WORLD CUP
2010
Arabian Breeders World Cup Show— Biggest And Best Yet! Written by Linda White Photos by Glenn Jacobs
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When the Arabian Horse Breeders’ Alliance (AHBA) created the World Cup, their hope was that the show would become prestigious, and that it would attract competitors from all over the world. When the 2010 event drew to a close, all lingering doubts disappeared. In only four years, those expectations exceeded the ABHA’s most fervent hopes. Increasing numbers of the world’s finest horses—mature stallions and mares, junior colts and fi llies, and geldings—fi ll class after class at this elegant desert locale, brought there by internationally prominent exhibitors to compete for prizes exceeding $80,000. “We had more than 250 horses and over 300 class entries!” says a jubilant Robert North, who manages the AHBA Auction Futurities. North is an original AHBA board member. “The Salon du Cheval gets 80 to 100 horses, and the All Nations Cup in Aachen, Germany, attracts about the same number,” he estimates. “That would make the World Cup the largest show of its kind in the world.” The World Cup competition features only halter classes.
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“This was our most successful show ever,” notes Scott Benjamin, the World Cup’s Center Ring Coordinator. “We had more than 400 people at Thursday night’s gala! The party gave people a chance to put competition aside for an evening. The club was fantastic and had a terrace from which we could see the spectacular Las Vegas skyline. The city is a terrific venue, and everyone had a great time.” “This isn’t just another horse show; it’s an event,” agrees AHBA board member Scott Bailey. “We all enjoyed the gala’s new venue, Club XS, at the Encore. The club was glamorous and sophisticated—a perfect setting for our exhibitors.” “Also, we were a little more innovative this year,” states Benjamin. “We expanded our categories to include yearling, junior and senior championships, plus a full top ten in every class. This sent a lot more people home happy. This year’s supreme championship awards were gold, silver and bronze, like the Olympics: gold for champion, silver
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for reserve champion, and bronze for third place. It was a risk, but it turned out very well.” Member Phyllis La Malfa, who cuts the show’s checks, refers to colleague Scott Benjamin as “our man in center ring,” whose role necessitates that he be present for all sessions. He and La Malfa are just two of the many dedicated ABHA members who work tirelessly throughout the year.
“Our system differs from the traditional European judging system in that we give separate scores for head, and for neck and shoulder,” North continues. “Th is creates one extra category, but it adds to this system’s appeal, we believe. For example, with head and neck/ shoulder scored together, as in the European system, a horse could have a beautiful head, but not much of a neck, or a gorgeous neck and shoulder, but a very plain head … and still be given a high score. The World Cup’s system of separating head score from neck/shoulder provides a more accurate evaluation of two important conformation points.” Class scores in each age group qualified the highest-scoring entrants to compete in their various World Cup supreme championships. In Sunday’s supreme championships,
Photo by April Visel.
The Arabian Breeders World Cup Scoring System was an instant success. In this international system, six judges award points in six categories. Each year, the six-judge panel has represented the most distinguished candidates. Knowledge, experience and integrity are universal among them, enabling the World Cup to maintain an honest image and standards that are acknowledged as the highest possible. Th is fair, unbiased judging protocol has generated almost no disagreements, show officials have reported each year. Clearly, the system has borne the
scrutiny of its global patronage, and has been approved. Lists of horses competing and countries represented have grown steadily.
Judges: Debby Cain, Corky Sutton, Marianne Tengstedt (center), Murilo Kammer, Marie-Louise Van Wyk and Peter Pond.
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however, the horses were judged comparatively, as they are in show halter championship classes in Europe and most other countries, excepting most USEF-recognized United States Arabian halter competitions. The class was lined up in two rows. Selecting the gold, or first place, champion from the front row was mandatory, but the silver (second place,) bronze (third place) and the top ten winners could be pulled out from either row. “We tried to give out more prizes, and deservedly so,” Benjamin explains. “We sent many more people home happy, this year. We give out very nice garlands, trophies, ribbons, and other awards. Most of our exhibitors tell us that this is the best, most elegant horse show they attend, and that the World Cup is their favorite, or second-favorite, ranking next to the Salon du Cheval.” “Our champion yearlings and our 2010 junior champion stallion were U.S.-bred, but all the other champions came from Brazil, Australia, Argentina, Poland, and Belgium. The Arabians that competed here in 2010 were owned or bred by people in 19 different countries—countries from every continent except Antarctica!” he marvels. “Those countries included Poland, Germany, the United Arab Republic, England, Qatar, Argentina, Australia, Belgium and many others. Our judges are to be commended, because the quality was very deep; these were the best horses from around the world. It was gratifying and exciting to see entries scored and placed with no hint of bias or favoritism.” “From an owner’s perspective,” states Scott Bailey, “the show offers purebred breeders and owners an elegant venue—a world-class event. The World Cup is an excellent opportunity to showcase their horses and breeding programs in a high quality setting.” “We were a little concerned that this year’s entries would reflect the current world economic climate,” says North, “but it appears that our break-even to small-profit position is continuing. When we first began planning this, probably six years ago, the original board members contributed to a startup fund to put on the first World Cup. It is very expensive to put on an event like this, in an expensive location like Las Vegas,” he reminds us, “but our revenues have been substantial enough that we will be around another year.
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Lisa Niemi accepting the 2010 World Cup Ambassador Award.
“We pick judges from all over the world,” he continues. “We select professional judges and breeders, rather than trainers. Th is creates no pressure, and no hint of bias or favoritism. Each July, the nine-member board selects the next year’s judges. We have a complicated balloting system, and because our board members come from all over the world, the process doesn’t happen quickly. Selecting judges is a careful, lengthy process, and may take three or four weeks.” In the six years since its formation, he adds, only one original member no longer serves on the AHBA Board. The group has grown larger, however, with several new members added. Board members serve two-year terms. Confidence in the show’s judging method has increased every year. (Rumor has it that even in Europe, replacing the existing system with the AHBA World Cup’s has been mentioned.) The 2010 judges flew into Las Vegas from five of the world’s seven continents. This esteemed international assemblage included: Debby Cain and Corky Sutton, both of the United States; Brazil’s Murilo Kammer; Peter Pond from Australia; Marianne Tengstedt of Denmark; and Marie-Louise Van Wyk from South Africa. There is seldom argument over such authoritative, international judges’ decisions, which only adds to the young show’s stature and credibility.
Bob North points out that the show is constantly evolving. After each year’s event, the board collectively evaluates, listens to recommendations, and makes changes that will help make the World Cup even better the following year. The 2010 assessment has already begun. The World Cup is solidifying into a unique, first-class Arabian horse showcase. For four days in April, this breed’s unrivaled beauty, tremendous character, versatility, and athleticism shine brilliantly in the desert sun. Audiences both familiar and unfamiliar with equines discover that the purebred Arabian horses they are enjoying far outshine any casino’s glittering temptations. “Our goal has been to bring breeders and owners from around the world together at a positive, fun, exciting, glamorous competition with a well-earned reputation for fairness and integrity,” says Scott Bailey, summing up his own assessment of the event. “We have succeeded in reaching—even exceeding—that goal, which is probably the World Cup’s most important achievement.” Next year, plan to make your Las Vegas trip the third week of April to get in on the World Cup’s fifth anniversary celebration. Move over, Manhattan! The minute they set foot in Las Vegas, World Cup visitors and participants realize (or already knew) that this, too, is a city that never sleeps. ■
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Futurity Yearling Filly ATH Championship
Champion Donna Psyche NA (Padrons Psyche x Donna Fantastykah RB), shown by Michael Bills for owners Robert & Dixie North Family Trust.
Reserve Champion Estancia W (MPA Giovanni x Gianna J), shown by Stuart Vesty for owner Anna Wiechmann.
Futurity Yearling Colt/Gelding ATH Championship
Champion Ucello J (MPA Giovanni x Khenya PGA), shown by co-owner Indira VanHandel for co-owner Lawrence Jerome.
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Reserve Champion Paladin LL (Magnum Chall HVP x NV Gypsy Dancer), shown by Austin Boggs for owner Leslie Lurken.
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Mare/Filly ATH Championship
Silver Supreme Champion Om El Excella (Al Lahab GASB x Omel Bint Shaina), shown by Janina Merz for owner Om El Arab International.
Gold Supreme Champion So Adiva (QR Marc x LC Gabriele), shown by owner Mark Browning.
Bronze Supreme Champion Shai Laurel (Simeon Shai x Avjem Primavera), shown by Cindy Morgan for owner B. Ann Wilder.
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Stallion/Colt ATH Championship
Silver Supreme Champion TRJ Ethan (Eden C x TR Copperclassique), shown by owner Ross Danielson.
Gold Supreme Champion and Senior Stallion 4 Years Old winner Om El Al Azeem (Al Lahab GASB x Om El Beneera), shown by Janina Merz for owner Om El Arab International.
Bronze Supreme Champion Troubadour PA (Magnum Chall HVP x Psyches Secret), shown by Dean Wikel for owner Pegasus Arabians. 108 | AR ABIAN HORSE TIMES
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Gelding ATH Championship
Silver Supreme Champion H Aiden H (Eden C x Suzanna MPA), shown by Jaime Stachler for owner Elite Arabian Horses International. Gold Supreme Champion For The Record KA (Nadir I x Prima Dona KA), shown by owner Angela Larson.
Gelding Supreme Championship
Silver Supreme Champion and Junior Gelding 3 & Under winner RD Nevaska (Nevada TBA x RD Jada Bey), shown by Claudinei Machado for owner Barrie Padgham.
Gold Supreme Champion and Senior Gelding 4 & Older winner For The Record KA (Nadir I x Prima Dona KA), shown by Jordon Simons for owner Angela Larson.
Cox Communications Arabian Freestyle Liberty
Champion RSA Troublesome (Sirius Trouble x TF Psyches Angel), shown by Ted Carson for owner Jeana Karlovich. M AY 2010 | 109
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Yearling Filly Supreme Championship Saadiya CA ( Justify x Lady Zoe Hadidi), shown by Frank Sponle for owner Daneisha Brazzle.
Love Sweet Love (Ever After NA x Sweet Psyrrender), shown by Sandro Pinha for Rodolfo Guzzo for owners Robert & Dixie North Family Trust.
Silver Supreme Champion and Junior Filly Of 2009 ( January-March) winner Kharalisa BPA (Khadraj NA x Rhapsody In Gold), shown by Greg Gallún for owner Timestone Arabians LLC. Psolitaire (Pstrategy x LV Markelle), shown by Andrew Sellman for owner Belvedere Farm LLC.
Ensemble DDA (Eden C x Angelina Showlee), shown by Greg Knowles for owner Carolyn Steppe.
Gold Supreme Champion and Junior Filly Of 2009 (March-April) winner RD Marciena (QR Marc x NW Siena Psyche), shown by Rodolfo Guzzo for owner Luciano Cury.
DM Endless Romance (DA Valentino x TC Padron Batiste), shown by Claudinei Machado for owners Murray & Shirley Popplewell.
Miss Ali Anna SWF (WH Justice x Miss Psyche), shown by Jeff Schall for owner Al Shahania Stud.
Bronze Supreme Champion and Junior Filly Of 2009 (May-August) winner Bettina MP (WH Justice x Om El Belindi Estopa), shown by Steve Heathcott for owners Jon & Mindy Peters and Om El Arab International. 110 | AR ABIAN HORSE TIMES
Royal Envie (Eden C x San Jose Javiera), shown by Raphael Curti for Greg Gallún for owners Mark Davis, Cindy McGown and Greg & Nancy Gallún.
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Yearling Colt Supreme Championship EVG Giovale (Pershahn El Jamaal x Gisele), shown by Greg Gallún for owner Evergreen Arabians LLC.
Fabian TRF (Eden C x RD Fabreanna), shown by Jordan Simons for Andrew Sellman for owner Tangle Ridge Farm.
Silver Supreme Champion and Junior Colt Of 2009 ( January-April) winner Faconnable (Marwan Al Shaqab x Francescaa), shown by Andrew Sellman for owner Mystica Arabians. AJ Fenjan (Ajman Monescione x RGA Kouress), shown by Frank Sponle for owner Ajman Stud.
Auteur (Arbiteur x Indira Rose), shown by Ricardo Rivero for owner Laetitia D’Arenberg.
Kodiak M (Thee Masterpiece x Kilitra M), shown by Matthew Gales for owners Terry & Pauline McLaughlin.
Gold Supreme Champion and Junior Colt Of 2009 (May-July) winner Cavalli (DA Valentino x Aspyn), shown by Sandro Pinha for owner Pegasus Arabians.
Xclusive W (Selket Marque x Psylver Psyche VF), shown by Gil Valdez for Sandro Pinha for owner Willms Arabians.
TRJ Ethan (Eden C x TR Copperclassique), shown by Gary McDonald for owner Ross Danielson.
Bronze Supreme Champion and Junior Colt Of 2009 (April-May) winner SW Abraxas (Ever After NA x Midnight Pashahn), shown by Rodolfo Guzzo for owners Veronica & Greg Cowdrey. M AY 2010 | 111
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Junior Mare Supreme Championship Mar M Marwanna wanna AD D (Ma (Marwan Marw rw Al Shaqab x Cibylla El Yllan), shown by Andrew And An drew rew ew w Sellman Se S llm lllmaa for owner Al Khalediah Stables.
Abiline A Abi linee P lin PCF CF C F (L (Lega (Legacy egacy ega cyy Of O Fame x Breath Of Spring Psy), shown by Sandro S droo Pinha San Pi Pin n for owner Sam Peacemaker.
Silver Supreme Champion and Junior Filly Of 2008 (April-July) winner RD Challs Angel (Magnum Chall HVP x Bey Angel TGS), shown by Rodolfo Guzzo for Sandro Pinha for owner Pegasus Arabians. Chanel Chane Cha nel e AF el F (M (Magnum Magn aagnu gn g u Chall HVP x Lalique AF), shown by Terry Ter ry H Ho Holmes o for owner Janet Aston.
Aria Ariaa Delphine Ari Delp Delphin hiine (El (E Nabila B x MC Bessona), shown by Rodrigues JJoaoo Ro Joa Rodr R odrigu igues es fforr owner Arabian Park Arabians LLC.
Gold Supreme Champion and Junior Filly Of 2008 ( January-April) winner Felicia RLC (Shael Dream Desert x Camelia K), shown by Frank Sponle for owner Ajman Stud.
Valent Val entyna ynaa F (Psytadel x Veronia), shown by Valentyna Mat M atthe thew the wG a s ffor ale o own or oowner wn Dr. Ghanem Mohamed Obaid Al Hajri. Matthew Gales
Julianna Z (TF Psymreekhe x Mysandra VF), shown by Gil Valdez for Sandro Pinha for owner Gemini Ranch LLC.
Bronze Supreme Champion Om El Excella (Al Lahab GASB x Omel Bint Shaina), shown by Gerard Paty for owner Om El Arab International. 112 | AR ABIAN HORSE TIMES
VBF A Paradise (A Jakarta x MSP Marashah), shown by Steve Heathcott for owners Birte & William Ferguson.
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Junior Stallion Supreme Championship Apalo ( Justify x Gloria Apal), shown by Andrew Sellman for owner Belvedere Farm LLC.
LC Athens (Regal Actor JP x Genevieve C), shown by Ricardo Rivero for owner The Athens Partnership.
Silver Supreme Champion and Junior Stallion Of 2007 winner OFW Magic Wan (Marwan Al Shaqab x Magna Prelude), shown by Michael Byatt for owners Harold & Dolly Orr. Paso Doblle (Magnum Psyche x Bey Challina JD), shown by Jordan Simons for Gilberto Valdez for owner Pegasus Arabians.
PA Paschal (Om El Shahmaan x Paris To Rome), shown by Ted Carson for owners Horace Penny & Melinda Penny Canady.
PCF Vision (Marwan Al Shaqab x Veronica GA), shown by Sandro Pinha for owner Sam Peacemaker.
Gold Supreme Champion and Junior Colt Of 2008 ( January-March) winner El Chall WR (Magnum Chall HVP x Major Love Aair), shown by Rodolfo Guzzo for owners Robert & Dixie North Family Trust.
Etaya Sudan Amir (Imperial Mistaar x Etaya Amira), aya Ami Am mir ira), shown by Silvio Moraes for owner Jenniferr Parsons. Par arrson on ns.
FA Nikeese (Sir Fames HBV x Original Psyn IA), shown by Matthew Gales for owner Leonard Robinson.
Bronze Supreme Champion and Junior Colt Of 2008 (March-July) winner Troubadour PA (Magnum Chall HVP x Psyches Secret), shown by Gil Valdez for Sandro Pinha for owner Pegasus Arabians. M AY 2010 | 113
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Senior Mare Supreme Championship Maraysia (Marwan Al Shaqab x Aysia), shown by Ted Carson for owner Al Khalediah Stables.
Om El Beladeena (Al Lahab GASB x Om El Benedict), shown by Gerard Paty for owner Om El Arab International.
Silver Supreme Champion and Senior Broodmare Any Age winner *Negma Al Shaqab (Safir x Kajora), shown by Michael Byatt for owner Al Shaqab Member Qatar Foundation. Pinga (Gazal Al Shaqab x Pilar), shown by Raphael Curti for Greg Gallún for owners Frank & Frank Partners, LLC.
Zantasia (Padrons Psyche x Tuuzan), shown by Greg Knowles for owner Joanne Lynn Disario.
Gold Supreme Champion and Senior Mare 9 Years & Older winner Eagleridge Passionata (Sanadik El Shaklan x River Oak Dimity), shown by Frank Sponle for owner Ajman Stud.
EVG Ghislenne (Pershahn El Jamaal x Gisele), shown by Greg Gallún for owner Evergreen Arabians LLC.
Imaani (Psytadel x SA Anna Linah), shown by Sandro Pinha for owner O. Piessens.
Bronze Supreme Champion and Senior Mare 6-8 Years Old winner Gloria Apal (Psytadel US x SA Misha Apal), shown by Robert Boggs for owner DST Arabians. 114 | AR ABIAN HORSE TIMES
AMK Sofia Loren (Desert Heat VF x Felecia Bey), shown by Ricardo Rivero for owners Michael & Patricia Kosta.
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Senior Stallion Supreme Championship Om El Al Azeem (Al Lahab GASB x Om El Beneera), shown by Gerard Paty for owner Om El Arab International.
TF Royal Shabaz (Falcon BHF x TH Maya Naufali), shown by Michael Wilson for owner Curtis Westley.
Silver Supreme Champion and Senior Stallion 6-8 Years Old winner Art Dekko TT (Audacious PS x HC Amareea), shown by Jeff Schall for owner Noel Bosse. Major Jamaal (Soho Carol x Maya El Jamaal), shown by Silvio Moreas for owner Pomeroy Arabians Intn’l. and Langstroth & Co. Ltd.
Masquerade PA (Armani FC x Cazsandra), shown by Sandro Pinha for owner Pegasus Arabians.
Om El Babylon (Om El Shahmaan x Om El Bandeira), shown by Ted Carson for owner Cedarbrook Arabians LLC.
Gold Supreme Champion and Senior Stallion 9-11 Years Old winner Escape Ibn Navarrone-D (AS Sinans Pacha x Navarrone P), shown by Frank Sponle for owner Ajman Stud.
Gemini VII (Legacy Of Fame x Precious Legacy), shown by Gil Valdez for Sandro Pinha for owners Rolyn & Judith Schmid.
Mastermind M (Thee Masterpiece x JAL Salita), shown by Matthew Gales for owner Mastermind Group.
Bronze Supreme Champion and Senior Stallion 5 Years Old winner Ever After NA (Sir Fames HBV x Entaicying NA), shown by Rodolfo Guzzo for owners Robert & Dixie North Family Trust. M AY 2010 | 115