leader that the foal will follow.

I mentioned that the teaching of a foal begins at conception. This is true. With the above method, I was describing the first lesson of a foal’s life that will allow them to live in our world successfully along with us, their partners.

With my prior position in the mare barn, I used the above principles with two, one-hour sessions the next foaling season. I was determined to never duplicate my efforts, taking hours to catch and take temperatures of vulnerable foals in danger of succumbing to a deadly disease. After their lessons, these foals were easy to catch and administer to.

I would go out to visit these foals and they would come running over to greet me. Whereas, I was met with avoidance from the foal crop of the previous year.

While working in the mare barn, a filly caught my eye. She was one of the two most difficult foals to catch outside. This was a precocious little Arabian filly sired by Versace (an Arabian horse breeding stallion). The other was a beautiful Arabian filly that sold for $450,000 USD. These two fillies would eventually yield and let us work with them. The trainer who had the task of preparing the latter filly required me to catch her for free longeing as he was too brash. This trainer later told me that I had ruined their show horses that particular year as they were too friendly. During this particular time frame, I learned the friendly trait was not desirable in a show horse. I strongly say the contrary.

A happy horse will exhibit their spirit more freely than a frightened horse roused to show their fight and flight instinct as a desired trait. Mine is an opposite approach resulting in an educated foal from the time of conception. A foal that is also trainable and has a marvelous temperament.

The precocious Arabian filly was the one I eventually purchased at auction. This filly had my training foundation on her and she remains the love of my life. I was attracted to her spunk, but her desire to please me outweighed her bravado. She was among ten yearlings I prepared for the trainer who made the final selection for either the show ring or the auction. My filly, HMA Cazsmira (Versace x Cazsandra), was one of those chosen to go to auction. Following my purchase of this filly, I moved back to Oregon where her education continued.

This filly would see me only two times per week for a total of six hours. I was a truck driver and could only see her coming and going on my way to and from Los Angeles. The foundation I placed on “Caz” 63 Arab Horse Couture

was sufficient to The continue her education. I was becoming aware of my ability to see the thoughts of horses in pictures and my growth in bringing up my horses to become a partner was expanding as well.

Soon after my move to Oregon, I was recruited to be the Equine Director at Arivaca Boys Ranch in Arizona. Caz and her stablemate accompanied me there. They were with me for seven hours a day during the education of the boys at the ranch. The learning was facilitated with the use of the tools that the Parelli Institute had donated to the ranch. We devoured those lessons together and Caz grew in her abilities for both freestyle (bridleless) liberty and riding for two years while I was employed at Arivaca Boys Ranch. She learned to work with me without a halter in everything I did with her. Her education, temperament and trainability were where I wanted her to be when she was to become the dam of my Sharif El Shaklan (Sanadik El Shaklan x Amurath Saratoga) foal.

One particular day, I rode her bareback with a halter and lead rope to the veterinarian where she was bred using artificial insemination. The following day, she was trailered to the veterinarian and bred again. After her breeding, I left to go back to Arivaca Boys Ranch.

I was so sensitive to this mare that the next day as we stood in the round pen, I knew the exact moment she conceived her foal. I began hugging her belly and speaking to the future foal. As time passed, this soon to be born filly learned to sense me as I visited her similarly in utero speaking to her.

When I approached the dam, the foal would start wiggling inside when she sensed me. Spiritually, we were very close. This continued on until her birth.

It is my opinion that a foal inherits their mother’s learning, temperament and trainability. They even have the ability of that knowledge, similar to a foal who can outrun a predator soon after birth. Except this filly had amazing abilities, unlike other foals.

She knew me right away. I did not have to give her a halter lesson similar to what her mother received from me. She accepted a halter and would give way instantly. She would lead by the foot of either leg and never pulled back. As well, the filly would tie at once. She could drag a lead rope attached from her halter and not react as if it were a snake. All of the things a foal would do as a prey animal were not present.

Being with this filly was amazing to experience. I was able to groom, bathe and trim her feet without a halter. The filly was ridden with only a string from as early as two years old, without a struggle.

My abilities, as well as her experiences passed on 64 Arab Horse Couture

through her mother, contributed to a partnership that is still growing.

You may know this filly as “Cazsha”, HMA Cazshablanca (Sharif El Shaklan x HMA Cazsmira).

I practically had to teach her how to be a horse before she could live in a horse’s world as she was so easily trainable. This filly’s temperament is wonderful. She is the future dam of the stallion Dazshtan, son of my deceased imported Marbach German stallion *Shahwan GASB (Said GASB x Sayana GASB). Both stallions I write about in my book, “Dazshtan, Shahwan’s Legacy”, the second book in the trilogy, yet to be completed. Cazsha is the model for the character RA Inshallah, the filly given as a gift from the Sheikh RA Ammerri to Mike as he rode HMA Shahwanyssa (*Shahwan GASB x Valencia ES) through the desert searching for the perfect Arabian horse. Dazshtan and her full sister Kadijah Bint Shahwan (*Shahwan GASB x Amun Kaishaga GASB) will experience adventures together in the next installment of “The Horse Listener” trilogy.

“Dazshtan, Shahwan’s Legacy”, will be released in the Spring of 2022. “Preserving the Bloodlines”, the third book in the trilogy, soon thereafter.

Educating a foal from the time of conception is a possibility and a reality. It takes time and effort and may have pitfalls along the way, but the benefits are worth it. You have horses that will make you and everyone exposed to them happy to live with us as they have done for thousands of years in partnership with their benefactors in the desert. This is my definition of heaven on earth, along with the creations of our Creator God, “the horse” and especially for me, the Arabian horse.

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About Mark M. Hanna I was not unlike many other young boys or girls who were infatuated by and dreamed about the horse. My suburban home in Inglewood, California adjacent to Hollywood Park Race Track beckoned me. From the proximity of my bedroom windows, I could hear the starting bells, the cheering crowds and pounding hooves that at the time was only accessed by my imagination and the book “The Black Stallion”. My youthful exuberance towards horses finally convinced my big sister who relented, taking me to the morning workouts at the track. The strangely familiar smells and ambiance with the horses emerging out of the morning fog on the track convinced me that horses were about to dominate my life.

I was an angry young man after losing my father at the age of six. My name rhymed with banana and I had very kinky curly hair. I was relentlessly teased. The only way I could cope with these conditions was to overcompensate with every aspect of my life. My athletics became my way out of this dilemma. I was a very clumsy youth and soon with my brother’s help, I developed into a strong dominating competitor. Even with this compensation, I still experienced the teasing. I became a very controlling person. An innate voice continued to occupy my head. I had been taught by my mother to be a caring, kind and courageous person who was not afraid to be true to myself. Even with this instilled motivation, my anger and controlling nature would affect my dealings with the love of my life, the Arabian horse.

My dreams came true with the building of my own Arabian horse ranch that was populated with the precious horses I dreamed about so often in the books by Walter Farley. I realized, after many years of following the Arabian horse across the country, that my anger was my downfall. I followed a dominating form of training that included intimidation and fear to elicit the beautiful movement and attractive traits that the Arabian horse was known for.

After my beloved young stallion, during a training session reached out and bit me savagely, I realized what I was doing wrong to the horses that I loved so much. I experienced an epiphany after that experience that launched me onto a path 180 degrees from the submission I sought from my horses.

I immediately understood the innate small voice I heard from my youth to be kind, have VOL. 7, NO. 3 - 2021

the courage and be true to myself. I was fighting against and ignoring this counsel to my disadvantage. There was another way to achieve a horse’s cooperation without force or submission. I embarked on a search for the answer. My belief in the Divine Creator God and the mentorship of influential horsemen throughout the world has led me to an understanding that there is another path to follow when becoming a partner with your horse.

There is a message of redemption for souls who have lost their way: Get up when you fall and never give up. Never fail to follow your dreams. Failure is just a step on the path. The “realist” sees his path, the “dreamer” has already been there on that path.

I want to attribute to my soulmate, the Arabian stallion *Shahwan GASB, also my good friend Darik Anderson who helped change my life. The strong and gentle character they exhibited that beckoned me on a journey toward becoming a “Horse Listener”. For a horse whispers to us and we become the listener. And to my mentors Frederic Pignon and Magali Delgado, the cofounders of Cavalia who are, in my opinion, the finest and most sensitive horse people in the world.

My motivation for embarking on this path in life is based upon my desire to help change the culture of force and submission that exists to the detriment of our horses. My desire is to guide the youth and new horsemen/horsewomen in the world to embark on a path different from mine when beginning a life with the horse of their dreams, especially the majestic Arabian horse. shahwanamar@yahoo.com 65 Arab Horse Couture