AH A l l N a t i o n C u p - A a c h e n
Aachen
The 2014 All Nations Cup Photos by Erwin Escher - Text By Lisa Abraham Lisa Abraham is an International Journalist and Photographer from the United States. She is also a breeder of Straight Egyptian Arabians.
The 32nd All Nations Cup, from September 27-29th, 2014, was an outstanding show experience. On the IEquine web page it is stated, “The All Nations Cup is held each year on the last weekend in September at Aachen (Germany) and is known throughout the world as the most honest and correct show in the world, as well as the toughest, because of the high quality of its entries.” As this was my first year to attend this show, I didn’t know what to expect. I had been advised that it was very casual compared to other shows of similar prestige and that the quality of horses was very high. I found the relaxed environment of the show to be impressive. The arena was small, but very appropriate—both horses and people had enough room. One had the feeling of a cozy, local show, but with the highest caliber of horses, prestigious owners and the most talented handlers in the world attending. There was security, but it was low key and unobtrusive. As the arena was surrounded with seating, socializing and mixing was easily facilitated.
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Debbie Fuentes, the Registrar for the Arabian Horse Association (USA), attends this show annually. She shared, “I sincerely love the Aachen show. Breeders travel from all over the world to attend the show. It is wonderful to see all of them and of course the beautiful horses. It's also a great opportunity to share information about what is going on at home in the Arabian world and also to exchange ideas as Registrars and representatives from many countries attend the show. I was able to take care of several business items as well as catch up while there. Wonderful people and wonderful horses come together there. It is also a bonus to be able to spend significant time with Dr. Nagel who is always a most gracious host.” Show Program Upon arriving at the show, my first stop was to get the program so that that I could study the entries. I have to admit—this is the best show program I have ever read. It’s not a huge cumbersome book that is difficult to carry. Rather, it is in a light magazine format that presents all the necessary information in a direct manner whose explanation is complete. One particularly nice feature in the Class section is that not only are the parents listed for each horse, but also the grandparents on both the dam and the sire sides. I was also impressed with the thorough explanation of rules regarding conduct and presentation of horses, labeled “Conditions for Entry.” These rules were conclusive. Some of the matters listed included: scoring, deportment of judges, complaints, cruelty, enforcement and soundness. However, most impressively, it went into great detail regarding the subject of “Disguising of Exhibits.” Heavy makeup and clipping are always sources of controversy. Regarding makeup, the guide advises, “No alteration of the basic colour of the skin, coat or hooves is permitted. Hoof paints, colourless varnishes, coat dyes, glitter spray and cosmetic
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operations including skin grafts are forbidden.” As for clipping, the rules are also clearly stated, “In halter Classes horses may be fully or partly body-clipped, subject to eyelashes being left uncut, hair inside the ears left unshaved and tactile hair left intact around the nose, muzzle and the eyes. Horses not fulfilling these criteria will not be allowed to participate. ‘Balding’ is not encouraged.” It continues, “No equipment intended to alter the natural appearance of the horse is permitted in the stables, including neck sweats, nick collars, tailracks, hobbles or weights.” I have found these details regarding appearance to be refreshing as I personally enjoy a more natural appearance in a horse. Several years ago Judith Forbis, while judging a major international horse show, took a stand with a co-judge and refused to judge a horse with excess make-up. Judith shared, “The key to the success of these rules is enforcement.” The condition and presentation of the horses competing at the All Nations Cup was proof that these rules were respected. Book Signing In 2012, Dr. Hans-Joachim Nagel released the book, “The Arabian Horse: Nature’s Creation and The Art of Breeding.” It is a wonderful book outlining many of his thoughts regarding various subjects including influential breeding programs around the world and the Arabian show scene. Most importantly, he goes into great detail regarding his own program at Katharinenhof Stud. Dr. Nagel also shares his breeding philosophies and offers advice to newer breeders. It has a wealth of information for any Arabian horse breeder or enthusiast. One of my favorite quotes from the book is in a chapter in which Dr. Nagel sums up various conclusions regarding breeding. He states, “The greatest difference in the understanding of breeding between Bedouins and horse breeders of the West consists in the breeding value of stallions and mares. The ancient breeders of the Arabian Peninsula concentrated their efforts on the female part. All their strain thinking is based on mare and mare lines, and stallions are not even mentioned. Their riding mounts were mostly mares, as stallion could be noisy and nervous, and therefore a risk in their silent attacks at night. This also means that they knew more about the performance of their mare than their stallions.
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"So many stories are told about the feats of ‘famous mares.’ But nothing like that about stallions. And such mares were called ‘blessed mares’ due to the quantity and quality of their foals: these mares were priceless. The question of how they chose their stallions remains speculation, but it is known that they were taken only from certain strains. Possibly they noticed that certain mares were excellent stallion producers. All this sounds very conservative, but Bedouins like to protect their wealth and lived on tradition.” On Saturday during the lunch break, Dr. Nagel made himself available to sign books, pose for photos and answer questions. It was one of those opportunities that one will never forget and to have the honor of getting one’s picture with Dr. Nagel was also priceless. The Handler’s Cup Besides the Classes themselves, another exciting competition at the Aachen show is the Handler’s Cup. Although there are other shows which also recognize the exceptional work of the Handlers, such as the Arabian Breeders World Cup in Las Vegas, Aachen is quite unique in how it awards this prestigious title. It was created by Mr. Jan Calis and it is set up like a contest or Class. Each Handler, who has entered him or herself, brings a horse into the ring and shows it just as he or she would in a class. Previous recipients include: Frank Spoenle (GERMANY), Eric Dorsers (HOLLAND), Johanna Ullstrom (SWEDEN), Mariusz Liskrewicz (POLAND), Mary Lang (AUSTRIA), Giacomo Capacci (ITALY), Nicolas Frere (BELGIUM) and Louise Brian (GREAT BRITAIN). The announcer stated, “You ladies and gentlemen as the audience today here in Aachen–you are the judge for The Handler’s Cup 2014, your applause is the basic for the success of the Handlers we will present to you. The louder your applause, the higher the score for the Handler you support.” Later, he also stated, “We not judging the horse—but we are judging the Handler.” Three young Handlers competed for this award. Individually, all three presented their horses. After they lined up, their names were announced and a measure of applause was taken. Although all three did very well with the audience, two of the three tied to win. The 2014 Handlers Award was shared by Michelle Lyall and Jan Lemmens. Classes Dr. Nagel, who is also the President of the All Nations Cup Committee, wrote in his greeting, “At the All Nations Cup, horses are presented from those countries in which the breeding of Arabians is carried out with great care and effort; such horses can be considered to belong to the best ones world-wide. This show offers a unique and exceptional survey of what is happening in breeding and shows and it continuous success from one year to the other.” There were six judges for each Class. Before each Class a random lottery method was used to determine which Judges would determine the winners of the following Class. The Classes were judged on a 20-point-system while the Championships were comparative. The 2014 panel of Judges were: Julie Bridges (GREAT BRITAIN), Deborah Cain (USA), Silvia GardeEhlert (GERMANY), Marie-Louise Van Wyk (SOUTH AFRICA), Nashaat Hegazy (EGYPT), Cristian Moschini (ITALY), Marco Pittaluga (ITALY), Peter Pond (AUSTRALIA) and Tamas Rombauer (HUNGARY). 104 horses competed for the top honors. One thing that stood out for me in this 2014 competition was the progeny of QR Marc. Not only did he have eight progeny competing, he sired three of the sixteen Champions—more than any other sire. He was followed by his younger paternal
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brother Kahil Al Shaqab and their sire, Marwan Al Shaqab, each with two progeny earning Championship honors. QR Marx (X Swete Dreams) is owned by Knockle Arabians of Belgium and was bred by Lou & Vicki Doyle of Quail Ridge Arabians (USA). Someone who has a special perspective on QR Marc is Riyan. Riyan is a well-known individual who is a lifelong member of the Arabian Horse Community and works as a promotion specialist through her Scottsdale based business, Riyan PR & Marketing. Impressively, she has had personal relationships with some of our breed’s greatest horses including: *Bask, *El Paso, *Padron, Bey Shah and Padrons Pysche. Riyan has also enjoyed a very special relationship with QR Marc. She shared, “QR Marc arrived at my farm in Northern California newly weaned, bright eyed and a bit timid at 5 months of age. His fantastically large and liquid eyes immediately enslaved me. He was affectionate, attentive, kind and exceptionally beautiful. “Just before Aachen, Bob Boggs asked if I might be interested in going to Knocke Arabians and the All Nations Cup to photograph QR Marc and his foals--I accepted without hesitation. I wondered if Marc would remember me and the incredible bond we had shared so many years before. I suspect his gentle nicker when I walked in the barn and called his name was a common reaction from this incredibly affectionate horse, but it sparked an emotional reaction in me that even I hadn’t expected. “The success of QR Marc’s foals in Aachen was further confirmation to me that my brief role in his amazing life was something to be revered. My relationship with QR Marc enabled me to see the same traits, qualities and exceptional character in the eyes of each of his foals. As I photographed D MShary, Penelope KA and Equator in the winner’s circle at the All Nations Cup, I wasn’t paying attention to their perfect pose for the win shot, I was drawn to their expression, their interaction with the handlers and owners, and witnessing that same sweet, gentle expression that their sire had stolen my heart with.”
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The quality of the Yearling Classes was outstanding. However, I was unfamiliar with how several of them, still with their mothers, were presented. Several of these babies were let loose to show themselves. When I first saw this, I was uncomfortable. However, it was very safe and it was a far more effective method to show both the movement and charisma of the babies, without being lead along by the neck. The Gold Champion Filly was AJ Sawari (Marwan Al Shaqab X Siberia SA) who is owned and was bred by Ajman Stud (UAE). This has been a successful year for this young filly as she has already captured Gold honors in Ajman, Dubai and Menton. Furthermore, as a side note, she is a full sister to AJ Sawahi, who, before capturing some of the world’s highest honors, was also an All Nations Cup Gold Champion as a Yearling. The Silver Medal was earned by Sultana AM (Maharani HDM X Dana Al Mohamadia) who is owned and was bred by Al Mohamadia Arabian Horse Stud (KSA), while Pustyna Kahila (Kahil Al Shaqab X Pustyna Malwa), who is owned and was bred by Falborek Arabians (POLAND), was the Bronze Champion. Although scoring was fairly consistent in this class, Judge Rombauer choose Pustyna Kahila for Gold and Judge Moschini choose Zennyatta (Victorious LD X Love Chimes LD) for Silver, making her the only non-medal winner to be recognized for Silver or Gold. The quality of the Colt Class was evident in that each of the top seven from the Championship Class was chosen by at least one judge to earn a medal. Ultimately it was D Mshary (QR Marc X FT Shaella) who is owned and was bred by the Dubai Arabian Horse Stud (UAE) who earned Gold honors, while Morion (Kahil Al Shaqab X Mesalina), who is owned and was bred by Stadnina Koni Michalow (POLAND) earned the Silver—despite three judges choosing him for Gold. Lord El Shawan (Fa El Shawan X Lady Serenada), who is owned and was bred by Josef Pietrzak (POLAND) was the Bronze Champion. Impressively, in his Yearling Class, Lord El Shawan received three 20’s and three 19.5’s for Movement. The scores from the Junior Mares Class also reflected the depth of the competition. Both D Shahla (Marajj X FT Shaella), a 2012 filly who is owned and was bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud (UAE), and Penelope K.A. (QR Marc X Polonia), also a 2012 filly who is owned and was bred by Knocke Arabians (BELGIUM), were each chosen by three Judges for Gold. Ultimately it was D Shahla who became the Gold Champion with Penelope K.A. earning the Silver. AJ Asyad (Marwan Al Shaqab X AJA Angelica), a 2011 filly who is owned and was bred by Stadnina Koni Michalow (POLAND), and who was chosen by Judge Hegazy for Gold, was the Bronze Champion. As a note of interest, Judge Rombauer chose Delight’s Divah RB (Ajman Moniscione X Honey’s Delight RB) for Gold. The unanimous Junior Stallion Gold Champion was Excalibur E.A. (Shanghai EA X Essence Of Marwan). He is a 2011 colt, bred by Equus Arabians (SPAIN) and is owned by Las Rosas Arabians (URUGUAY). As the horse awarded the highest score of the show, with four 20’s for Type and straight 20’s for Movement--to say he brought the house down is an understatement! On the Las Rosas Facebook page it was posted, “Excalibur EA is more than a horse, Excalibur is a dream. A dream that was born and made possible by the dedicated efforts of many.” Ted Carson of Butler Farms (USA) was certainly one whose contribution was meaningful. In 2011, Ted was at the lead when Excalibur EA became a US National Champion. He shared, “There are certain horses that you know they have what it takes to go all the way--and we knew he had it—so all along we felt he was a US contender. US Nationals was his very first show. We prepared him all summer and did a lot of last minute marketing. However, the competition was deep and we were going against horses who had already made names for themselves and had been heavily marketed. He was the white horse and yet, as the unknown, he was also the dark horse. That being said—he won and this is when it all started for him. “For me, the biggest thing is this: if we end up with a horse, it’s because we believe in him—and we believe in Excalibur EA. I had him for a year and half and during that time, we committed several mares to him. Although it’s obvious, as everyone is now seeing, he is a great show horse, but he is nailing it as a sire as well! Al Sayed of Saudi Arabia, the owners of Eden C, just purchased Alexxanderr—Excalibur’s very first baby. We feel that says a lot for his quality as a sire. In this market, it’s hard enough to sell horses as it is, especially colts—so we are thrilled for Alexxanderr’s future with Al Sayed!” The Silver Champion Junior Stallion was RP Burj Al Arab (WH Justice X Pamira Bint Psytadel), a 2012 colt who is owned by Agmal Arabians (SOUTH AFRICA) and was bred by Di Grazia Arabians (GERMANY) while the Bronze went to D Khattaf (Royal Colours X D Jowan), also a 2012 colt who is owned by and was bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud (UAE). At shows of this prestige, the beauty and quality of the mare classes is always a highlight. However, the mares competing
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AH A l l N a t i o n C u p - A a c h e n at this year’s All Nation’s Cup made it an unforgettable show experience. Of the mare Classes, I felt the 11 Years+ to be the most beautiful--and the Judges seemed to agree as two of the three Champions came from this small, but exquisite Class. In 2008, at the Pride of Poland Sale, Kwestura (Monogramm X Kwesta), who was bred by by Stadina Koni Michalow (POL) sold to the Ajman Stud (UAE) for a record price of 1.7 Million (USD). In the sale catalogue she was referred to as “the most extraordinary offering in the 40-year history of the auction.” She has been a European Champion, A World Champion, a Polish Champion and a US National Champion. On the Arabian Flashlights web page (Arabian Flashlights: The Online Magazine about Shows and Arabian Horses Worldwide) it is stated, “Those who have had the opportunity to see this exquisite chestnut mare FLYING around in the sand paddock of Michalow Stud's place, full of energy with high knees action and full power from behind, yet very elegant and lightly anyway - will never forget this moment seeing her in her free spirits.” As she was awarded straight 20’s not only for Type, but for Movement as well—I’m not sure if anything had changed. Kwestura, who in 1999 was the All Nations Cup Champion Mare as a four year old, is now once again the Champion at nineteen! Needless to write but necessary to record, Kwestura was also the highest scoring mare of the show. Pepita (Ekstern X Pepesza), a 2005 mare who is owned and was bred by Stadnina Koni Janow Podlaski (POLAND), with only .08 points behind Kwestura, was the Silver Champion. Pepita who also received straight 20’s for Movement and five 20’s for Type was chosen by Judges Van Wyk and Moreira for Gold. Thanks to the wonderful people at Janow, I had the opportunity to spend personal time with this mare. She is a kind, sweet mare whose temperament is every bit as lovely as her quality as a Champion. Although Judge Rombauer chose her for Gold, Emira (Laheeb X Embra), a 2000 mare who is owned and was bred by Stadina Koni Michalow (POLAND) became the Bronze Champion. As a side note, Emira also had a son, Empire (by Enzo), who competed in the 4-6 Stallion Class. The Stallion Championship concluded the show with all its usual thrill and excitement! Although he did not win by unanimous decision, to this journalist, Eden C (Enzo X Silken Sable), a 2005 stallion who was bred by Rhonda & Rhoda Coleal (USA) and is owned by Alsayed Stud (KSA), dominated the ring. Both in his Class and in the Championship, he exploded into the ring with the confidence of a Champion. Al Lahab (Laheeb X The Vision HG), 1999 stallion who was bred by Uri Ariela (ISRAEL) and is owned by Ingeand Hansjurgen Friedmann (GERMANY) became the Silver Champion.While the bronze was earned by Equator (QR Marc X Ekliptyka), a 2010 stallion who is owned and was bred by Stadnina Koni Janow Podlaski (POLAND). All Nations Cup Awards The All Nations Cup concluded with two very important Awards. The first of which was “The Lady Harmsworh Blunt Memorial Trophy:The Nations Cup.This Award is given to the nation whose entries score the highest number of points according to a predetermined scale. The second is the “The Ian Hedley Memorial Trophy: The All Nations Cup Breeders Trophy.” The guide states, “This is a perpetual trophy donated by the Hon. Mrs. Mary Ann Wragg and Mrs. Annette Hedley. This award recognizes the country which had bred the most prizewinners each year on the occasion of the Nations Cup Show.” The 2014 recipient of each award was the country of Poland. The All Nations Cup was one of the most thoughtfully arranged shows that I have ever attended. It was obvious that the show organizers considered all possibilities and came up with a format that works—both as a healthy environment in which horses could compete and also as a social occasion for participants from all over the world. Dr. Nagel shared with me, “One thing that has contributed to the success of the Aachen show is that people are constantly entertained. Every minute should have some form of entertainment. I wanted things one on top of another and to me, this makes the show full. Also, the time table to a show is also critical and for that you need good people.” The success of this strategy was clearly evident.
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Gold Champions
YEARLING FEMALE AJ Sawari - Owner: Ajman Stud/UAE
YEARLING MALE D Mshary - Owner: Dubai Arabian Horse Stud/UAE
JUNIOR FEMALE D Shahla - Owner: Dubai Arabian Horse Stud/UAE
JUNIOR MALE Excalibur EA - Owner: Las Rosas Arabians /URUGUAY
SENIOR FEMALE Kwestura - Owner: Michalow/PL
SENIOR MALE Eden C - Owner: Alsayed Stud / USA 8|9
Silver Champion
YEARLING FEMALE Sultana AM - Owner: Al Mohamadia Stud/KSA
YEARLING MALE Morion - Owner: Michalow/PL
JUNIOR FEMALE Penelope KA - Owner: Gheysens/BE
JUNIOR MALE RP Burj Al Arab - Owner: Hammer-Moliterno/DE
SENIOR FEMALE Pepita - Owner: Janow Podlaski/PL
SENIOR MALE Al Lahab - Owner: Friedman Family Arabians / DE
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Bronze Champions
YEARLING FEMALE Pustynia Kahila - Owner: Michalow/PL
YEARLING MALE Lord El Shawan - Owner: Pietrzak/PL
JUNIOR FEMALE AJ Asyad - Owner: Ajman Stud/UAE
JUNIOR MALE D Khattaf - Owner: Dubai Arabian Horse Stud/UAE
SENIOR FEMALE Emira - Owner: Michalow/PL
SENIOR MALE Equator - Owner: Michalow/PL 10 | 11