Aachen 2016, published in AHT Abroad by Arabian Horse Times

p u C s n o i t a ll N

Aachen

The Magic Of

by SUSANNE BÖSCHE

c h easn a town, is a place where a A there is no doubt about its historical significance, or of its current utmost importance in the Arabian world. When S eptember draws to an end and colorful autumn knocks on the door, the All Nations Cup brings magic to the town.

Just like the incomparable and beautiful British actress Audrey Hepburn, when she came to the film set of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” everybody felt the sparkling magic. Like a performance of the Cirque du Soleil, the ANC unfolds its own fascination and is a tribute to graceful, athletic Arabian horses and their breeders’ passion. O nce the presentation of the horses starts, you easily feel the special excitement that only the All Nations Cup offers. Remember the great, unforgettable moments when heroes like Emigrantka, Kubinec, Dorsator, Piligrim, Zagrobla or Vodolje, appeared in the arena, who stood for a second, a minor hesitation only, and than moved like no one else; accompanied by the sound of thundering applause by the audience. It is a “must see” destination: there is fun and fascination, there is music and there are emotions. There are points to be given and there are classes and championships to be won. We unfold a tiny bit of this magic in our special All Nations Cup chapter. We honor six worldwide influential breeders, who were and are important to the show, and highlight more “Equine Annals” of Aachen. Also, enjoy enj the All Nations Cup from the past through the lenses of photographers from all over the world, among them a special tribute to late Erwin Escher and Irina Filsinger, who both left us forever, and memorable moments from those from inside the arena, the handlers; as well as breeders and enthusiasts from all over the globe. Let the show begin! A HT A BROA D

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The The Annals Annals OfOf Aachen: Aachen: AllAll Equine Equine by SUSANNE by SUSANNE BÖSCHE BÖSCHE

“World-class “World-class sport and sport spectacular and spectacular shows in shows an emotional in an emotional and unforgettable and unforgettable atmosphere atmosphere surrounded surrounded by history” by history” … this … means this Aachen means Aachen to horsetopeople, horse people, and notand necessarily not necessarily to Arabian to Arabian horse people. horse people. AachenAachen has a long has history a long history and wasand a residence was a residence of Charlemagne; of Charlemagne; and later andthe later the co co place for coronation coronation place German for German kings. While kings. Aachen While Aachen becamebecame an important an important place inplace in the Middle the Middle Ages, itAges, lost its it lost power its by power the by endthe of end 16thofcentury. 16th century. What’s What’s left are left are historichistoric sites like sites Aachen like Aachen Cathedral, Cathedral, the oldest the one oldest in one northern in northern Europe.Europe. The The Emperor Emperor Charlemagne Charlemagne orderedordered its construction its construction in 796 in AD796 andAD is aand partis of a part the of the UNESCO UNESCO World World Heritage Heritage Site nowadays. Site nowadays. The cathedral The cathedral saw thesaw coronation the coronation of of thirty German thirty German kings and kings twelve and twelve queens.queens. In modern In modern times, Aachen times, Aachen is the city is the of city of coronation coronation for equine for equine kings and kings queens. and queens. Since 1987, Since Arabian 1987, Arabian horse enthusiasts horse enthusiasts tra tra the for travel for travel All the Nations All Nations Cup toCup Aachen to Aachen Soers on Soers the on lastthe weekend last weekend of September. of September. But theBut Equine the Equine Annals Annals of Aachen of Aachen have anhave evenanlonger even longer history.history. The first The horse first horse show was show held wasinheld 1924, in organized 1924, organized by the by Aachen-Laurensberger the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein Rennverein society society from 1898. from Soon 1898.the Soon society the society permanently permanently organized organized the CHIO the CHIO (Concours (Concours Hippique Hippique International International Officiel), Officiel), a Nations a Nations Cup event Cupinevent different in different disciplines: disciplines: dressage, dressage, eventing, eventing, four-in-hand-driving four-in-hand-driving and show andjumping; show jumping; meanwhile meanwhile they also they also offer vaulting. offer vaulting. According According to the International to the International Federation Federation for Equestrian for Equestrian Sports Sports rules (FEI), rules each (FEI),country each country may only maystage onlyone stage Nations one Nations Cup event Cupinevent eachinhorse each horse spo discipline. spo discipline. sport sport AachenAachen offers all offers in one all in andone became and became the most theprestigious most prestigious horse horse show inshow Europe in Europe in extraordinary in extraordinary stadiums, stadiums, also known also known as “World as “World Equestrian Equestrian Festival.” Festival.”

photo: A.Steindl

World-class World-class equestrian equestrian sport meets sport up meets withupa very with special a very special atmosphere atmosphere in Aachen. in Aachen. Every year Every around year around 350,000 350,000 spectators spectators and 500and journalists 500 journalists and photographers and photographers from from all overall theover globe thecome globetocome the CHIO to the CHIO at Aachen at Aachen Soers, which Soers, offers which the offers perfect the perfect combination combination of tradition of tradition and innovation. and innovation. Moreover, Moreover, it is a meeting it is a meeting point for point for celebrities celebrities of politics, of politics, economy economy and show andbiz. show This biz.year This Sweden year Sweden was thewas partner the partner countrycountry and theand Swedish the Swedish royal couple, royal couple, their Majesties their Majesties Queen Queen Silvia and Silvia King andCarl King Carl XVI Gustaf, XVI Gustaf, attended attended the Opening the Opening Ceremony. Ceremony. Many famous Many famous guests also guests recently also recently visited visited the event, the like event, thelike bossthe of boss football of football club FCclub Bayern, FC Bayern, Karl-Heinz Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Rummenigge, or TV stars or TVlike stars Simon like Simon HelbergHelberg from the from successful the successful U.S. sitcom U.S. sitcom “The Big “The Bang BigTheory.” Bang Theory.” No wonder No wonder AachenAachen was selected was selected to hostto thehost 2006 theWorld 2006 World Equestrian Equestrian Games,Games, adding adding vaulting, vaulting, reiningreining and endurance and endurance competitions competitions to the traditional to the traditional event. Of event. Of course,course, ArabianArabian horses competed horses competed successfully successfully in endurance in endurance on a demanding on a demanding course course throughthrough Germany, Germany, Netherlands Netherlands and Belgium. and Belgium. It was Miguel It was Miguel Vila Ubach Vila Ubach from from Spain on Spain his Babolna-bred on his Babolna-bred Shagya Shagya ArabianArabian Hungares, Hungares, who crossed who crossed the finish the line finish line first in first pouring in pouring rain after rainnine afterhours, nine hours, his arms hisoutstretched arms outstretched as if to as embrace if to embrace the the whole world. whole world. Two ladies Two from ladiesFrance from France on Arabian on Arabian horses garnered horses garnered silver and silver bronze and bronze ensu ensu and ensured and ensured the French the French team gold. team gold. Like the Like All the Nations All Nations Cup, the Cup, Aachen the Aachen CHIO CHIO was andwas willand be will celebrated be celebrated like a like a huge festival. huge festival. There are There notare only notsporting, only sporting, but alsobut emotional also emotional highlights. highlights. And in And in the horse thescene, horse Aachen scene, Aachen has established has established itself asitself “the as place “thetoplace be.” to be.”

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photo: A.Steindl

photo: M.Strauch

photo: A.Steindl

photo: M.Strauch

photo: A.Steindl

photo: M.Strauch

photo: A.Steindl

all photos: H.Schacht

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Breeder Profile: There is no question that Judith Forbis is a trendsetter. From the time of her earliest forays to Egypt to acquire her foundation stock, she did something no one in the Arabian business had done to that point. She “branded” her program; she created a mystique to capture the attention of the public. That included everything from adopting the wearing of a turban, which became part of her iconic persona, to adding the word “Ansata” as a prefix of every homebred horse’s name, leaving no doubt as to where their roots lay. Both the full name of the farm p and the Ansata prefix are registered U.S. trademarks. Judi Forbis added the Ansata prefix to the names of the first three yearlings that she imported to America from Egypt; Ansata Bint Mabrouka, Ansata Bint Zaafarana, and the incomparable Ansata Ibn Halima, and she created the Ansata brand around them. Judi invented branding long before anyone else in the industry followed suit.

Judi is a visionary, she’s a wonderfully gifted writer, she’s a successful author. She is also a great breeder, she’s a great friend, and she has great friends in turn. Judi is a passionate person and she’s a business woman. She understands Arabian type, she understands the word “classic,” and she knows how to marry them together with the best of results. She has always been a step ahead of the pack, locating horses that were not always on the public’s radar and adding new blood to Ansata Arabian Stud. We salute Judith Forbis as the wonderful human that she is, the legenda breeder that she is, the great treasure that she is. It is through her legendary passion and dedication there exists the Arabian horse with the “Ansata look.”

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Breeder Profile: Breeder Profile: “A girl “A should girl should be two be things: two things: classy and classy fabulous,” and fabulous,” famousfamous fashionfashion designer designer Coco Chanel Coco Chanel once said. onceIt said. describes It describes exactly exactly MarietaMarieta Salas, and Salas, notand only nother, only buther, alsobut heralso breeding her breeding program. program. Since the Since firstthe time firstI met timeher, I met I was her,completely I was completely captured captured by her by charisma, her charisma, and and you canyou seecan the see same thecharisma same charisma in her horses. in her horses. There isThere an old is an saying, old saying, "Birds "Birds of a feather of a feather flock together," flock together," and it isand true. it isEspecially true. Especially if you talk if you about talk Marieta about Marieta and herand horses! her horses! She She selectedselected for notfor only notbeautiful only beautiful and classy, and but classy, alsobut charismatic also charismatic horses, horses, with big with eyesbig and eyes a and a temperament temperament that only thatSpanish only Spanish blood offers. blood They offers.are They notare only notclassy only ... classy but fabulous. ... but fabulous.

Salas can Salas easily canbe easily called be the called worldwide the worldwide ambassador ambassador of Spanish of Spanish ArabianArabian blood- bloodlines. Lately, lines. Lately, she wisely she selected wisely selected some marvelous some marvelous stallions stallions for an outcross for an outcross on her on her SpanishSpanish broodmares, broodmares, and theand result the has result been hasjust been amazing. just amazing. One ofOne theseofstallions these stallions is the influential is the influential MarwanMarwan Al Shaqab. Al Shaqab. MarietaMarieta was a first was a first who believed who believed in him in and him took andthe took notthe even nottwo-year-old even two-year-old bay coltbay into colt herinto little her little paradiseparadise in Mallorca. in Mallorca. Inside her Inside farm herSes farm Planes, Ses Planes, MarietaMarieta gave him gave thehim firstthe first mares. mares. This was This thewas starting the starting point for point an outrageous, for an outrageous, globallyglobally influential influential breeding breeding career. career. Although Although MarwanMarwan was notwas thenot only theone, onlyMarieta one, Marieta did something did something similar similar also with alsoKhidar with Khidar and ZTand Magnanimus. ZT Magnanimus.

Ses Planes Ses Planes horses are horses famous are famous aroundaround the word theasword the most as thebeautiful, most beautiful, not only notforonly for their type, theirbut type, alsobut foralso their forbalanced their balanced body, unbelievable body, unbelievable movement movement and show and show attitude. attitude. Salas created Salas created international international champions champions that won that titles wonontitles all continents; on all continents; too too many tomany name. to name. It is recommended It is recommended that you that visit you Marieta visit Marieta Salas’ farm, Salas’Ses farm, Planes, Ses Planes, to take to in take her in her magnificent magnificent horses and horses feeland thefeel magic the of magic this of Spanish this Spanish treasuretreasure for yourself. for yourself. What What else is there else istothere say? to Marieta say? Marieta Salas isSalas a spectacular is a spectacular womanwoman who dedicates who dedicates her entire her entire life to the life Arabian to the Arabian horse. You horse. canYou seecan in them see inall them the all lovethe that love shethat putssheinto puts herinto her breeding breeding program. program.

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Breeder Profile: Breeder Profile: “She decided “She decided to free to herself, free herself, dance into dancetheinto wind, the create wind, a create new language. a new language. And birds Andfluttered birds fluttered aroundaround her, writing her, writing ‘yes’ into ‘yes’theinto sky.” the~sky.” Monique ~ Monique Duval Duval When IWhen visitedI visited Haras Meia HarasLua Meia forLua the for firstthe time firstintime 2011, in I2011, finallyI finally understood understood the wonder the wonder Mary felt Mary felt when she when discovered she discovered the keythe to the key Secret to the Garden. Secret Garden. Even the Even name, the Haras name, Meia HarasLua, Meiaconjures Lua, conjures images images of sprites of sprites riding on riding moonbeams on moonbeams and nymphs and nymphs dancingdancing on dewon drops. dew drops. “Shhh…,” “Shhh…,” they whisper. they whisper. “Listen...” “Listen...” The term The“half-moon” term “half-moon” derives derives from the from Latin theword Latincrescere word crescere which means which “to means grow.” “to grow.” In a world In a of world of farms ruthlessly farms ruthlessly chiseledchiseled from the from native the land nativeand land so and perfectly so perfectly manicured manicured they rival theySt.rival Andrews, St. Andrews, Haras Meia HarasLua Meia stands Lua out stands simply out simply becausebecause she blends she blends in. in. Thirty-five Thirty-five years ago, years Lenita ago, Lenita Perroy Perroy founded founded Haras Meia HarasLua Meia with Luathe with intent the that intent “beauty that “beauty would would be the first be the priority.” first priority.” Since then, Sinceitthen, has become it has become a part of a part the land of thearound land around it—nestling it—nestling in and in and reflecting reflecting the native the beauty native beauty of Brazil of like Brazil moonlight like moonlight on water. on water. Shhh…Shhh… listen…listen… The native The trees nativebrush trees curling brush curling tendrilstendrils over herover walls herlike walls a finger like a down fingeradown lover’sa cheek. lover’s cheek. FlowersFlowers bloom bloom in a vivid in acascade vivid cascade of colorofand color texture. and texture. When you When turn youa corner, turn a corner, a whitea stallion white stallion waits inwaits a in a lush field lushoffield green, of or green, a group or a of group mares of appear mares appear from over from a rise over… a rise like … magic. like magic. S hhh…S hhh… listen…listen… And then Andthere thenisthere the woman is the woman herself.herself. Much like Much thelike moon, the moon, Lenita Lenita quietly quietly reflectsreflects the the beauty beauty of the world of the around world around her. her. But don’t Butbedon’t fooled be fooled into mistaking into mistaking her calm herfor calm placidity. for placidity. There’sThere’s steel under steel the under quiet. the quiet. DuringDuring the most therepressive most repressive years ofyears the military of the military regime regime that ruled thatBrazil ruled from Brazil1964 fromto1964 to 1985, Lenita 1985, Lenita was thewas only thewoman only woman filmmaker filmmaker to receive to receive production production assistance assistance from from Embrafilme Embrafilme (Empresa (Empresa Brasileiro Brasileiro de Filmes) de Filmes) to produce to produce her second her second feature-length feature-length 35mm 35mm film, Afilm, Noiva A da Noiva Noite da (The NoiteNight (The Bride, Night Bride, 1974). 1974). Whether Whether it is horses, it is horses, art, film, beauty—and its creation—is its creation—is at the heart at theofheart who of shewho is. she is. a or art, afilm,orbeauty—and All youAll have youtohave do istolisten... do is listen... A HT A BROA D

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Breeder Profile: For over 40 years, Count Federico Zichy-Thyssen was a breeder of beauty. He had an eye for it, and it was the cornerstone of his world-famous breeding program at Zichy-Thyssen Arabians in Argentina. Regardless of what the fad of the day may have been, Count Federico kept a crystal image of his ideal horse … and brought in whatever blood it took to create it. He loved the elegance of the Gainey foundation stallions and used Gaffizon and others in the early years. He had a skill for mixing various strains to create something of a hybrid, similar to the way Wayne Newton established his program. Count ZT was often described as “larger than life” by friends and fellow breeders. He loved his horses and took great pleasure in riding across the thousands of acres of his Argentinian rancho. He loved showing and racing, and he loved steeplechasing!

Count Federico also developed a deep interest in straight Egyptian horses. He bought a number of horses from Imperial Egyptian Stud and also leased and purchased many horses from Ansata Arabian Stud, including the herd sire, Ansata Ibn Bukra and a half-interest in the splendid stallion and sire, Ansata Shah Zaman. In addition to excellent stallions, he had mares that carried strong female lines, such as those of the magnificent Serenity Sonbolah. His collection of horses were all great beauties. Walking into the barn and seeing them all was a bit like opening an amazing Avedon coffee table book of the most glamorous women in the world; each one more beautiful than the next. Great beauties, great horses. Like a mystical alchemist, Count ZT knew exactly what ingredients he needed and just how to blend them to create the “Zichy-Thyssen Arabian.” The ZT brand was a brand of excellence. Count Federico Zichy-Thyssen will continue to be profoundly remembered by all who knew him.

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ANC - Through the lens of ...

Erwin Escher

Koronec 1995

Emira 2002

Piechur 1995

SHF Pearlie Mae 1995

Lobek

Al Adeed Al Shaqab 2002

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e 2002

Emmona 2009

MCA Magnum MCA Gold Magnum 2010 Gold 2010

Pianissima 2008 Pianissima 2008

Este

em 2 009

Al Lahab 2009

Georgia 2009

Este

Al Lahab 2009

Georgia 2009

Abha OpalinaAbha 2010Opalina 2010

Marwan Al Shaqab Marwan2008 Al Shaqab 2008

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Calbar Arabians 2012

Escape Ibn Navarrone D 2005

Pianissima 2004

Calbar Arabians 2012

Escape Ibn Navarrone D 2005

WH Justice 2004

Eternity Ibn Navarrone D and Dakharo 2004

Melanie Melanie Groger Groger

Al Adeed Al Shaqab Al Adeed2002 Al Shaqab 2002

Majeedah CFMajeedah 2012 CF 2012

Shaklina 2013 Shaklina 2013

Emandoria 2013 Emandoria 2013

KB Zento 2014 KB Zento 2014

Pilgrim 2011Pilgrim 2011

Henrike Henrike Hรถrmann Hรถrmann

Abha Qatar 2013

Alexxander 2015 Alexxander 2015

Piacolla 2015

Marshan 2015 Marshan 2015

Glenn Glenn Jacobs Jacobs

010 010 er 2 er 2 ass ass N N l l rA rA the the Mon Mon

Joanna Joanna Jonientz Jonientz Imperial Baarez Imperial 2008 Baarez 2008

FS Magnum’sFSMadonna Magnum’s andMadonna Abha Palma and Abha 2008 Palma 2008

FS Magnum’s Madonna 2008

Marwan Al Shaqab 2008

FS Magnum’sFSMadonna Magnum’s 2008 Madonna 2008

Marwan Al Shaqab Marwan2008 Al Shaqab 2008

EmandorissaEmandorissa 2013 2013

ES Harir 2015 ES Harir 2015 Kwestura 2014 Kwestura 2014

Ede

nC 201 4

Patria 2013 Patria 2013 nC 201 4

Etnodrons Psyche 2012 Calbar Arabians 2012

Marshan 2012 Marshan 2012

Ede

Etnodrons Psyche 2012 Calbar Arabians 2012

PIM PIM Photogra Photogra phy phy

20 13bi da ye r 20 13 da ye r nz Al Ka nz Al bi Ka

P I MP I M

20 12 G ol d 20 12 G ol d ag nu m CA M nu m M CA M ag M

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Riyan Riyan Rivero Rivero

DS hah

DS hah la 2 la 2 014 014

Kwestura 2014

Eden C 2014

Javan Javan Schaller Schaller

Linda Linda Svensso Svensso nn EKS Alihandro EKS 2013 Alihandro 2013

Nesj

Nesj El Ju El Ju de 2 de 2 013 013

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Essteema 2013

Poganin 2013

Shanghai EAShanghai 2013 EA 2013

Perfinka 2013 FM Gloriaa 2013

Etnologia 2013

Perfinka 2013 FM Gloriaa 2013

Etnologia 2013

Marilyn Marilyn Sweet Sweet

Marshan 2013 Marshan 2013 Sharahm 2013 Sharahm 2013

Equator 2015Equator 2015

Swe Swe et et AJA JustifiedAJA 2015 Justified 2015

April April Visel Visel FT Shaella 2012 FT Shaella 2012

Etn

olog

Etn olog ia 2 ia 2 013 013

2012 Gold 2012 Gold Magnum MCA Magnum MCA

Jasmeenah 2009 CR Jasmeenah CR 2009 Eden C 2009Eden C 2009 Abha Qatar 2013 Abha Qatar 2013 2012 Alihandro 2012 EKS Alihandro EKS

Marshan 2015

MCA Magnum MCA Gold Magnum 2012 Gold 2012 1st - 3rd Place 1st Michalow - 3rd Place 2010 Michalow 2010 Emmona, Zagrobla Emmona, andZagrobla Palmira and Palmira

w 2010 Palmira

Marquis and Marquis and Marajj 2011 Marajj 2011

El Dorada 2012

Irina Irina Filsinger Filsinger

Jus

tice

WH 201

Jus

tice

Eden C and Sandhiran Eden C and2009 Sandhiran 2009

Fakhr Al Khalediah Fakhr Al2012 Khalediah 2012

QR Marc andQR Marc and 2012 Abha Abha Qatar 2012 Qatar

201

Elandra 2009 Emmona 2009

Al Milan 2010

QR Marc and MCA Magnum Gold 2010

Poganin 2012

AJ Siyadah 2012

El Dorada 2012

Espano Estopa 2010 AJ Ayad 2012

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Curious Question Aachen is special and so are you! What special moments do you have from the All Nations Cup in Aachen, Germany? James Swaenepoel Aachen is the best collection of Arabian horses together. Also, the winners are respected from breeders worldwide. It’s not easy to win Aachen, but no matter who owns or shows the horse, your homebred Arabian can win it. We had the luck of seeing AS Natsir Apal, SA Misha Apal, Psytadel, AS Shahwan, Pristinia, and FM Gloriaa win classes or championships. The show has its own All Nations Cup committee and makes decisions for the horses and only the horses.

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani with SA Misha Apal

Jane Fraser-Brown MBE For me, Aachen is the finest Arabian horse show in the world. A breeders showcase encompassing all that is professional, well organized and a delight to attend. I remember so well the days before, when grooms slept above their precious charges in the wonderful stables that are Aachen. Over the years, many changes—all progressive—have been for the better. The atmosphere is also unrivaled at any other horse show. My personal finest memory was when my two-year-colt achieved second place here in 2008. Orion OS is a thrice World Top Ten, but for me, Aachen was our finest moment. I have rarely missed an All Nations Cup, and if I could go to only one Arabian show a year, my choice would always be Aachen.

Orion OS

April Visel I love Aachen because it's so intimate! The VIP seats sit close to level with the horses so you can feel the energy and see the veins through their skin! The stands are always full and the energy is amazing! All of that is just icing on the cake, because the quality of horses at the show is stellar. I always looked forward to the mare classes when Poland would attend—it was impossible to pick a winner out of 15 gorgeous white mares, and the energy from the crowds was palpable!

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Santiago Santiago Fornieles Fornieles Although Although I haveI never have never been to been thetoAll the Nations All Nations Cup, there Cup, there are are two moments two moments in the in history the history of theof show the show that I that would I would have loved have loved to be to present be present for. One for. was One Michael was Michael Byatt Byatt riding riding Marwan Marwan to to victory, victory, giving giving a master a master class class of horsemanship, of horsemanship, but also but also showing showing the world the world that you thatcan yoube can the bemost the most impressive impressive show show horsehorse of theoflast thedecade last decade and also andbe also kind beenough kind enough to be to ridden be ridden on bareback. on bareback. That was Thatawas clear a message clear message to theto world, the world, and was and was more more than epic. than epic. Also, Also, being being Argentinean, Argentinean, I would I would have loved have loved seeingseeing my flag my flying flag flying high with high every with every ZT bred ZT bred horsehorse winning winning there.there. ZT Shakjamara, ZT Shakjamara, ZT Faaiq, ZT Faaiq, ZT Shakfantasy, ZT Shakfantasy, ZT Shaksing ZT Shaksing and ZT and Sharuby ZT Sharuby ... they ... came they came from the from other the other side of side theof world the world and won; and that’s won; that’s a proud a proud moment moment for me! for me!

ZT Sharuby ZT Sharuby

Lenita Lenita Perroy Perroy To me, ToAachen me, Aachen is the is best the show best show in Europe in Europe for many for many reasons. reasons. All the All most the most important important and up-and-coming and up-and-coming horses horses are are present, present, all theallcontenders the contenders for that for year’s that year’s WorldWorld ChampionChampionship. ship. You are Youable are to able gettoclose get close to thetohorses the horses in theinarena, the arena, collecting collecting arena arena and atand theat in the gate. in gate. You can You walk canaround walk around freely freely so you socan yousee canany seehorse any horse you wish, you wish, up close. up close. To meTo this meisthis a is a great great pleasure, pleasure, for most for most horses horses present present are of are excellent of excellent quality. quality. The show The show is alsoisvery alsowell very organized, well organized, the classes the classes start start on time on and timethey and are theyfinished are finished in a timely in a timely and speedy and speedy fashion. fashion. You don’t You don’t have to have wait to long wait to long see tothe seemarks the marks for the forhorse the horse that just that showed just showed and the andmusic the music is superb. is superb. It is the It is“go-to” the “go-to” show show every every year! year! Imperdivel! Imperdivel!

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Curious Curious Question Question AachenAachen is special is special and soand are so you! areWhat you! special What special moments moments do youdo have you have from the from Allthe Nations All Nations Cup inCup Aachen, in Aachen, Germany? Germany? Nils Ismer Nils Ismer My Aachen My Aachen story story started started 30 years 30 years ago; at ago; that at time that it time it was the was European the European Championships Championships and I showed and I showed my first my first horsehorse ever. ever. It wasIt the wasmare the mare Mashoura, Mashoura, who was who later was later European European Reserve Reserve Champion Champion Mare.Mare. But that But year, that year, she she won her wonclass her class in a tie in with a tie four with other four other maresmares which which all all had the hadsame the same points! points! Still, this Still,moment this moment means means a lot to a lot to me, as me, it was as itthe was beginning the beginning of all of myall show my show enthusiasm. enthusiasm. Every Every time Itime come I come back to back Aachen, to Aachen, this special this special feelingfeeling made made by memories, by memories, gives gives me goosebumps. me goosebumps. Through Through the the years,years, there there have always have always been special been special moments moments made made by by special special horses: horses: Kubinec, Kubinec, Gips, Gips, an endless an endless list oflist Polish of Polish maresmares â&#x20AC;Ś Theâ&#x20AC;Śsparkling The sparkling atmosphere atmosphere these these horses horses give to give to us is usnowhere is nowhere in the in world the world more more explosive, explosive, more more touching, touching, more more breathtaking, breathtaking, than than in Aachen. in Aachen. But But Aachen Aachen is notisonly notaonly horse a horse show.show. Aachen Aachen is a show is a show for for horses. horses. It is the It isperfect the perfect place place in theincentre the centre of Europe of Europe with perfect with perfect conditions conditions for the for biggest the biggest event event in thein the industry. industry. Everybody Everybody is there, is there, and everybody and everybody loves loves to be to be there!there! Today, Today, Aachen Aachen still provides still provides this special this special feeling, feeling, but also, but it also, is like it is a like tower a tower of fairness of fairness combined combined with the with the highest highest qualityquality of beautiful of beautiful Arabian Arabian horses horses from all from over all over the world! the world! Aachen Aachen is theisArabian the Arabian HorseHorse Show!Show! For me, For me, it feels it like feels coming like coming back to back my to own myhome own home every every time I time go I go there!there! See you Seeinyou Aachen! in Aachen!

Gips

Bruce Bruce McCrea McCrea The All The Nations All Nations Cup Cup has has always always been been one one of my of my favorite favorite shows! shows! Aachen Aachen is a is a great great city city with with a great a great venue. venue. ThereThere is always is always a lot a lot of excitement of excitement in that inarena! that arena! I I first judged first judged there there in 1995 in 1995 and loved and loved it. Since it. Since then, then, we we have have shownshown there there most most every every year and year have and have always always had good had good success. success. I thinkI think it it is always is always one of one the of most the most fair and fair honest and honest showsshows we we attend. attend. Some Some of my of favorite my favorite memories memories would would be with be with Abha Abha Qatar. Qatar. He was He Junior was Junior Champion Champion in 2007 in 2007 on his on his way to way the to European the European Triple Triple Crown. Crown. In 2013 In 2013 he came he came back to back winto Senior win Senior Champion Champion Stallion. Stallion. GreatGreat honors honors and and great great memories! memories!

Karin Johnson Karin Johnson McCrea,McCrea, Abha Qatar, Abha Qatar, HRH Prince HRHAbdullah Prince Abdullah Bin Fahad Bin AlFahad Saud Al Saud and Bruce and McCrea Bruce McCrea

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Curious Curious Question Question AachenAachen is special is special and soand are so you! areWhat you! special What special moments moments do youdo have you have from the from Allthe Nations All Nations Cup inCup Aachen, in Aachen, Germany? Germany? Elisa Elisa Grassi Grassi No question, No question, my very my very favorite favorite Aachen Aachen moment moment was the was the standing standing ovation ovation for WH for Justice WH Justice after after winning winning Gold Gold with with Frank.Frank. Everybody Everybody on their on feet theirfor feet him for … him it was … itawas truea"goosetrue "goosebumps" bumps" moment moment for me, forand me,I and am sure, I am sure, for many for many others others as as well. well.

WH Justice WH Justice

Janina Janina Merz Merz My favorite My favorite Aachen Aachen memory memory is when is when WH Justice WH Justice came came into the into ring the ring the year the that year he that was he Champion was Champion Stallion. Stallion. It wasIt such was an such incredible an incredible entrance, entrance, I can still I can imagine still imagine it and italmost and almost hear the hear Aachen the Aachen song as song I as I write write this! He this! was He electrifying, was electrifying, majestic, majestic, beautiful beautiful and powerful. and powerful. I I remember remember choking choking back tears back tears and glancing and glancing over at over my at mom my who momwas who was havinghaving the exact the exact same same reaction. reaction. It wasIt then, was then, that we that said we to said each to each other other that we that wanted we wanted to breed to breed to him. to Little him. Little did we did know we know at that at that moment, moment, that he thatwould he would be standing be standing at our at farm our farm the very the next very next breeding breeding season season and that and we that would we would breed breed many many maresmares to him! to him!

MarioMario Matt Matt The first The time first Itime was I in was Aachen in Aachen was 14 was years 14 years ago, in ago, 2002. in 2002. The grandstand The grandstand was packed was packed and there and there was an was amazing an amazing atmosatmosphere.phere. Two great Two great stallions stallions were shown were shown that weekend, that weekend, Kubinec Kubinec and Aland Adeed. Al Adeed. Since Since then, then, we have we attended have attended every every year. year. The The highlights highlights of Aachen of Aachen for me for were me were to see tothe seegreat the great stallions, stallions, Marwan Marwan al Shaqab, al Shaqab, Alihandro Alihandro and when and when WH Justice WH Justice was again was again in thein ring the earning ring earning a standing a standing ovation—I ovation—I got goosebumps! got goosebumps! Aachen Aachen is also is special also special for allowing for allowing the people the people and the andVIP the VIP tablestables to be to close be close to theto horses. the horses.

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Curious Curious Question Question AachenAachen is special is special and soand are so you! areWhat you! special What special moments moments do youdo have you have from the from Allthe Nations All Nations Cup inCup Aachen, in Aachen, Germany? Germany? Chen Chen Kedar Kedar Well, Well, most most peoplepeople will relate will relate a story a story regarding regarding a victorious a victorious moment moment (and yes, (and we yes, we have had have quite had a quite few a offew these of these in Aachen in Aachen over the over past the 25 past years), 25 years), but my but very myspecial very special Aachen Aachen moment moment is related is related to losing, to losing, and yet, and this yet,was this and wasstill andisstill oneisof one theofbest the best moments moments of my of life. myAn life. extraordinary An extraordinary feelingfeeling which which will stay will with stayme with forever. me forever. It wasIt was duringduring an icyan cold, icy dark cold, weekend dark weekend back in back 1995, in 1995, and itand wasitmy was first my Aachen first Aachen show.show. I I am not amsure not why, sure but why,it but happened it happened that at that this atshow, this show, I was Ithere was there representing representing our our farm alone. farm alone. I hardly I hardly knew knew anyone. anyone. The late TheIrina late Filsinger Irina Filsinger was so was kind soas kind to as help tome help me with the with travel the travel arrangements, arrangements, but I was but Ilonely was lonely and not and too not happy too happy at all to at all be to there. be there. We were We were showing showing our flea-bitten our flea-bitten SE mare SE mare Tiffaha, Tiffaha, a Nagel-bred a Nagel-bred mare mare who was who14 was 14 years years old that old year. that year. Tiffaha Tiffaha was awas mare a mare of exceptional of exceptional beauty beauty and class. and class. She was She was competing competing in thein older the older mare mare class class and was and beautifully was beautifully shownshown by Frank by Frank Sponle. Sponle. Tiffaha Tiffaha was the was second the second to last tomare last mare to show to show that day that and dayshe andentered she entered the ring thelike ring like a trueadiva. true She diva.was Shesimply was simply exquisite, exquisite, even glamorous even glamorous that day, thatand day, gave and an gave amazing an amazing performance. performance. The judges The judges liked her liked asher well asand well she and was sheawarded was awarded the highest the highest score score of of the whole the whole show!show! last themare last mare was shown, was shown, a Polish a Polish mare,mare, who to who meto did me not did look notlike look anything like anything Then the Then special. special. She entered She entered the ring the and ring her andhandler her handler just gave just her gavea her longa lead long and lead she and she started started flying,flying, not even not touching even touching the ground, the ground, exhibiting exhibiting the best the performance best performance I had I had ever seen ever of seen anyof horse any horse anytime, anytime, anywhere. anywhere. Literally, Literally, the best the ever! best ever! When When the judges the judges scored scored her, she her,ended she ended up 0.2 uppoints 0.2 points aheadahead of Tiffaha... of Tiffaha... went crazy. went crazy. During During those those years,years, there there were great were great numbers numbers of people of people The audience The audience attending attending the Aachen the Aachen show.show. The hall The was hallpacked was packed with so with many so many horsehorse breeders breeders and and horsehorse lovers, lovers, that even that the evenpassageways the passageways were were full offull people. of people. The show The show organizers organizers had tohad stop to the stop show the show for ten for minutes ten minutes because because the audience the audience wouldn't wouldn't stop cheering. stop cheering. The noise The noise was simply was simply overwhelming. overwhelming. Tiffaha Tiffaha entered entered the ring theto ring gettoher getSecond her Second Place Place ribbon, ribbon, the audience the audience went went When When crazy crazy again.again. Around Around the entire the entire ring, people ring, people stoodstood up and upcheered and cheered for our forlittle our grey little grey mare.mare. I remember I remember standing standing there there in thein middle the middle of the of ring, the ring, looking looking at all at those all those peoplepeople and thinking and thinking that that this is this is what horse what horse showsshows are really are really about:about: the the true true human human regard regard and love and of lovegreat of great horses, horses, no matter no matter who they who they were were or from or from wherewhere they they came.came. It was It was a true a true breedersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; breedersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; show!show! And I And was I so was proud! so proud! Later Later that that year, year, Tiffaha Tiffaha was was named named both both European European Champion Champion Mare Mare and World and World Champion Champion Mare,Mare, but her but her Second Second Place Place in Aachen in Aachen will will forever forever be more be more special special to to me than me than those those two most two most prestigious prestigious awards. awards.

Tiffaha

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Marquesa Marquesa de Laula,de Marieta Laula, Marieta Salas, Lenita Salas, Perroy Lenitaand Perroy Diego and Mendez Diego Mendez

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The Friedmann The Friedmann Family and Family Frank and Spönle Frankwith Spönle Al Lahab with Al

Monika Monika Van Duyvenbode Van Duyvenbode

The first The time first we time learned we learned to love to this love event this event was in was 2000 in 2000 and Al and Lahab Al Lahab just ajust year a old, year old, winning winning his class his class there there and later and the laterReserve the Reserve JuniorJunior Champion Champion title. It title. wasItawas splendid a splendid show show with awith lot of a lot contenders of contenders who were who to were be to taken be taken seriously: seriously: national national and international and international competicompetition from tion from the state the state studs studs as well as as well from as from private private operations. operations. At that At time, that time, our little our bit little bit of a yearling of a yearling was able was to able contribute to contribute towards towards the All the Nations All Nations Cup trophy Cup trophy being being awarded awarded to to Germany, Germany, and he and was he frenetically was frenetically celebrated celebrated by thebyenthusiastic the enthusiastic audience audience that packed that packed the the indoorindoor arena.arena. I remember I remember how ithow gave it me gave goome goosebumps sebumps when when Al Lahab Al Lahab started started on hison laphis of lap of honor, honor, for infor thein ANC, the ANC, you don't you don't get your get your laurels laurels just for just being for being cute. cute. All theAll details the details need need to be to correct be correct to just toreach just reach the championships the championships Lahab level, level, which which makesmakes a victory a victory there there all theall more the more genuine. genuine. In 2006, In 2006, we were we were privileged privileged enough enough to experience to experience the goosebumps the goosebumps feelingfeeling again,again, when when Al Lahab Al Lahab won his won class his class in Aachen in Aachen with with the highest the highest score score possible possible and being and being elected elected Senior Senior Champion Champion Stallion. Stallion. We feel Wethat feelthe that Allthe All Nations Nations Cup is Cup theismost the most important important show show in in any year. any year. Not just Notbecause just because of theofsuccesses the successes we experienced we experienced there there with our with horses, our horses, but but also because also because Aachen Aachen for usfor has us become has become syno- synonymous nymous for “a for meeting “a meeting of friends of friends from all from over all over the world.” the world.”

I believe I believe we have we attended have attended the show the show in in Aachen Aachen for 20 for years, 20 years, havinghaving competed competed with some with some horses horses and had and many had many fun and fun and enjoyable enjoyable days days and parties. and parties. For sure, For sure, one ofone theof most the most beautiful beautiful memories memories is a is a very very recent recent one. one. Only Only last year, last year, my my sisters sisters and I and competed I competed in theinfirst-ever the first-ever Gelding Gelding class class at theat ANC the with ANCour with three our three geldings: geldings: Erogon, Erogon, ownedowned by Jolanda by Jolanda van van Duyvenbode, Duyvenbode, Penthor, Penthor, ownedowned by Angela by Angela van Duyvenbode, van Duyvenbode, and Erogant, and Erogant, who is who is ownedowned by me. by All me.three All three geldings geldings are are western western riddenridden on a high on alevel highand level Dutch and Dutch National National Champion Champion in halter. in halter. They They all all performed performed very very well well and and gave gave us us another another fun filled fun weekend! filled weekend! Unfortunately, Unfortunately, Erogon Erogon passed passed away two away two months months ago to ago a dramatic to a dramatic disease, disease, so so that he that was heable was to able compete to compete in Aachen in Aachen makesmakes the memory the memory even more even more special! special! J.v.Duyvenbode, J.v.Duyvenbode, Erogant,Erogant, M.v.Duyvenbode M.v.Duyvenbode and J.Prins, and J.Prins, Erogon, Erogon, J.v.Duyvenbode, J.v.Duyvenbode, Penthor Penthor and A.v.Duyvenbode and A.v.Duyvenbode

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HeinzHeinz Stรถckle Stรถckle It is not It is annot accident an accident that my that most my most important important and memorable and memorable moment moment in 29 in 29 years years of breeding of breeding was inwas Aachen in Aachen when when Kubinec Kubinec competed competed in 2002 in 2002 and the and the audience audience chanted chanted his name, his name, even before even before he entered he entered the arena, the arena, and not and just not just a handful a handful of people, of people, but the but majority the majority of theof full the arena. full arena. It felt It like felt a rock like a star rock star was about was about to enter to enter the stage. the stage. Such a Such large a number large number of lovers of lovers of thisofbreed, this breed, and friends and friends (and enemies!) (and enemies!) of Kubinec, of Kubinec, were were eithereither close close to tears to tears or had or had goosebumps! goosebumps! I had I never had never seen seen anything anything like that. like that. Until Until that day, that such day, such enthusiasm enthusiasm in such in such large large numbers numbers was completely was completely unimaginable. unimaginable. The The emotions emotions that Kubinec that Kubinec brought brought forth forth was just was fantastic. just fantastic. The motivation The motivation that Kubinec that Kubinec and the and audience the audience injected injected in me in from me this fromday, this always day, always bringsbrings me tome want to to want reach to reach for the for best the performance best performance modeled modeled by Kubinec. by Kubinec. Along Along the lines the of, lines everything of, everything or nothing, or nothing, no matter no matter what, what, as Kubinec as Kubinec has never has never left the leftAll the Nations All Nations Cup as Cup a as Gold a Champion, Gold Champion, but such but such a moment a moment has has impressed impressed upon the upon rest theof rest my of lifemy that lifeitthat is ofit far is of greater far greater importance importance and and influence influence to compete to compete and be and present, be present, than win. than win.

Kubinec Kubinec

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Curious Curious Question Question AachenAachen is special is special and soand are so you! areWhat you! special What special moments moments do youdo have you have from the from Allthe Nations All Nations Cup inCup Aachen, in Aachen, Germany? Germany? Judith Judith Forbis Forbis I shallI always shall always remember remember the All the Nations All Nations Cup held Cup between held between 27-29, 27-29, September September 2002. 2002. It wasItan was exciting an exciting and special and special event event for me. forRik me. van Rik Lent vanJr., Lentand Jr., I had and spent I had spent consideraconsiderable time ble preparing time preparing Arabian Arabian horses horses of Qatar, of Qatar, and a and charming a charming little book little for book the for Qatar the Qatar Team Team to give toout give during out during their competition their competition in Europe in Europe and thereafter. and thereafter. Consequently, Consequently, I had I witnessed had witnessed firsthand firsthand the team's the team's preparation, preparation, its members its members and and their their horses, horses, as it as wasit the wasfirst the time first they time were they were to compete to compete as a as team a team for their for their country. country. The team The team arrived arrived in Aachen in Aachen with primarily with primarily straight straight Egyptian Egyptian and Egyptian-related and Egyptian-related horses horses that had thatalready had already proved proved formidable formidable in international in international competition. competition. Their Their goal was goal was to make to make a deep a impression deep impression on the onArabian the Arabian horsehorse world world by winning by winning its most its most coveted coveted treasures—the treasures—the All Nations All Nations Cup inCup Aachen, in Aachen, Germany, Germany, and the and World the World Championships Championships in in Paris,Paris, France. France. of theofcolorful the colorful flags flags representing representing the countries the countries of theofparticipants the participants A presentation A presentation reminded reminded me ofme theofOlympic the Olympic atmosphere atmosphere as Arabian as Arabian horsehorse enthusiasts enthusiasts packed packed the the stands stands to cheer to cheer on their on favorite their favorite horses horses and teams. and teams. More More than 200 thanhorses 200 horses were comwere competingpeting this year; this year; it wasit awas full a house! full house! The Qatari The Qatari horses horses were were formidable, formidable, the team the team spirit spirit was high, was and high, championships and championships rainedrained down down upon them. upon them. The distaff The distaff side won sidechamwon championships pionships handily. handily. But who Butcan whoforget can forget the stallion the stallion presentations. presentations. Having Having won Junior won Junior WorldWorld Champion Champion in 2001, in 2001, Marwan Marwan Al Shaqab Al Shaqab was victorious was victorious as theas the JuniorJunior Male Male Champion. Champion. His sire, His sire, Gazal Gazal Al Shaqab, Al Shaqab, the beloved the beloved reigning reigning WorldWorld Champion, Champion, was greeted was greeted with much with much applause. applause. However, However, he was heout-dazzled was out-dazzled and placed and placed second second in theinsenior the senior male class male class to histo teammate, his teammate, the glistening the glistening white white Al Adeed Al Adeed Al Al Shaqab, Shaqab, who took who the took class the with classan with astonishing an astonishing 94.60 94.60 points, points, the highest the highest score score of theof the show.show. Glowingly Glowingly described described by thebymedia the media with many with many superlative superlative accounts, accounts, the best the to best to describe describe him was, him "A was, masterpiece "A masterpiece and a and joy a tojoy behold.” to behold.” However, However, the most the most coveted coveted prizesprizes of all of still allremained—the still remained—the Breeder’s Breeder’s Cup and Cupthe andpriceless the priceless All Nations All Nations Cup for Cup for which which the show the show was named. was named. I remember I remember wondering wondering if the iffledgling the fledgling QatariQatari team team could could possibly possibly claim claim those those coveted coveted "pearls "pearls of great of great price”? price”? Don and DonI and watched; I watched; we were we were lite- literally holding rally holding our breath—as our breath—as was was everyone everyone around around us. us. The The suspense suspense continued continued to mount! to mount! At At last the lastfinal the tabulations final tabulations were were in in and the and announcement the announcement was made. was made. The Qatari The Qatari flag waved, flag waved, and their and their national national anthem anthem playedplayed once once again.again. Indeed, Indeed, could could Shahrazad Shahrazad have have written written a better a better endingending to to the first the adventure? first adventure? I think I think not. not. QatarQatar had emerged had emerged with both with of both of these these treasures treasures in hand in hand and and Sheikh Sheikh Hamad Hamad bin Alibin Al Ali Thani, Al Thani, Al Al Shaqab's Shaqab's Stud Stud Manager, Manager, was was jumping jumping for joy. for With joy. With "mission "mission accomplished,” accomplished,” he hastily he hastily called called His Highness His Highness Sheikh Sheikh Hamad Hamad bin bin Khalifa Khalifa Al Thani, Al Thani, the Emir the of Emir theof the State State of Qatar, of Qatar, who was whodelighted was delighted to hear to the hear good the news. good news.

Judith Forbis Judithand Forbis Sheikh andHamad Sheikhwith Hamad Al Adeed with Al AlAdeed Shaqab Al Shaqab

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Curious Curious Question Question AachenAachen is special is special and soand are so you! areWhat you! special What special moments moments do youdo have you have from the from Allthe Nations All Nations Cup inCup Aachen, in Aachen, Germany? Germany? Irina Stigler Irina Stigler A couple A couple years years ago I ago was I judging was judging the All the Nations All Nations Cup. When Cup. When the youngest the youngest maresmares class class beganbegan and 16 and beautiful 16 beautiful maresmares of high ofquality high quality entered entered the ring, the ring, I looked I looked in the in eyes the of eyes theof other the other judgesjudges and we and just weraised just raised our shoulders our shoulders and and in ourinfaces our faces was the wasmimicked the mimicked question, question, "What"What will we will do? we How do? can How we can we judge?judge? They are They allare beautiful all beautiful ..." ..."

Adriana Adriana Moura Moura I had the I had opportunity the opportunity to watch to watch Aachen Aachen for the for first the time first last time last year. year. It is everything It is everything we hear we about hear about it anditeven and more. even more. It is It is wherewhere the world's the world's best breeders best breeders and horses and horses gather gather with awith a super super nice atmosphere. nice atmosphere. I had the I had unique the unique opportunity opportunity to meet to meet up-close, up-close, horses horses such as such Salwa as Salwa Al Zobair, Al Zobair, Norma, Norma, ES Harir, ES Harir, Equator, Equator, FM Gloriaa FM Gloriaa and Pinga. and Pinga. But most But most of all, of it was all, ita was great a great opportunity opportunity to know to know important important breeding breeding programs programs such such as as Schoukens, Schoukens, Christine Christine Jamar, Jamar, Claudia Claudia Darius Darius and Johanna and Johanna Ullstrom. Ullstrom. I also I met also Ajman met Ajman Moniscione, Moniscione, one of one theofgreats the greats responsible responsible for the forsuccess the success in ourinbreeding our breeding program. program. And And most most of all,of it all, wasit awas pleasure a pleasure to meet to meet our beloved our beloved Delights Delights Divah Divah RB once RB again. once again.

Adriana Maura, Adriana Delights Maura, Delights Divah RBDivah and G. RBSchoukens and G. Schoukens

Babette Babette Krall Krall In the In year the 2007, year 2007, I was Ionly wasable onlyto able attend to attend the Allthe Nations All Nations Cup for Cup a few for a hours few hours on Sunday. on Sunday. I recall I recall being being dazzled dazzled by an by abundance an abundance of Monogramm of Monogramm daughters daughters which which were showing were showing in several in several classes classes presented presented in a row. in a I row. had goosebumps I had goosebumps … … I was Itotally was totally fascinated fascinated by these by these mares’ mares’ presence presence and beauty. and beauty. I returned I returned home home fully satisfied. fully satisfied. I remember I remember the feeling the feeling of "oh of my"oh God," my God," as if itas was if ityesterday, was yesterday, and and I will never I will never forgetforget that event. that event.

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Luiz Rocco Luiz Rocco I firstI attended first attended Aachen Aachen in 2002, in 2002, when when QatarQatar sent sent their their best best horses horses they had they at had that at time. that time. It was It probably was probably the most the most competitive competitive edition edition of the ofAll the Nations All Nations Cup ever. Cup ever. I remember I remember one Mare one Mare class class with eleven with eleven beautiful beautiful greysgreys entering entering the arena the arena with with the traditional the traditional sound sound of of Aida's Aida's Triumphal Triumphal March; March; it was it exciting was exciting to see to all see of all of them them trotting trotting and receiving and receiving huge huge applause applause from from those those who who filled filled all arena all arena seats.seats. Just Just to name to name a few: a there few: there was an was Ansata an Ansata mare mare with a with a 20 trot, 20 trot, the Pure the Pure PolishPolish Elandra, Elandra, a mare a mare from Austrafrom Australia, and lia,many and many other other beauties. beauties. The next The year next Iyear had Ithe hadprivithe privilege of lege being of being invitedinvited to judge to judge the show, the show, and later, and later, an additian additional three onal three opportunities. opportunities.

Luiz Rocco Luiz Rocco

JavanJavan Schaller Schaller I attended I attended my first my Aachen first Aachen show show 12 years 12 years ago and agofor and me, forit's me, really it's really about about the overall the overall excitement excitement and and everyone's everyone's enthusiasm enthusiasm about about the best the horses best horses in Europe, in Europe, which which in in my my mind'smind's eye eye represents represents extreme extreme movement, movement, type and typepresentation. and presentation. And the And the show show is wellisorganized well organized in a beautiful in a beautiful setting. setting. You might You might say it's saydown it's down to earth to earth and yet, and yet, still extremely still extremely compelling. compelling. It wasItand wasalways and always is, a real is, ajoy real tojoy travel to travel to Germany to Germany for this for this very special very special show.show.

Javan Schaller Javan Schaller

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Mohsen Mohsen Algabry Algabry Aachen Aachen is a very is a strong very strong and fair andcompetition, fair competition, and considered and considered as the as the gate to gate where to where world world champion champion horses horses are launched. are launched. Last year Last I year had the I had the pleasure pleasure to be to in Aachen be in Aachen and win and in win the in futurity the futurity class class which which meantmeant a lot a lot to meto and me my and stud, my stud, because because winning winning at theat ANC the means ANC means you are you crowned are crowned as a world as a world champion champion or that or you thatown you aown future a future world world champion. champion. Any Any Arabian Arabian breeder breeder wishes wishes to have to have the representative the representative qualityquality that can that can stand stand and compete and compete there.there. I am so I am happy so happy and excited and excited about about judging judging part part of it this of ityear this and yearenjoying and enjoying the competition. the competition.

OliviaOlivia Strauch Strauch During During the Olympic the Olympic Games, Games, one gets one emotional gets emotional about about stories stories of of dreams, dreams, hard work, hard work, efforts, efforts, and battles and battles that exist that behind exist behind many many of of the athletes the athletes that achieve that achieve glory glory in their in sport. their sport. And I And identify I identify with with those those emotions emotions every every time. time. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t avoid avoid remembering remembering what what happened happened with our with stallion our stallion Excalibur Excalibur EA in EA 2014. in 2014. Aachen, Aachen, for sure, for sure, was the waspeak the of peak ourofexcitement our excitement with his with historical his historical record record making making score score of 95.33, of 95.33, his Unanimous his Unanimous Championship Championship and Best and Best in Show in Show title. That title. day That we day knew we knew that our thatwildest our wildest dreams dreams had come had come true! true!

ExcaliburExcalibur EA EA

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Curious Curious Question Question AachenAachen is special is special and soand are so you! areWhat you! special What special moments moments do youdo have you have from the from Allthe Nations All Nations Cup inCup Aachen, in Aachen, Germany? Germany? Martine Martine Van Hee Van Hee My most My most memorable memorable moment moment is, of is, course, of course, Navaronne-P Navaronne-P winning winning Gold Champion Gold Champion Mare Mare in 2003 in 2003 and alland herallprogeny her progeny who followed who followed in in her footsteps her footsteps in the in years the years since,since, like Eternity like Eternity Ibn Navaronne, Ibn Navaronne, who who won Senior won Senior Champion Champion Stallion, Stallion, helping helping Belgium Belgium to win to the win Al the Al Nations Nations Cup inCup 2004. in 2004. A niceAanecdote nice anecdote from about from about 10 years 10 years ago …ago a few … a days few before days before the the All Nations All Nations Cup, ICup, received I received a phone a phone call from call the from organizers the organizers askingasking if they if could they could borrow borrow my ribbons my ribbons for giving for giving at theatshow, the show, as the as the delivery delivery of theofnew the ribbons new ribbons got delayed got delayed and would and would not arrive not arrive on on time for timethe forwinners’ the winners’ pictures. pictures. It seemed It seemed I was I the wasonly the one only inone in Europe Europe with enough with enough ribbons ribbons to decorate to decorate all theall winners! the winners! that at All thatNations All Nations Cup, Cup, all the all champions the champions wherewhere wearing wearing So atSo second-hand second-hand ribbons ribbons in their in their winner’s winner’s shot. shot. After After the show, the show, I I received received all theall ribbons the ribbons back. back.

M.v. Hee, M.v. Eternity Hee, Eternity Ibn Navaronne Ibn Navaronne and F. Spönle and F. Spönle

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All Nations All Nations Cup:Cup:

ents ents Mom leleMom orab orab Mem Mem A longA tradition, long tradition, many many stories stories and unforgettable and unforgettable moments moments have taken have taken place place that make that make the the most most famous famous showground showground in Aachen in Aachen Soers,Soers, Germany, Germany, so unique! so unique! “You “You can’t can’t experience experience an an atmosphere atmosphere like atlike theatAllthe Nations All Nations Cup anywhere Cup anywhere else inelse theinworld,” the world,” Dr. Hans-Joachim Dr. Hans-Joachim Nagel,Nagel, chairman chairman of theofANC the Committee ANC Committee says. says. “After“After so many so many years years of shows, of shows, this Nations this Nations Cup has Cup has gainedgained the reputation the reputation of being of being influential influential and the andwinning the winning horses horses in Aachen in Aachen are considered are considered to to be true be champions.” true champions.” Looking Looking back, back, we invited we invited peoplepeople insideinside the arena, the arena, the handlers, the handlers, to share to share their most their most memorable memorable moments moments with us with of us theofANC the show ANC show over the overyears the years through through their eyes. their eyes. Enjoy!Enjoy!

Tom Tom Schoukens Schoukens There were There sowere manysomemorable many memorable moments moments in Aachen, in Aachen, like Aja like Justified’s Aja Justified’s first Triple firstCrown Triplestep Crown in step 2010,inor2010, or Excalibur Excalibur EA in 2014 EA in with 2014 thewith legendary the legendary score ofscore 95.33! of A 95.33! special A special year also, year was also, 2006, was when 2006, I won when myI won firstmy first championship championship with the with one-year-old the one-year-old filly Pandoraah, filly Pandoraah, by Padrons by Padrons Psyche.Psyche. Additional Additional special special moments moments include include 2009, when 2009, I showed when I showed the AS Natsir the AS Apal Natsir daughter, Apal daughter, SA Misha SAApal; Misha she Apal; wasshe so amazingly was so amazingly beautiful. beautiful. Although Although she scored she scored low in the low 7intothe 10 7Year to 10Old Year Mares Old class, Mares she class, later shewas later named was named the Senior the Female Senior Female Champion Champion becausebecause of her exceptional of her exceptional beauty. beauty. The support The support and joy and fromjoy many frompeople many who people loved whothis loved mare this mare was verywas touching. very touching. And finally, And last finally, year, last when year, HRH when Prince HRHAbdulaziz Prince Abdulaziz of Athbah of Athbah Stud spoke Studsuch spoke wonderful such wonderful words inwords public, in after public,Piacolla, after Piacolla, by Enzo,bywas Enzo, awarded was awarded Junior Female Junior Female Gold Champion. Gold Champion.

Tom Schoukens Tom Schoukens with SA with Misha SA Apal Misha Apal

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Piacolla

Piacolla Esperanza Esperanza Al Ventur Al Ventur

Pandoraah Pandoraah

Glenn Glenn Schoukens Schoukens

ES HarirES Harir

There are There many areimportant many important moments moments and horses, and horses, like showing like showing Eden C, Eden who is C, such who is a special such a special horse, or horse, Esperanza or Esperanza Al Ventur, Al Ventur, who waswho 2013 was Gold 2013 Champion Gold Champion YearlingYearling Filly, myFilly, firstmy ANC first champion. ANC champion. AnotherAnother emotional emotional momentmoment was was in 2015,inwhen 2015, I won when Senior I won Male Senior Gold Male Champion Gold Champion with ESwith Harir. ESBecause Harir. Because he was relatively he was relatively unknownunknown when I started when I started showingshowing him, he him, left ahegreat left aimpression great impression on manyonpeople, many people, and it was and aitpleasure was a pleasure to showtohim. show Also, him.remembering Also, remembering showingshowing “Golden“Golden Power,“ Power,“ aka MCA aka Magnum MCA Magnum Gold, inGold, Aachen in Aachen in 2012 in still 2012 gives stillmegives goose mebumps. goose bumps. How he How entered he entered the arena the...arena that ... was that thewas performance the performance of a lifetime! of a lifetime!

Glenn Schoukens Glenn Schoukens with MCA with Magnum MCA Magnum Gold Gold

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Phillipe Hossay Phillipe with Hossay Robin with K Robin K

Phillipe Phillipe Hossay Hossay Showing Showing bold moving bold moving Robin K, Robin by CG K, Bahil by CGElBahil Jamaal El Jamaal to Senior to Senior FemaleFemale Champion Champion for Al Khalediah for Al Khalediah Stables Stables in 2006 in is 2006 stillisanstill important an important moment moment for me.for Another me. Another great and great emotional and emotional win forwin Al for Al Khalediah Khalediah Stables Stables was in was 2011inwhen 2011I when had the I had honor the of honor showing of showing to Senior to Senior FemaleFemale Champion, Champion, the the Gazal Gazal Al Shaqab Al Shaqab daughter daughter Magora. Magora. The same The for same Mimi for NK, Mimi a NK, filly abyfilly Nofal by NK, Nofal which NK, Iwhich led toI led to Yearling Yearling Gold Champion Gold Champion Filly forFilly Nofal for and Nofal Muntaha and Muntaha KahookKahook in 2015. in Of 2015. course, Of course, I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;tI forget wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to to mention mention my first my ANC firstChampion ANC Champion ever, the ever,amazing the amazing Eternity Eternity Ibn Navarone, Ibn Navarone, by Ansata by Ansata Sinan, Sinan, owned owned by DionbyArabians, Dion Arabians, winningwinning Senior Senior Male Champion Male Champion in 2004. in 2004.

Michael Michael Byatt Byatt I still remember I still remember my first myANC firstchampion, ANC champion, which which was 1994 was Senior 1994 Senior Male Champion Male Champion Medalj,Medalj, by Menes, by Menes, for Cecile for Bourghardt. Cecile Bourghardt. However, However, my most my emotional most emotional and most and most important important win waswin Marwan was Marwan Al Shaqab! Al Shaqab!

Michael Byatt Michael with Byatt Marwan with Marwan Al Shaqab Al Shaqab

Marwan Marwan Al Shaqab Al Shaqab

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Emma Emma Maxwell Maxwell The Maxwell The Maxwell family family as a whole, as a whole, has remarkable has remarkable memories memories of the of ANC. theWe ANC. were Wemost were proud most proud of winning of winning the Yearling the Yearling Filly class Filly with classa with homebred a homebred yearling yearling for fivefor of five six years of six in years a row, in from a row,1989 fromto 1989 1995, to with 1995, with Ivernia,Ivernia, by Barif, by followed Barif, followed by the by Maleik the Maleik El KheilEl daughters Kheil daughters Heloua,Heloua, HazikaHazika and Ayat; and and Ayat;Karta, and Karta, by by Pakistan. Pakistan. We alsoWebred alsothe bred dam theofdam eachofofeach these of winners these winners and, ofand, course, of course, I showed I showed all of them. all of In them. those In those days you days were youpenalized were penalized more heavily more heavily for cantering for cantering and not and trotting, not trotting, and Aachen and Aachen was very wasmuch very “the much “the trotting trotting show,”show,” so I remember so I remember comingcoming aroundaround the bottom the bottom corner corner of the of arena the each arenatime eachwith timea with new a new yearling yearling and really and focusing really focusing on getting on getting them balanced them balanced and trotting and trotting the whole the whole way down way without down without breaking! breaking! I still own I still 1993 ownANC 1993Reserve ANC Reserve Champion Champion Filly Hazika, Filly Hazika, and herand family her family is still is producing still producing for me for andme other and other breeders. breeders. Therefore, Therefore, she is she special is special to me,to although me, although perhaps perhaps not thenot most the noticeable most noticeable winner winner at the at the time. She time.has Shebeen has an been easy an family easy family to keep to going keep going through through the generations, the generations, alwaysalways stamping stamping an an enormous enormous eye, and eye,her and granddaughter her granddaughter Habeeba Habeeba ZE, by ZE, Aja by Angelo, Aja Angelo, was just wasnamed just named BritishBritish Reserve Reserve National National Champion Champion Yearling Yearling Filly forFilly me for andme herand co-breeder/owner, her co-breeder/owner, Zena Bermingham. Zena Bermingham. While the WhilePolish the Polish bred mare, bred mare, Czata, Czata, was my was first my ANC first champion, ANC champion, I showed I showed her toher Senior to Senior FemaleFemale Champion Champion in 1992inand 1992 in and 1994. in 1994.

Czata

Mimi NK Mimi NK

Robin K Robin K

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Emma Maxwell Emma Maxwell with Premier with Premier

Miles Miles Buckley Buckley Last year LastI year earned I earned my first my ANC firstchampionship ANC championship with unanimous with unanimous Gold Champion Gold Champion GeldingGelding Aja Aja Adonis.Adonis. Obviously Obviously achieving achieving unanimous unanimous Gold Champion Gold Champion is a great is a result great result at anyatshow, any show, but atbut at Aachen, Aachen, one of one the of biggest the biggest stagesstages in the world, in the world, this was this anwas emotional an emotional time for time thefor whole the team; whole team; all we had all we worked had worked for coming for coming down to down thattomoment. that moment. Especially Especially after the after last thefew last years, few years, when we when we had achieved had achieved so much so with muchhim: with2014 him:Unanimous 2014 Unanimous Gold Champion Gold Champion at North at North West Arabian West Arabian Show, Show, Midland Midland Festival Festival and UKand Internationals, UK Internationals, and 2015 andUnanimous 2015 Unanimous Gold Champion, Gold Champion, UK Internationals. UK Internationals.

Miles Buckley Miles with Buckley Aja with Adonis Aja Adonis

Aja Adonis Aja Adonis

Nicolas Nicolas Frere Frere I was Inearly was nearly in tears in tears when Piacolla, when Piacolla, alongside alongside Tom Schoukens, Tom Schoukens, was pronounced was pronounced 2015 Junior 2015 Junior FemaleFemale Gold Champion. Gold Champion. That moment That moment was sowas so intenseintense for me,foralthough me, although I did not I didshow, not show, but but trainedtrained her. When her. the When speaker the speaker came in came the in ring the ring to asktoHRH ask Prince HRH Prince Abdulaziz Abdulaziz Al Saud Al what Saud he what he felt about felt about the winthe in win front in of front the of whole the public, whole public, the words the words he saidhemade said me made feelmesofeel good so and good and proud, proud, I started I started crying.crying. His Highness His Highness thanked thanked everybody everybody who was whoinvolved was involved in Athbah in Athbah Stud for Stud for all theall support the support and help; andthat help;all that of this all ofwould this would not been notpossible been possible without without a strong a strong team. And team. heAnd he especially especially wantedwanted to thank to me thank forme all for the all work theI work I did with didthe with horses the horses to get to them get ready them â&#x20AC;&#x201D; ready â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that was that amazing! was amazing!

HRH Prince HRHAbdulaziz Prince Abdulaziz Al Saud and Al Saud Tom and Schoukens Tom Schoukens with Piacolla with Piacolla

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Erik Erik Dorsers Dorsers What makes What makes AachenAachen so special so special is the thrill is theyou thrill getyou from getthe from crowd the when crowdyour whenhorse your trots horse and trots and puts on puts a good on ashow. good The show. atmosphere The atmosphere is fantastic is fantastic and the and Breeders the Breeders EveningEvening Party is Party always is always great fun. great I have fun. aI have lot ofa memories lot of memories to share, to share, like mylike first mychampion, first champion, the unforgettable the unforgettable Aswan Aswan son, Plakat, son, Plakat, 1984 Senior 1984 Senior Male Champion. Male Champion. He wasHesuch wasasuch wonderful a wonderful character character and I shared and I shared another another great moment great moment with him with when himI when showed I showed him forhim thefor very the last very time lastwhich time was which in was Aachen in Aachen 1992. Plakat 1992. Plakat was already was already 22 years 22 old, years received old, received a standing a standing ovation, ovation, and repeated and repeated his victory. his victory. HorsesHorses like himlike or him Mangani or Mangani and Ekstern, and Ekstern, were not were just nothorses, just horses, but also butfriends also friends to me, to and me, and many more manymade more Aachen made Aachen specialspecial for me.for Another me. Another exceptional exceptional horse was horse Marwan was Marwan Al Shaqab; Al Shaqab; he washe a super was a sweet super sweet horse and horse I knew and Iheknew washe very was special, very special, but thebut pressure the pressure aroundaround him and him and me wasme sky was high! sky high! My most My memorable most memorable moment, moment, however, however, was in was 1997. in I1997. had to I had leave toduring leave during the show theand show went and went quicklyquickly home to home Holland to Holland where my where wifemy Pipwife gave Pipbirth gaveto birth our to son, ourJoshua. son, Joshua.

Ekstern Ekstern

Frank Frank Sponle Sponle My first MyANC firstChampion ANC Champion was the was Nadir the Nadir I son, Aga I son, Khan, Aga who Khan, went who1992 wentJunior 1992 Junior Male Champion, Male Champion, bred and bredowned and owned by by Silvia Garde-Ehlert. Silvia Garde-Ehlert. Some Some important important wins I had winswere I hadwith wereEscape with Escape Ibn NavarIbn Navarrone-Drone-D and Psyches and Psyches Amber Amber Gem, Gem, winningwinning the Senior the Senior FemaleFemale and Male and Male in 2005. in 2005. ThanksThanks to to Championships Championships this success, this success, the UAE the won UAE the won the Nations Nations Cup Award. Cup Award. My most My emotiomost emotional moment nal moment in Aachen in Aachen was inwas 2011, in 2011, showing showing 12-year-old 12-year-old WH Justice WH Justice to to Senior Senior Male Gold MaleChampion. Gold Champion.

Frank Spรถnle Frankwith Spรถnle Escape with Ibn Escape Navarrone Ibn Navarrone D D

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WH Justice WH Justice

Franck Franck Cibois Cibois I started I started workingworking for Shamilah for Shamilah Arabians Arabians in France in in France 1991, in just 1991, after justthe after ANCthe where ANCLady where Amie Lady won Amie thewon titlethe of title of Junior Female Junior Female Champion. Champion. That's how That's I found how Ithe found ANCthe forANC the for firstthe time, firstand time, it became and it became my goalmy as goal a trainer as a trainer to to get my get ownmy champion own champion at this at prestigious this prestigious event. In event. 1999InI 1999 got closer, I got closer, by showing by showing the filly,the Abha filly,Halili, Abha for Halili, for MarietaMarieta Salas to Salas a class to awin. class Thewin. story Theofstory my first of my ANC first champion ANC champion began inbegan 2000, in when 2000, the when special the special filly, Reza filly, Reza El Bri, was El Bri, born was thanks born thanks to the inspiration to the inspiration of Ferdinand of Ferdinand Huemer.Huemer. She hadShe enormous had enormous potential potential and wasand a beauty was a beauty inside and inside out.and I was out. lucky I was tolucky convince to convince Mr. Huemer Mr. Huemer to take to thetake challenge. the challenge. Reza El Reza Bri gave El Bri megave whatme I had what waited I had waited for for so for long for so and long turned and turned out Junior out Female Junior Female Champion Champion in 2003! in It2003! was aItgreat was asuccess great success for La Movida for La Movida and a and a dream come dreamtrue come fortrue me. for me.

Reza El Bri Reza El Bri

Bob Bob Boggs Boggs It was inIt1991 was when in 1991 I competed when I competed for the first for the first time intime Aachen in Aachen and won andJunior won Junior Female Female Champion Champion with thewith Padron the Padron daughter, daughter, Lady Lady Amie. My Amie. most My memorable most memorable momentmoment was was showingshowing the Padron the Padron granddaughter, granddaughter, Pandoraah, Pandoraah, to Junior to Female Junior Female Champion Champion in in 2006. 2006. AnotherAnother great great win was win with was with Psytadel, Psytadel, by Padrons by Padrons Psyche,Psyche, winning winning his his class inclass 1999.inThis 1999. proved This proved to us that to us our that our small breeding small breeding programprogram could becould successbe successful internationally. ful internationally. He was He ourwas first our interfirst internationalnational star. star. My dearMywife, dearJanene wife, Janene and I, introduced and I, introduced a a new tradition new tradition to the to ANC thein ANC 2000, in 2000, by by sponsoring sponsoring all of the all of championship the championship rose rose blankets, blankets, reserve reserve champion champion and topand fivetop five neck garlands, neck garlands, for the for first the time. first time. Psytadel Psytadel

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Mary Mary Lang Lang Redwood Redwood Lodge Romantik, Lodge Romantik, by Espano by Espano Estopa,Estopa, was notwas not only myonly firstmy ANC first Championship, ANC Championship, winning winning 2001 Junior 2001 Junior Female Female Champion, Champion, but wasbut a very wasspecial a very special horse to horse me to me from the from firstthe moment first moment we met we in Australia met in Australia at not even at not even a year old. a year Another old. Another special special momentmoment I sharedI shared was with was with Om el Abadan, Om el Abadan, by Camargue. by Camargue. In 1997 In when 1997 wewhen had we justhad just established established Specifically Specifically Equine Training Equine Training Center, Center, I had I had the chance the chance to worktowith work him. with Nohim. other Nohorse othertaught horse taught me more methan morehethan did, he I loved did, every I lovedminute every minute of working of working and training and training him and himsoand it was so ita was very aemotional very emotional momentmoment for the for whole theteam wholewhen teamOm when El Abadan Om El Abadan was was class winner, class winner, and later andonlater named on named ReserveReserve Champion Champion Stallion.Stallion. His son,His Espano son, Espano Estopa,Estopa, was an was impressive an impressive and beautiful and beautiful character, character, too. Although too. Although I was not I was at not at this lead time, thisit time, was aitmilestone was a milestone for our for training our training the leadthe center, center, when hewhen won 1998 he wonJunior 1998 Male Junior Champion. Male Champion. However, However, the most theemotional most emotional momentmoment of Aachen of Aachen was was showingshowing Maroutssia Maroutssia to Reserve to Reserve Champion Champion Senior Senior Mare, an Mare, amazing an amazing momentmoment for her owners, for her owners, her grooms her grooms and theand trainers the trainers of Specifically of Specifically Equine, Equine, before before she she returned returned to her peaceful to her peaceful home inhome France. in France.

Maroutssia Maroutssia

Marjan Albidayer Marjan Albidayer

BS Specific BS Specific

Tom Tom Oben Oben

Luigi

My family My family competed competed for thefor first the time firstwith timeour with our stallionstallion Kings Court Kings Tarab Court in Tarab Aachen in Aachen in 1992.in He 1992. He ended up ended 4th,upbeating 4th, beating the legendary the legendary KubinecKubinec who who took 5th took place 5ththat place time. that Back time. in Back thoseindays, thoseearning days, earning a top five a top wasfive a big wasachievement. a big achievement. The first Thehorse first I horse I showed showed myself at myself ANC,atwas ANC, in 2004, was in the 2004, three theyear three year old Valerio old Valerio Ibn Eternity, Ibn Eternity, who won who 3rdwon place 3rd inplace his in his class. When class.itWhen comes it to comes achieving to achieving something something in the in the arena, Iarena, can beI can quitebean quite emotional an emotional person. person. One of One of those moments those moments was twowas years two ago years when agoI when had the I had the opportunity opportunity to showtothe show stallion the stallion Rohara Rohara Baccara, Baccara, managed managed by good by friend, good friend, Chris Lowe. Chris We Lowe. gained We gained straightstraight 20â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for20â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s movement, for movement, taking first takingplace firstand place and beatingbeating former World formerChampion World Champion Al LahabAlinLahab the class. in the class. AnotherAnother emotional emotional momentmoment was winning was winning the class the class last year lastwith yearNashmi with Nashmi Al Hawajer, Al Hawajer, and, ofand, course, of course, also with alsoLuigi, with when Luigi,wewhen won we thewon class the against class against Aj Aj Azzam, Azzam, who won who Triple won Crown Triple Champion Crown Champion later that later that year. Later year.that Later day that we day won we thewon Bronze the Bronze medal which medal which was my was firstmy medal firstinmedal Aachen. in Aachen. It still gives It still megives gooseme goosebumps bumps thinkingthinking back onback how on he how trotted he trotted his stuff hisinstuff in that arena thatlike arena a proud, like a confident proud, confident colt. colt. A HT A BROA D

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Tom Oben Tom with Oben Luigi with Luigi

Philip Looyens Philip Looyens

My most memorable All Nations Cup for sure was in 2009 when Ahba Qatar became Junior Gold My most Cupchampion, for sure was in 2009 when Qatar became Junior Champion Colt; memorable he was alsoAll myNations first gold beating other veryAhba famous colts. It was by Gold Champion Colt; he was also my first gold champion, beating other very famous colts. It far the most memorable year, as I had always believed in Ahba Qatar since he was a weanling,was by far trained the most as I hadinalways believed Ahba Qatar since wasfortua weanling, and I had himmemorable myself andyear, was involved his career sinceinthe beginning. Also,he I was and I had trained him myself and was involved in his career since the beginning. Also, I was fortunate enough to be able to market him to Al Mohamadia Stud in Saudi Arabia as a yearling before nate enough to be able to market him to Al Mohamadia Stud in Saudi Arabia as a yearling before he became famous. he became famous. Side note: the first time we showed Abha Qatar in 2009, he did not even reach the championSideinnote: the first we showed AbhaChampion, Qatar in 2009, even reach the championships and the same year,time became Triple Crown led by he me did andnot many other people who ships and in the same year, became Triple Crown Champion, led by me and many other people who always believed in him and kept on believing. always believed in him and kept on believing.

Philip Looyens with Abha Qatar Philip Looyens with Abha Qatar

Philip Looyens, Abha Qatar and HRH Prince Philip Abdullah Bin Fahad AlQatar Saud and Looyens, Abha HRH Prince Abdullah Bin Fahad Al Saud

Frederik van SasSas Frederik van

I‘ve never had an ANC champion so far, but I am I‘vesay never had ANC champion far, but I am proud to I won theanHandlers Cup withsoEsparto proud toyear say II won Cup with Esparto in 2008. Last won the the Handlers Futurity Foals Gold in 2008. LastHDM year Maria I won the Foals Gold Champion title with Apal,Futurity and in 2014 Champion HDM Stud Mariato Apal, and in 2014 I led Mounira J title for Alwith Muawd Futurity I led Mounira J for Al Muawd Stud to Futurity Yearling Gold Champion. Yearling Gold Champion. I was also proud to see Emandoria whom I condicondi proud to see Emandoria condi tioned I was and also prepared, alongside Frank whom SpönleI condiand Senior prepared, alongside Frank Spönle winningtioned unanimous Female Gold Champion winning Senior Female Goldstep Champion for Ajman Studunanimous in 2013, which was her first Ajman Stud in 2013, which was her first step to the for Triple Crown. to the Triple Crown.

Frederik van Sas with HDM Maria Apal Frederik van Sas with HDM Maria Apal

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Johanna Ullstrom Johanna Ullstrom

It was in 1999, and I’ll never forget the pride I felt walking Essteema, bred and owned by Sax It was 1999, and I’ll was never forget pride I felt Essteema, bred Arabians, intoin the ring; she the mostthe beautiful littlewalking diva I ever saw, and atand thatowned time, by Sax Arabians, into the ring; she was the most beautiful little diva I ever saw, and at she was certainly one-of-a-kind! She won the Junior Female Champion title, the first partthat to time, she was certainly one-of-a-kind! She won the Junior Female Champion title, the first the first ever Triple Crown Filly! My strongest memory with her though, was when I took herpart to the first ever Crown Filly! memory with her to though, was whenand I took her in the flag parade forTriple the nations. She My wasstrongest overwhelmed by the flags, say the least, I in the flag parade for the nations. She was overwhelmed by the flags, to say the least, and I had my hands full during the walk into the arena. But that was only the beginning! We lined had my hands full during the walk into the arena. But that was only the beginning! We lined up, and once we started to walk again, she was one of the last to move forward, meaning she up, and once started walk again, she was one ofdirection, the last to was surrounded by we people and to horses with flags in every andmove had forward, a slight meaning panic she was surrounded by people and horses with flags in every direction, and had a slight attack. She still looked adorable, but I could only think about—and pray—not to lose this panic attack. Sheaway still and looked adorable, I could only think about—and to lose this filly, see her run never be seenbut again! Anyhow, we got out safelypray—not and everything filly, see her run away and never be seen again! Anyhow, we got out safely and everything ended very well. ended very well. Another emotional ANC remembrance must be Nijem Ibn Eternity, who also went on to be Another emotional ANC Nijem Ibn Eternity, whohim also on to be Triple Crown Champion with meremembrance at the age ofmust three.beAs a yearling, I showed to went several Triple with me at the three. cleft As apalate, yearling, showed to several wins. He was Crown a littleChampion hero, as we discovered he age had of a severe so Ihad to be him fed and wins. was acare. littleIn hero, we discovered he had a severe palate, soplay, had to treated withHe special any as case, he had an incredible will to cleft live, work, and andbehefed and treated with In we anyrarely case, see he had an incredible willhetowent live, work, play, absolutely loved to special show incare. a way these days. Sadly home and after theand he absolutely lovedback to show in a later way we seehim these days. Sadly he went after the season, but I got him two years andrarely showed in Aachen in 2004. It washome emotiogotremembered him back two andreminding showed him Aachen in reason 2004. It was emotional forseason, me, as I but feltI he theyears bondlater we had, youinabout the Arabian as I felt he remembered theJunior bond we had, reminding you about the reason Arabian horsesnal arefor some, special! In the end he became Male Champion. horses are so special! In the end he became Junior Male Champion. Pianissima, one of the most famous horses in the one ofmemory the most famous world, Pianissima, is also a favorite of mine, as ithorses was an in the also involved a favorite memory as it was an honor world, to haveisbeen in the startofofmine, her career. honor have been start aofTriple her career. She was the to second filly ininvolved historyintothe become second in history become Crown She Filly,was and the in 2004 andfilly I had the luck to showing hera Triple Crown Filly,titles. and inAfter 2004 the andAll I had the luck showing her for those three Nations Cup, we forshoes thoseofthree titles. After the All We Nations Cup, we kept the Essteema and Pianissima. painted kept theI shoes of Essteema and Pianissima. We painted them in gold; kept one shoe of each, Mr. Sax received them insecond gold; I kept shoeMr. of each, Sax received Essteema's shoe,one while TrelaMr. received Essteema's second while shoes; Mr. Trela received Pianissima’s second. I still shoe, have those I must Pianissima’s still actually frame themsecond. and put I on thehave wall! those shoes; I must actually frame them and put on the wall!

Pianissima, Johanna Ullström and Marek Trela Pianissima, Johanna Ullström and Marek Trela

Essteema Essteema

Raphael Curti Raphael Curti

My first appearance in Aachen was in 2008, My firstAlappearance in Aachen wasMale in 2008, when Marwan Shaqab became Senior when Marwan Al Shaqab became Senior Champion alongside Michael Byatt. The year Male Champion alongside Michael Byatt. The year after was very special for me—I’ll never forget! after was very special for me—I’ll never I showed Elandra in the Senior Mare 11 Yearsforget! I showed in the Senior Mare 11 Years and Older class, Elandra among four other Monogramm and Older class, among four other Monogramm daughters from Michalów, who won first to daughters from Michalów, who won first to fifth place with elegant Emmona first. Elandra fifth place with elegant Emmona first. Elandra was fifth and also received a 20 seven times! was fifth and also received a 20 seven This was the first time I showed this amazing times! This was the first time I showed this amazing mare for Shirley Watts. mare for Shirley Watts.

Raphael Curti with Elandra Raphael Curti with Elandra

Jan Calis One memorable moment was in 1993 with the DWD Tabasco son, Taladinn, out of Winnetka. He was a black yearling colt who ended up only 4th in his class at the German National Championship the day before the All Nations Cup. Owner Thomas Mayer, told me not to enter the ring with Taladinn, because there was no chance of winning the class, but I was convinced of the colt’s qualities and I was right. We not only won his class, but also the Junior Male Championship. Another emotional moment was in 1994, when I showed the chestnut Spanish-bred filly Braken, by Fakateko. She was three years old and garnered the Junior Female Championship. This mare is very close to my heart and still grazes on our pastures, now 25 years old. Jan Calis with Braken

There was a funny situation in 1995 when I showed the Murmansk son, Dosator, in 1995, who moved like a machine. We did not win the championship, but that doesn’t matter. Mr. Neubacher, the judge from Austria, gave him 21 points for movement – out of 20! Speaker Klaus Beste said, “This is impossible,” but Urs argued that ten year old Dorsator moved better than any other horse he had seen at the show and he deserved these points. Also winning the Handlers Cup, founded by the late Holger Heck, was important for me. It was a good idea—a special competition for the handlers. I liked the idea and donated myself, a bronze for the future winners in 1991.

Handlers Cup Winners

Andreas Letsch My parents established our stud farm in South Germany and I still remember my first ANC in 1981 where my late father, Walter Letsch, showed. Our farm won the Mare Inheritance class that year, a class that no longer exists. The first time I showed a horse by myself in Aachen was in 1986, which was one of our foundation mares, Kaigala, by Ibn Galal. Since then, I have probably shown almost every year up to about 2005, and every year was great and emotional! My most exciting moment was showing our homebred colt FL Sayawan in 2000, when he won his class against Khidar. Although Sayawan did not place in the championships, he went on to become Top Ten Stallion at the World Championships in Paris the year after. The same was with Basara Saiyana in 1993, who I showed for the Blutbachers. She won the Three-Year-Old Fillies class with the highest score of all juniors, and did not place in the championship, but this is the biggest honor for a breeder, to win at the ANC despite winning the championship. The classes are hard enough already! I am also proud of winning the Handlers Cup in 1995 alongside Michalow-bred Fortaleza.

Basara Saiyana