Arabian Horse Magazine | N4_2018 | Paris Issue

Royal In Every Way

By Nakashen Valaitham

H

ave you ever seen the arrival of a royal figure? The crowds gather in their thousands and split to make way. They cheer at the top of their lungs, whistles can be heard near and far and the clapping almost makes the earth shake.

Some people can’t stop smiling, others weep in joy and the rest just stand in awe. The royal figures in the Arabian horse industry include names like Padrons Psyche, Marwan Al Shaqab, RN Farida, Kubinec, CR Jasmeenah and WH Justice to name a few. Whether you look at these royals in their stables, in the show arena or just grazing in a paddock, you can’t help but succumb to the beauty they emanate. The Qatari bred Sultan Al Zobara (Gazal Al Shaqab x Inra Al Shaqab) is another one of those horses that belong to the elite group of royals. His unquestionable beauty and dominance in arenas around the world have put him above the rest and in a royal league of his own.

Sultan Al Zobara is bred by Abdullah Al Misnad of Qatar and is currently owned by the uber successful Kuwaiti farm, Abhaa Arabians, proudly owned by Ahmad Abdulaziz Al Babtain. He is a majestic, one-of-a-kind stallion that is of royal stature. His pedigree

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oozes greatness and is embellished with aristocrats and royal figures from around the world. His sire, World Champion Gazal Al Shaqab (Anaza El Farid x Kajora) is a living legend and icon in the industry. Just like Bask, Bey Shah and Padron did in their day, Gazal Al Shaqab single-handedly changed the face of the breed to what it is today. His impact is revered around the world and the utterance of his name is enough to make breeders, enthusiasts, judges and handlers stand in respect.

Through the straight Egyptian stallion and Egyptian Event Winner Anaza El Farid, Gazal Al Shaqab has given Sultan Al Zobara one of the greatest gifts a father could ever give a son in this industry – a sire line to the celebrated stallion and extraordinary producer Nazeer. Anaza El Farid brings with him the powerful blood of U.S. National Champion Ruminaja Ali and the Ansata Ibn Halima daughter and aristocratic producer, Bint Deena. Gazal Al Shaqab’s dam was the 1982 U.S. National Champion Mare Kajora.

She is one of the founding matriarchs of Al Shaqab and her pedigree is an extraordinary blend of powerful Polish, Crabbet and Russian influences. Through her dam, the grey,

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multiple in hand and English pleasure champion, Edjora (Excelsjor x Edessa) we find a tail female line to the Albigowa bred Ellora – dam of U.S. National and Scottsdale Champion Stallion, El Paso.

Now while Sultan Al Zobara’s sire lives up to definition of the word influential, his dam should not be overlooked. Inra Al Shaqab (Wahag Al Shaqab x Johara Al Shaqab), is a straight Egyptian broodmare supreme.

Her sire Wahag Al Shaqag is the result of crossing two exemplary Egyptian horses, namely Safir and Kamasayyah. Safir sired a countless number of daughters that went on to become integral parts of studs around the world and the Qatari Champion Kamasayyah, is a half-sister to the U.S. Reserve National Champion, Hadban Al Shaqab. Inra Al Shaqab’s dam, Johara Al Shaqab is one of the most refined and authentic Egytpian mares that the industry has ever seen. Not only is she a sight for sore eyes but she is the dam of multiple champions. The rich and valuable Ansata and Imperial blood that Inra Al Shaqab adds to this pedigree makes Sultan Al Zobara a royal inside and out.

What is interesting and quite staggering is the fact that in the five generations of Sultan Al Zobara’s pedigree, we find 24 champions from around the world and enough aristocracy to last a lifetime. Now when you possess immense quality, ooze Arabian type, have multiple crosses to breed legends, look better in real life than you do on paper and are a son of a living legend, you are deemed royal and certainly fit to take on the toughest shows around the world.

Sultan Al Zobara’s exotic face, long, snake-like neck, perfectly proportioned body and that textbook stand-up all make him look as if he was carved by the world’s greatest sculptors. Couple that with his flag-like tail carriage, powerful movement and snort-and-blow attitude, and you have a living masterpiece – one that sets every show ring ablaze and leaves spectators speechless.

Ever since he made his show ring debut as yearling, Sultan Al Zobara has found himself earning truck loads of twenties, Best Head Trophies and in the winner’s circle by unanimous decision. His debut was at the coveted World Championships in Paris in 2012. He was the new kid on the block and everyone was waiting to see the extreme bay colt from the e-blasts in person. Giacomo Capacci showed him to perfection and the culminated that show with the Gold

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Gazal Al Shaqab

ANAZA EL FARID X KAJORA (Sultan Al Zobara Sire)

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World Champion Yearling Colt title. Then in 2014, he made his return.

Sultan Al Zobara had matured into an outstanding three-year-old and all eyes were on him. One could see both his masculinity and refinement from afar, he was ready to take on what was coming his way.

He was shown at the Mediterranean & Arab Countries Arabian Horse Championship held at the picturesque, French coastal city of Menton. It was once again Giacomo Capacci at the lead and when they danced into the arena, the crowd erupted. Sultan Al Zobara put on a fantastic performance and earned himself the Mediterranean & Arab Countries Silver Champion Junior Colt title. Sultan Al Zobara came into his own as a stallion and he made sure that the world would remember his name. He made his way to the United States of America and arrived at Midwest Training Center in the capable hands of David Boggs. Professional and

experienced horseman, David Boggs, knew that he had a rare gem in his hands. And it was time to take this gem to Las Vegas and make him shine even brighter.

Sultan Al Zobara burst into the arena at the 2015 Las Vegas Arabian Breeders World Cup and won his class effortlessly. His near perfect stand up made it look as if a sculpture had truly come to life. As he stood there, dead still, with the judges scrutinizing every nook and cranny, the crowd went wild. The cheers, shouts of praise and tears filled the room. At the end of it, Sultan Al Zobara was named Gold Champion Senior Stallion at

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the Las Vegas Arabian Breeders World Cup. After an exceptional year in the U.S., Sultan Al Zobara made his way home and started off 2016 with a bang. He was shown at the Kuwait International Arabian Horse Championships, a coveted A-Show held in Kuwait and like he usually does, Sultan Al Zobara bagged himself multiple twenties, a first place in his class and ultimately the 2016 Kuwait International Gold Champion Senior Stallion title.

2016 saw Sultan Al Zobara end up in the hands

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of the super successful Qatari farm, Al Thumama Stud. After his success in Kuwait, the team at Al Thumama Stud leased Sultan Al Zobara to breed to their array of gorgeous mares and to campaign and show him at the World Championships that year. Sultan Al Zobara stood with Tom Oben and together the two formed a bond, a bond that evident in Paris that year. They burst into the arena with their heads held high and only had one goal on their mind – the gold. On championship day,

Sultan Al Zobara was named 2016 Silver World Champion Stallion and the entire Al Thumama team couldn’t have been happier.

After a year-long break from the show circuit to fulfil his duties in the breeding barn, the now seven-year-old Sultan Al Zobara has matured into a stallion of immeasurable beauty and quality. He is ready to make his comeback and show the world his true potential. The team at Abhaa Arabians have proudly leases this sensational stallion. The Abhaa

Arabians team believe that when you bring together one of the breed’s finest and accomplished stallions with a mare of unique beauty and refinement, both with royal bloodlines, the result is bound to be an exceptional individual that stands out in a crowd.

Sultan Al Zobara is indeed one of those individuals and Abhaa Arabians intends to breed more of these royal horses. And this time they are giving outside breeders the opportunity to breed their very own royals as well. For the first time, Sultan Al Zoba-

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ra will be available to the public. Mr. Gianpaolo Gubbiotti also known as Woody is currently handling all the promotion regarding Sultan Al Zobara and we can be sure to see some great news coming our way. He is currently standing at Capecci Training Center in Italy and Paolo Capecci and his wife Susy Gruschler couldn’t be happier; they are excited to represent such an

esteemed and illustrious horse and for the possibilities that Sultan Al Zobara brings with him.

The royal king, Sultan Al Zobara is starting a new chapter and we can be sure that it will be written in a royal manner. So get ready Arabian industry, the crowds will soon start gathering, be sure to make way, a royal story is about to unfold.

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DEAR BREEDERS AND LOVERS OF THE ARABIAN HORSE,

As we are approaching the end of the year and the beginning of a new one, so the time to take stock of the situation is also coming. A time when each of us will look back and think about what it has been done so far (or not). Three hundred and sixty days over which many events have been celebrated in that part of our lives fully devoted to the Arabian horse. To mention all of them is not an easy task, most of all because we may involuntarily forget this event or that equestrian manifestation that marked the three hundred and sixty days of those people who love and work in the breeding industry. Moreover, a lot of things may occur in t w e l v e months that not even a big book would be able to cover in such detail to make it ‘good news’.

This yearend editorial is only the finishing touch of what Arabian H o r s e Magazine has accomplished so far and it continues to do for all of you in this sector. It was born out of the affirmation of an absolute sharing mood that only the Arabian horse is able to create among people. Over the years, it has been celebrating many important achievements and all that is part of a process that we on the AHM Team aim to bring forward, with you, for many years to come. We have treasured every compliment but also, and above all, all sort of criticism as this made it real and sincere the responsibility placed in us. Luckily enough, our greatest force is to be part of a Team like no other in that passion it nurtures for such a noble creature; in that spirit of self-sacrifice, perseverance, preparation, and that sense of

cooperation and friendship it puts in each project. The energy of Gianluca Martino, Noemie Zeller, Nazario, Sonja, Debora and all other collaborators on the Team is based on the love for the Arabian horse. A love that we hope will evolve into a new dawn for the international industry. Therefore, a special thank you goes to our sponsors and to our clients - those of the past and those who will be eager to support us in the future. Thus making it possible to inform you about what’s happening in the dynamic breeding community. Most of all, we want to thank every single reader. Thanks to those who read about us every day on their tablets. Thanks to those who follow us on the web and via social networks.

Thanks to those who are proud of ‘caring’ for the Arabian horse.

Of such pride Arabian Horse Magazine has made its own symbol and motto because wherever there is someone who expresses himself/herself through the love for these magnificent and noble animals, well, that little piece of world will definitely be a good and safe place to live in. In conclusion, according to tradition, we extend our best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year to all our readers (and you are so many!). We do thank you for your great support and constant participation. Despite the economic crisis that affects all of us, your kind and generous backing will empower us to continue previous efforts in the coming year without leaving out any of you, and we will stick with our commitment to the Arabian horse and to all those who have decided to devote their lives to him.

CONTACT FOR ITALY Gianluca Martino - Publisher/ Public relations/ Art Director Ph: +39 335 82 62 907 - email: info@arabianhorsemagazine.it CONTACT FOR EUROPE, US, MIDDLE EAST NOEMIE ZELLER - Publisher/ Public relations/ Photographer Ph: +41 764 12 00 93 - email: noemiezeller@icloud.com AHM | 20

INDEX Sultan Al Zobara................................................................... 001 Al Saqran Stud...................................................................... 012 Almazrouei Stud.................................................................. 022 Equiborn KA........................................................................ 030 Cover: Aijana OS Owner: Albaydaa Stud N4_2018

Alorasia Arabian Horse....................................................... 040

Editor/Publisher/Art Director GIANLUCA MARTINO

EDW HI Catharina............................................................. 044

Publisher/Public relations NOËMIE ZELLER

CBA Illias............................................................................... 054

Photographer/Graphic Designer GREGOR AYMAR GLENN JACOBS

European Championship..................................................... 060

Journalists SONJA SMALDONE DOMENICO TOCCHI NAKASHEN VALAITHAM SAMANTHA MATTOCKS KRISTI HOPP Technical Counselor WILLIAM RICHARDOT DE CHOISEY

Muranas Jassehr................................................................... 082 Breeder Interview................................................................. 094 Fusco Training Center......................................................... 102

Graphic Designer NAZARIO BIZZOCO

Bergamo Show..................................................................... 106

Official Photographers JOELLE MÜLLER ANTONIO CARACCIOLO ALESSIO AZZALI

Riding Couple....................................................................... 120

Translations SONJA SMALDONE Account GIANLUCA MARTINO NOËMIE ZELLER DEBORA MARTINO KRISTI HOPP Special Collaborators ANTONIO DE MARTINO DAVIDE D’ALESSANDRO GIULIETTA GUBBIOTTI Print ARABIAN VIBE - SALERNO

Adv/Redaction ARABIAN VIBE mobile: +39 335 8262907 info@arabianhorsemagazine.it www.arabianhorsemagazine.it

N. 406/016 - N. 1844/16 Direttore Responsabile: Oreste Mottola Iscritto al Registro della Stampa Periodica presso il Tribunale di Salerno il 15/12/2003 al numero 1158 Edito da: vibe arabians via irno 175, - 84133 Salerno iscritta al tribunale di salerno in data 18/02/2016

Italian National Championship.......................................... 126 Elegantica Training Center.................................................. 141 Forlì Show............................................................................. 156 Judge Interview..................................................................... 182 All Nations Cup - Aachen................................................... 194 Riding Model........................................................................ 222 April Visel.............................................................................. 232 Straight Egyptian World Championship........................... 242 Salon Du Cheval D’El Jadida ............................................ 260 Eralda..................................................................................... 281

Arabian Horse Magazine non risponde della veridicità e dei contenuti dei testi pubblicitari.

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A MAGNIFICENT DESTINY AWAITS IN IRAN

By Nakashen Valaitham

As he trots his mane dances to the tune of the wind; his lustrous bay coat plays with the sun’s rays as he strikes the air. His flared nostrils, pricked ears, perfectly dished head and timeless expression stops one in their tracks – his magnificence radiates far beyond the horizon; his name is Kanz Albidayer (Ajman Moniscione x DL Marielle).

With the likes of WH Justice, Marwan Al Shaqab, RGA Kouress, Magnum Psyche, El Shaklan, Fame VF, Kajora and Bey Shah to name a few, found in his pedigree, Kanz Albidayer was set up for a magnificent destiny from day one. And like his illustrious predecessors, Kanz Albidayer’s breeding record is reaching for the sky. With foals like Seranza and Luigi constantly winning in show rings around the world, Kanz

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Albidayer is bound to remain relevant for years to come.

Having served his previous owners well, Kanz Albidayer now finds himself under new ownership.

From the beautiful and historic country of Iran, the Kanz Albidayer Partnership has been formed.

The partners realise that the magnificence that Kanz Albidayer possesses, is something they need to have.

He is currently standing in Italy at Capecci Training Centre. Under the clear management of the partners, Paolo Capecci and Giampaolo Woody, Kanz Albidayer is set to make a new mark for himself; a mark that will go hand in hand with the Iranian flag. A magnificent destiny awaits and Kanz Albidayer is going to fulfil all expectations.

LUIGI

KANZ AL BIDAYER x LOLITA

SERANZA

KANZ AL BIDAYER x EVENING SERENADE

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- In every design that you create, there’s a part of you left in it.

-The Design itself is another language that expresses several meanings.

-Crafting is not just the action of gluing odds and ends together or painting a wooden box, It envelops many interests.

- glass, wood and lighting combined to create a mesmerizing piece of art.

- Any further design available upon request -“ I want to make things of quality. I’m big believer in handmade, tactile crafted pieces. I want to keep that tradition alive”

Zac Posen 0096176783825 armando.jaroush@gmail.com

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e can often hear long-experienced breeders maintain that when they assess a horse and try to envisage his possible breeding ability they look to see how strongly the individual resembles his pedigree. If the horse’s physical characteristics closely match those of the animals in its pedigree, then breeders believe there is in fact a very high probability that the horse will be able to reproduce those same qualities and traits with a good amount of consistency. When Equiborn KA came to life at Knocke Arabians, Belgium, in 2012, Arabian breeders Paul and Ria Geysens knew from the very beginning they were witnessing the birth of a clear star who would live up to his progenitors and bring forward their breeding generation.

There are two sides to every pedigree and each is equally important. The sire side of Equiborn KA’s pedigree

is imbued with straight Egyptian blood with his sire QR Marc (Marwan Al Shaqab x Swete Dreams ) being a great-grandson of legendary Gazal Al Shaqab (Anaza El Farid by Ruminaja Ali x Kajora), and brings with it the strong, close ties to his desert origins. From her side, Kajora conveyed a potent combination of rich and robust Russian, Polish and Crabbet bloodlines. Historically, these lines have been blended and overlapped to create masterpieces of living, breathing art. Equiborn’s dam is the regal Polish mare Espadrilla. Owned and bred by Michalow State Stud in Poland, Espadril-

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la (Monogramm x Emanacja) is one of the many mares that have been bred to QR Marc with amazing results, both at Knocke and in Poland itself. When leased to Knocke Arabians, Espadrilla gifted the Gheysens with Equiborn before she made her return to her native country. While being one of the most beautiful daughters by Monogramm (Negatraz x Monogramma) makes Espadrilla an aristocratic mare by definition, it is her dam side that appears so appealing.

She is out of Emancja, a daughter of the

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great Eukaliptus (Bandos x Eunice) and out of one of the most important Polish broodmares of all time – Emigracja (Palas x Emisja). Therefore, Espadrilla carries two of the most important bloodlines bred at the State Studs of Poland, and this is what mainly sparkled Paul and Ria Gheysens to choose her as a special partner for QR Marc. No offspring

by QR Marc has ever been shown in the same year of their birth except for Equiborn KA. In 2012, the Geysens decided to introduce the foal to their friends at

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Progenies EQUIBORN KA X JOUMALIA NAUTIAC FILLY

EQUIBORN KA X QR LIZETTE FILLY

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their annual family event and everyone there got just so captivated by the little grey colt’s appearance. Reason why, the following year, in 2013, Equiborn was awarded the honor to open the event itself. No more words were needed on that day, but a few minutes of presentation had already stolen the heart of all the attendants. Equiborn stood tall and charming in the presentation arena, he had a gentle grace about him, elegance perfectly in line with a great movement and charismatic Arabian type. All eyes

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were on him. That same year, in 2013, Equiborn made his debut in the showring grabbing the Gold Junior Colt title at the Emerald Trophy National Show and the Silver Yearling Colt Championship title at the West Coast Cup as well as being crowned Best Belgium Horse at the show. He concluded that year with the Silver Yearling Male title at the World Championship in Paris. Many successes were achieved by Equiborn with the Schoukens on the lead. He was: Bronze Medal Champion at Menton 2014;

Silver Junior Champion Paris 2015

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Bronze Medal Champion at Menton 2015 regaining the Silver Champion title at Paris 2015. He went on being: 2016 Breeders Cup Chantilly Unanimous Gold Champion Senior Stallion + Best Male of the Show and 2017 Paris Bronze World Champion Stallion. We all look forward to seeing Equiborn continue

his path towards greater accomplishments in the years to come. And we are pretty sure that under the ownership and technical guidance of Knocke Arabians Equiborn has it all to blossom towards the Gold.

w w w . k n o c k e a r a b i a n s . c o m

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By Nakashen Valaitham Photos by Ferdinand Huemer & Melanie Groger

T

he ringmaster signalled for the participant to enter at the 2018 German National Show; horse number 31 was up next. Katrien Vandycke led in a captivating grey angel by the name of EDW Hi Catharina. EDW Hi Catharina stormed into the arena and put on a display second to none. With her tail over her back, her ears perked forward and an animated trot, EDW Hi Catharina easily had the room focused on her. And whether you were watching her in person or on the live feed, EDW Hi Catharina’s stand up left you covered in goosebumps from your head to your toes. Before continuing the story of EDW Hi Catharina’s German show appearance, I feel it is necessary to elaborate on where this glorious creature comes from.

EDW Hi Catharina was bred in Brazil by Lucas de Mello Ribeiro and Enrico Carlone in the beautiful country of Brazil. From the day she graced the planet with her presence, both Lucas and Enrico knew they had a shining star in their hands. Lucas adds: “I bred Catharina in par-

tnership with my great friend Enrico Carlone. We bought Catharina´s mother, AF Elady, at the Fazenda Fortaleza auction, one of the most influential farms of the Brazilian breeding, after being advised by my horse consultant, Leopoldo Coutinho. She was pregnant and foaled EDW HI Catharina, a filly that since she was born caught everybody’s attention with the Arabian type, great movement and charisma.”

With just a swift glance over her pedigree, it is easy to conclude that it is a culmination of the very best. EDW Hi Catharina is sired by the beautiful grey stallion, AF Edil (Lumiar Amadeus x Love Melody).

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AF Edil is sired by the striking Brazilian National and Scottsdale Champion Stallion, Lumiar Amadeus, who in turn is a son of the phenomenal broodmare sire, RSD Dark Victory.

And it is through RSD Dark Victory that we find the revered Arabian legends, Bey Shah and Khemosabi. Lumiar Amadeus’s dam, CA Sabrina is a snow white goddess that adds the illustrious influence of Sanacht to this pedigree. AF Edil’s dam, Love Melody is what I like to describe as a “U.S. National Champion mash-up” – when two U.S. National Champions are bred to each other.

Her sire, Aladdinn is one of the greatest U.S. National Champion Stallions to have ever graced the face of the breed and her dam, Bask Melody, has been described as one of Bask’s most beautiful and successful daughters in the history of the breed.

EDW Hi Catharina’s dam, AF Elady (AF Vogal x AF Rot Lady), brings with her a slew of champions and aristocratic influences that elevates this pedigree from great to outstanding. Her sire, AF Vogal (The Mintril x Delta Venus), is a son of the Egyptian Event Supreme Champion and one of the all-time leading straight Egyptian sires, The Minstril. AF Rot Lady is a daughter of the Brazilian super sire Delmar. What is interesting about Delmar is not the fact that his sire Marsianin is a U.S. National Champion, but instead that his dam is Love Melody. And where Love Melody is present, the Canadian and U.S. National Champion aristocrat, Bask’s Melody is right behind her, therefore doubling up on the greatness in this pedigree.

It is clear that EDW Hi Catharina was made for the limelight and one of the catalysts that helped get her to where she is today is Ferdinand Huemer of La Movida Arabians in Austria. Lucas adds, “We sent EDW Hi Catharina to Dejair Halter Training and there she was seen by the international judge and acclaimed breeder, Luiz Rocco.

About a month later, he informed Gerlinde and Ferdinand Huemer of La Movida Arabians about our filly and they purchased her and subsequently resold her to Safar Araber in Ger-

many.”

Rosa Maria Pfeiffer of Safar-Araber in Germany made the decision to show her glorious treasure at the German Nationals this year. And the results of the show exceeded everyone’s expectations. As I mentioned in the opening paragraph, Katrien Vandycke and EDW Hi Catharina set the ring on fire and literally had every eye on them from the time the entered until the exited the ring. When one looks at such an ethereal creature, you are stopped in your tracks, her beauty mesmerizes you and her dark eyes have you intoxicated. With AHM | 46

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EDW HI Catharina - Aachen 2018 Gold Senior Mare German Nationals Championship

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her jaw dropping good-looks, unique blend of the best blood and staggering Arabian type, this is a mare that leaves you wanting more every time “We know that Catharina is a very special mare. When she came into the arena, the way she performed with her trainer Katrien was so great. You could feel the harmony between the two and we had gossebumps the whole time. We were eagerly waiting for the results,” adds Rosa.

Not only did EDW Hi Catharina effortlessly win her class, she earned a score of 93.33, which was the highest score of the German Nationals as well as the All Nations Cup – a feat that only an elite handful can boast. On championship day, both EDW Hi Catharina and Katrien were ready to face the challenge that stood before them. They had their minds set on one goal – to get the gold; and as the saying goes, they saw, they came and they conquered, so they did. EDW Hi Catharina was named the 2018 Unanimous Gold Champion Senior Mare.

“The moment we heard the points the judges had given Catharina, we couldn’t believe it. It was such a great feeling to know Catharina is the winner of such a strong class with 93,33 points. And when she became the Gold National Champion too, we totally freaked out. That was another special moment and our feelings overwhelmed us. This is something we will never forget and we are so happy and thankful that Catharina is by us. She always makes us happy. And she is indeed special mare,” says Rosa with pride.

“Enrico, Leopoldo and I were in Aachen to watch the horse shows and had the honour to see Catharina being crowned German National Gold Champion Mare. I must confess, that I didn’t expect the title as many other renowned breeders such as Sax Arabians, were also competing for the title. However, Catharina was beautiful, showing incredible Arabian type and powerful motion. Then, to our happiness, she had the highest score of the show, making us incredibly happy. I believe Catharina will have a bright future at Safar Arabians, not only as a show mare, but mainly as a broodmare,” boasts Lucas.

This was Katrien Vandycke’s second consecutive time showing a mare to Gold Ger-

man National Champion. She is an excellent horsewoman who always puts the horses first and here thoughts about EDW Hi Catharina are touching. “Winning a title, especially a gold is always very nice, but winning it with a horse who gives it’s very best, that makes it an amazing experience. That day in Aachen, I said I just hope she gives a great show, because I knew her owners and her breeders (who I hadn’t seen her for ages) were there to support her. Well I tell you, she gave a hell of a show, Catharina really rocked that showring in Aachen, amazing, I still can’t stop smiling if I think about it. That little grey mare showed what a real Arabian is, cause that’s what she is. She’s a very gentle, easy going mare, who loves to be on the pasture with her friends but can change from one moment to another into a real show queen.”

Now that EDW Hi Catharina has been embellished with some German gold, it is time for her to focus her eyes on the breeding barn. She has already given Safar-Araber a beautiful colt by Jyar Meia Lua (RFI Maktub x Jiullya El Jamaal) and she has been bred back to him yet again, due to foal in May of 2019. From humble beginnings in Brazil, to showing the world what a queen she is, EDW Hi Catharina has placed herself in a place where the trajectory is only upwards towards the stars. Whether she is making another show ring appearance or if one of her foals are debuting, we can be sure to see more of the glorious creature in the future.

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Gold Medal Senior Mare Milan cup Int. B 2018

Gold Medal Senior Mare Bergamo 2018

Gold Medal Senior Mare Italian National 2018

Bronze Medal Senior Mare European Championship 2018

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Alma Al tiglio AJMAN MONISCIONE X AMANDA

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A

By Nakashen Valaitham

s the year is slowly coming to an end and folks around the world are preparing for the festivities that come with this time, the Arabian horse industry is gearing up for the most coveted event of the year. The World Championship show is held every year in the picturesque city of Paris; it is the crowning jewel in the Triple Crown series and to many is seen as the ultimate title an Arabian can earn. For a breeder, one of the proudest and joyous moments in their lives is seeing their

Lawrence El Gazal

(GAZAL AL SHAQAB x LARA EL LUDJIN)

horses, their masterpieces compete at this level – it is the realisation of a life long dream.

Claus Bouché of Bouché Arabians developed his love and passion for the Arabian horse seven years ago and one of his greatest achievements to date is bringing to life the

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masterpiece named CBA Illias. CBA Illias is an elegant and refined yearling colt that is everything Claus has dreamed about. This bold, beautiful and flamboyant colt has been awarded top honours around Europe and his pedigree has a lot to do with it. He is linebred to the breed icon and sire of champions around the world, Ali Jamaal (Ruminaja Ali x Heritage Memory).

He is sired by the outrageously gorgeous, multiple award -winning stallion, Lawrence El Gazal (Gazal Al Shaqab x Lara El Ludjin). And his dam, Ilena El Aryes (Aryes El Ludjin x FT Indyanna), is an ethereal grey mare who traces back to the Haras Meia Lua foundation mare, Ennalia. CBA Illias’ pedigree boasts a whopping six crosses to Ali Jamaal, seven crosses to the straight Egytptian legend Ruminaja Ali and three crosses each to the breed powerhouses, El Shaklan and Bey Shah.

Just like the many National and International Champions found in his pedigree, CBA Illias has been winning hearts and medals ever since he made his debut at the Tulip Cup, an ECAHO B-Show, held in the Netherlands earlier this year. He was named 2018 Tulip Cup Gold Champion Yearling Colt and the medals have just been streaming in. He made his next appearance at the coveted Elran Cup and once again he came out victorious. Even though, CBA Illias was placed second in his class, on championship day he earned himself the Gold Champion Yearling Colt title. What made this win even more special for CBA Illias, Claus and the entire Bouché Arabians team is the fact that CBA Illias was named Best In Show, and for a yearling, that is feat only a very small, elite handful can boast. Just recently, at the AHO Breeder’s Cup, CBA Illias and his sidekick, Tom Oben, were ready to take on the challenge once more. CBA Illias brought his best and was ultimately named Bronze Champion Yearling Colt.

CBA Illias recently showed in Germany at the German Nationals and he once again found himself walking home with a garland draped around his neck.

He was placed second in the Yearling Colt class with one judge awarding him a 20 for type. On championship day, CBA Illias looked like a million dollars; Tom Oben showed him to perfection and he was named 2018 German National Bronze Champion Junior Colt.

The iconic Audrey Hepburn once said that “Paris is always a good idea” and Claus Bouché has the same thoughts regarding CBA Illias. It will once again be Tom Oben who will lead this bold, bay warrior into the decorated World Championship arena. Together they will take on the biggest and final challenge of the year and fly the Bouché Arabians flag with pride in Paris. We wish Claus, his family, Tom Oben and the entire Obi Traning Center team all the very best.

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Text William Richardot de Choisey Translation Sonja Smaldone Keeper of documents: Agence Française du Cheval Arabe / French Arab Horse Agency Pictures: Private collection / Spodex / Afca / P.s.v. Photography Moments by Antonio “Winny” De Martino Any important event has its own successes as well as its own controversies. In both cases, the Arabian horse’s sector does not fail to occupy people’s minds and it continues to fuel debates that are more or less supported by truths of how it should be in reality. However, since the creation of the European Championship in France its activity still continues to this day.

Without being too controversial, many things need to be improved for the future. The Arabian horse industry is becoming a problem especially for European breeders who do not see their work be adequately rewarded. They are confronted with many foreign breeders and wealthy investors with limitless financial resources. For sure, this is a very good thing for the organizers of competitions, while it is most certainly not for all those who in the current context are participating in less and less useful events for the promotion of the Arabian horse.

Do not lose sight of the fact that the purebred Arabian horse has ridden through the centuries and he can still fascinate people at European events. The latter will only survive thanks to the determination of the

bravest characters that will have to invent another kind of competition or quality events.

According to international practices and conveniences relating to all gatherings as well as to any human or sports sector bearing the European title of a major event in the strict sense, current competitions can only be legally accessed by nationals who belong to the European Community from birth. Thus, the ownership of a property or an animal does not confer citizenship to a foreigner who has even invested in a EU member state.

In truth, nothing has really changed in recent years. Resentment has been further exacerbated by the results of the 2018 European Championship where we could hear the anthems of European countries four times. The public audience expressed their disagreement without even standing up during the awards ceremony. This is not an offence. This is about compliance with the rules governing one’s membership to a continent. In any National Competition held in the Middle East it has never been observed or heard that a foreign anthem is being sung for a European owner.

Today’s organizers’ compulsive drives for power combined with the huge windfall brought by investors from the Gulf countries have twisted a lot of peoples’ minds. No sense of fairness is being applied to many competitions organized in Europe.

Whether

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decisions continue to be taken by decision-makers with no compliance with the international law, it will also be the end of the European Championship. A sad end accompanied by the changes which however are in the pipelines for year 2019.

In order to revive this state of affairs, and also not to lose the interest shown by rich investors from the Gulf countries, from 2019 it will be necessary to set up a competition which for instance could bear the title of ‘Intercontinental Arabian Horse Championship’. A competition that will be open to any horse registered to any recognized Stud Book. Probably, by doing that, the current state of affairs will be sorted out, while the industry will be able to regenerate the horses who have just won at any International Affiliate competition. A lot

1979 Taniec

remains to be done about the sensitive issue of the weak-minded judges, so eager to please.

To reminisce about the good old days throughout the 2018 European show season, which is now coming to an end, you will find below the Championships that have marked the history of the Arabian horse on the old continent.

DATES & PLACES

Paris - France 1979 – 1980 – 1981 – 1982 – 1983 – 1984 - Leyden – Netherlands 1985 Oostende – Belgium 1987 - Frauenfeld –

Schweiz 1988 - Fontainebleau – France 1989 Lier – 2014 - 2016 – 2018 - Menton – France 1993 - Vichy – France 1996 - Verona – Italy 1997 – 1999 – Wilhemsborg – Sweden 2000 - Verona – Italy 2001 – 2003 – 2005 – 2007 – 2009 – 2011 – 2013 – 2015 – 2017 - Moorsele – Belgium 2002 – 2004 – 2006 – 2008 – 2010 – 2012

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 1979

Kalilah, grey .. .by SaintSimon & Kazminda Enklawa, grey … by Bandos & Engracja El Borr, grey….. by Espartero & Borexia Kaborr, grey…..by Naborr & Bint Kholaheb The 1979 European Championship was included in the program of the International Days of the Arabian Horse set up by the French Arab Horse Agency in the framework of the Salon du Cheval organized by Spodex. It was an incredible event with the participation of excellent purebred Arabian horses, each possessing a rare and a sought after pedigree. The preliminary classes of selection kicked off the competition in deep silence. The greatest connoisseurs of the breed came in from all over the world. They garnished the tribunes holding the precious catalog and a pen in their hands, so to follow the evolution of the competition. At that time, exchanges were at a level never met until today. In the participating classes we can note the presence of some iconic reproducers: •Idoki, female by Negus II & Nundina III by Saludo – owner Georges Perret, France •AK Abriel, female by Ibn Moniet El Nefous & Monissa by Rushan – owner Bentwood Farm, U.s.a.

•Taniec, female by Ansata El Arabi & Hi Tam Raffmeta – owner Tom Chauncey Arabians, U.s.a.

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•Algerina, female by Ellorus & Algeria by Célébès – owner Stadina Konie Poland •Chafiza, female by Shaker El Masri & Promedita by Chamzar – owner Haras de Chaumont, France •Enklawa, female by Bandos & Engracja by Comet – owner Stadina Konie, Poland •Fa Halima, female by Ansata Ibn Halima & Sabrah by Fabah – owner Bentwood Farm, U.s.a.

•Ramses, male by Fikri & Nora by Ibn Fahkri – owner Tore Svensson, Sweden •Sakhs, stallion by Morafic & Shiaa by Alaa El Din – owner Maxwell Arabians, U.k •Blue Hassan, stallion by Hamdan II & Mawaheb by Ibn Hafiza – owner Piduch, Germany •Negus II, stallion by Zafiro & Smalia by Congo – owner Dr Georges Perret, France •Ansata Abbas Pasha, stallion by Ansata Ibn Halima & Ansata Bint Mabrouka by Nazeer – owner Bentwood Farm, U.s.a.

To give an Oriental image linked to the purebred Arabian Horse, Cernay Stud installed in the Yvelines offered a beautiful painting of three stallions: Aquarius, Eao and Fayek, mounted by riders wearing costumes of desert nomads. A good memory for all visitors.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 1980

Like any success that brings about even necessary evolution, this high-end edition was

1980 El Masra

placed under the Presidency of HRH Princess Lalla Amina from Morocco. The competition gathered two major events. The European Championship with its four categories directly open to classified horses at preliminary screening; and later the 1st World Championship AHM | 64

with four age categories: Junior Females of 3 years old, Senior Females of 4 years and older, with same age categories for Male contenders.

As in the previous year, the success of this European Championship broke through the international calendar of prestigious competitions. Although having a defined Regulation, competitions of the time were substantially free from any conflict of interests and any compromise. Entry applications were too many to recall each of them. Once again, the participation featured high quality purebred Arabian horses whose famous ‘Golden Cross’ made its first appearance. And, once more, they all amazed an audience that had become a fine ‘connoisseur’ of the breed. Let us mention: •Katun, female 1968 by Aswan & Kapella by Priboj – owner Joseph Peeters, Belgium •B’Zoula, female 1972 by Burhan & Quintana by As Saad Al Ali – owner Morocco Stud, Morocco •Estawa, female 1974 by Shaker El Masri & Estopa by Tabal – owner Om El Arab, Germany •El Masra, female 1978 by Shaker El Masri & Estasha by Shaker El Masri – owner Om El Arab, Germany •Seja, female 1974 by Hadban Henzahi & Sethnacht by Hadban Henzahi – owner Mundinger, Germany •Gamal El Din Ibn Feshira, male by Kaisoon & Feshira Bint Shaker by Shaker El Masri – owner Hennen, Belgium •El Shaklan, stallion 1975 by Shaker El Masri & Estopa by Tabal – owner Om El Arab, Germany •Numizmat, stallion 1974 by Aswan & Nemezida by Arax – owner Joseph Peeters, Belgium •El Jafoul, stallion 1975 by As Saad El Aali & Saloua by Eglantier – owner Morocco Stud, Morocco

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 1981

Resumption of the activities from Spodex Company by C.e.n.e.c.a. - National Center for Agricultural Exhibitions and Competitions – chaired by Senator Michel Souplet, directed

by Mr. Marc Couillens and technically supported by William Richardot de Choisey as regards the Salon du Cheval. The latter created and improved Arabian horse competi-

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tions under the conditions set out before with the Spodex.

•Piruet, grey 1983 byProbat & Piezec

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 1982

•Maikova grey 1992 by Vatica & Miradowa by Mir •Karaganda, grey 1986 by Gwizd & Kaluga by Aswan •Taladdin, dark bay…by Dwd Tabasco & Winnetka by Aladdin •Monitor, chestnut 1988 by Nimroz & Matritsa by Topol

To further showcase the European Genetics of purebred Arabian horses, this year’s event saw good horses compete in strong classes.

•Pénalba, female 1979 by Kilimandscharo & Pionga – owner Make Believe Fam, U.s.a

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS 1993

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2001

•Destiny Bint Eternity, grey 2000 by Eternity Ibn Navarrone & OFW Elycja •Eskalopa, grey ….. by Monogramm & Egzotyka •Al Lahab, grey 2000 by Laheeb & Vision HG •Emigrant, grey 1991 by Ararat & Emigrantka 1982 Penalba

•Orla II, female by Galero & Garipa – owner Rivero Miro - Spain •El Mokari, male 1981 by El Shaklan & Mohena – owner Om El Arab, Germany •Ibn Espopa, male 1977 by & Estopa Shaker El Masri – owner Om El Arab, Germany

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 1987

•Saskia RJ, grey 1984 by Plakat & Barnwa •Pilarka, grey 1975 by Palas & Pierzga •Waracz, grey by Haracz & Wolga •Penitent, grey 1979 by Partner & Penza

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 1989

•Marenga, grey 1998 by Menès & Marel •Gruzza, grey 1978 by Andrut & Gwardia •Negresco, grey 1998 by Neman & Neschi

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2002

•Lady Psyche, bay 2001 by Psytadel & Ibara •Shadra, grey…..by El Shaklan & Hal Sheena •Marwan Al Shaqab, bay 2001 by Gazal Al Shaqb & Little Liza Fame •Khidar, grey 1997 by Ansata Sinan & Elizja

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2003

•Palanga, bay 2002 by Ekstern & Panika •Gelgelah Albadeia, grey 1995 by Imperial Madori & Anhar Albadeia •SG Dagash, grey…. by Davidoff & Verbala •Escape Ibn Navarrone, grey…. by As Sinans Pacha & Navarrone P

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2004

•Pianissima, bay 2003 by Gazal Al Shaqab & Pianosa •El Dorada, grey 1998 by Sanadik El Shaklan & Emigrantka •Nijem Ibn Eternity, grey 2003 by Eternity Ibn Navarrone D & Naravna •Hlayyil Ramadan, grey 1996 by Kamar El Zaman & Haboub

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2005

1991 Medalj

•Panarea, grey 2004 by WH Justice & Palawan •Palmeta, grey 2001 by Ecaho & Pilica •Ma Shadow El Sher, grey 2004 by El Sher Man & Cal Yenna El Jamaal •HS Etiquette, grey 1998 by Simeon Sadik & Etenta AHM | 67

Franck Spoenle

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2006

•Emandoria, grey 2004 by Gazal Al Shaqab & Emanda •Loubna, grey 1997 by Imperial Imdal & Imperial Kalatifa •Fever Ibn Eternity, grey 2005 by Eternity Ibn Navarrone & WH Marissa Rose

•Abha Qatar, chestnut 2007 by Marwan Al Shaqab & ZT Ludjalka •FS Shamaal, chestnut 2000 by Maysoon & Sarameena

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2010

•Fm Gloriaa, grey 2007 by Wh Justice & Magnum Psyché •Aja Justified, grey 2007 by Wh Justice & Aja Beneja •Emandoria, grey 2004 by Gazal al Shaqab & Emanda par Ecaho •Ma Shadow el Sher, grey 2002

by El Sher Mann et Calyenna el Jamaal

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011

•Ma Shadow El Sher, grey 2002 by El Sher Man & Caleynna El Jamaal

•Marc’s Star, bay 2010 by Qr Marc & Fs Magic •Alia EA, grey 2006 by Khidar & Arabeska •Shanghai EA, grey 2008 by Why Justice & Sealyham by Khadar •Lorenzo El Bri, grey 2003 by Ch el Brillo & Lara el Ludjin

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2007

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2013

Verdieck Eileen

•Pistora, grey 2004 by Gazal Al Shaqab & Palmira •Atheena, grey 2002 by Ashhal Al Rayyan & Ass Windi •Memphis 27, grey 2005 by El Amin & Sa Misha Apal •Bs Specific, grey 2000 by Sandstorm & Basara Saiyana

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS 2008

•Abha Palma, bay 2006 by Marwan al Shaqab & Abha Gazali par Sel Perfecto •Ali Moniscione, chesnut 2007 by Psytadel & Alianna Moniscione •Pianissima, bay 2003 by Gazal Al Shaqab & Pianosa par Monogramm •Nijem ibn Eternity, grey 2004 by Eternity ibn Navaronne & Naravna

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS 2009

•Juwanda OS, grey 2007 by WH Justice & Shak Lavanda •Kwestura, chestnut 1995 by Monogramm & Kwesta

•Ajmaniah OS, bay 2012 by Aja Moniscione & AB Nastrapsy •Nastya OS, bay 2010 by Marajj & AB Nastrapsy •Emandoria, grey 2004 by Gazal al Shaqab & Emanda •Primera, bay 2009 by Eden C & Preria •Maestro des Alpes, bay 2012 by Marwan al Shaqab & Maya des Alpes •Dali, bay 2011 by Lazaal & Elektra •Shanghai EA, grey 2008 by WH Justice & Salymah

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2014

•Mounira J, grey 2014 by Emerald J & Magnificent Lady J •Piacolla, bay 2012 by Enzo & Polonica •Primera, bay 2009 by Eden C & Preria •Gallardo J, bay 2013 by Emerald J & Gomera J •Excalibur EA, grey 2011 by Shanghai EA & Essence Of Marwan •Equator, bay 2010 by Qr Marc & Ekliptyka

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2015

•Adelita, grey 2014 by Kahil Al Shaqab & Altamira •Penelope KA, grey 2012 by Qr Marc & Polonia •Aj Azzam, bay 2014 by Aj Mardan & Ysadora •Gallardo J, bay 2013 by Emerald J & Gomera J •Equator, bay 2010 by Qr Marc & Ekliptyka

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2016

•HDM Maria Apal, bay 2015 by RFI Farid & WW Imania Apal •MM Niyama, grey 2014 by WH Justice & Nautis El Perseus •Etnologia, grey 2003 by Gazal Al Shaqab & Etalanta •MM Jabari, chestnut 2015 by Eks Alihandro & MM Julietta

•Gallardo J, bay 2013 by Emerald J & Gomera J •Im Bayard Cathare, chestnut 2004 by Padrons Immage & Shamilah Bagheera

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017

•Aj Norah, chestnut 2016 by Aj Mardan & Inspired Najla •Da Alihandra, grey 2015 by Eks Alihandro & Da Miss Justice

•Menes El Markhisa, grey 2011 by Marwan Al Shaqab & Nesj El Khisaya •Aj Radman, chestnut 2016 by Aj Mardan & Aj Rahifa •Wortex Kalliste, grey 2014 by Shanghai EA & Marvannah Kalliste •Excalibur EA, grey 2011 by Shanghai EA & Essence Of Marwan EA

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Yearling Fillies

AJ SAMARA

AJ MARDAN x SAMA AM OWNER: AJMAN STUD BREEDER: AJMAN STUD

GOLD MEDAL

ALEXANDRIA NWA

FA EL RASHEEM x MAGNOLIA NWA OWNER: NWA ARABIANS OLE LARSEN BREEDER: NWA ARABIANS OLE LARSEN

SILVER MEDAL

AV PURPLE RAIN

SHIRAZ DE LAFON x AV DANCING RAIN

OWNER: BIN HAMILA STUD BREEDER: AV ARABIANS

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BRONZE MEDAL

Yearling Colts

ADMIRAAL

EMERALD J x HANIYYAH

OWNER: AJMAN STUD BREEDER: AL MUAWD STUD

GOLD MEDAL

TAMMAM ATHBAH

FADI AL SHAQAB x STAR OF MARWAN OWNER: ATHBAH STUD BREEDER: ATHBAH STUD

SILVER MEDAL

POSEIDON KA

EQUIBORN KA x PRIMERA MARC

OWNER: KNOCKE ARABIANS BREEDER: KNOCKE ARABIANS

BRONZE MEDAL

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Junior Fillies

ERALDA

EMERALD J x ENEZJA OWNER: AL SHIRAA STABLES BREEDER: FALBOREK ARABIANS

GOLD MEDAL

DA ARIYANA

EKS ALIHANDRO x DA MISS JUSTICE

OWNER: CORNELIA KOLNBERGER BREEDER: CORNELIA KOLNBERGER

SILVER MEDAL

BALADA AL ALFABIA

EKS ALIHANDRO x ZT MAGNA PSYCHE

OWNER: AL JASSIMYA FARM BREEDER: ALFABIA SOCIETÀ SEMPLICE AGRICOLA

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BRONZE MEDAL

Junior Colts

PICASSO DI MAR

CAVALLI x SG WENDETTA OWNER: SOC. AGR. TRE STELLE S.A.S. di Cristina C. BREEDER: SOC. AGR. TRE STELLE S.A.S. di Cristina C.

GOLD MEDAL

H PACINO

VIVEGASO x EXOTIC PEARL

OWNER: MARIO GALLAGHER BREEDER: CLAIRE CHILLINGWORTH

SILVER MEDAL

EMPEROR K.A.

QR MARC x EXPOSITA K.A. OWNER: KNOCKE ARABIANS BREEDER: KNOCKE ARABIANS

BRONZE MEDAL

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Senior Mares

WILDONA

SHANGHAI EA x WILDA OWNER: STADNINA KONI MICHALOW BREEDER: STADNINA KONI MICHALOW

GOLD MEDAL

PUSTYNIA KAHILA

KAHIL AL SHAQAB x PUSTYNNA MALWA

OWNER: STADNINA KONI MICHALOW BREEDER: STADNINA KONI MICHALOW

SILVER MEDAL

ALMA AL TIGLIO

AJMAN MONISCIONE x AMANDA AL TIGLIO

OWNER: AZ. AGR. BUZZI GIANCARLO BREEDER: AZ. AGR. BUZZI GIANCARLO

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BRONZE MEDAL

Senior Stallions

EQUATOR

QR MARC x EKLIPTYKA OWNER: AL SHEIKH STUD BREEDER: STADNINA KONI MICHALOW

GOLD MEDAL

ASCOT DD

GLORIUS APAL x LADY NINA D OWNER: ATHBAH STUD BREEDER: DIRK DEJONCKHEERE

SILVER MEDAL

PSE AL RAKHAN

ROYAL COLOURS x PSE MISTREZ OWNER: KHALED AL NUGHAIMISH BREEDER: PRESTIGE BVBA

BRONZE MEDAL

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Moment & People

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The serenity of the nature so quiet, The sound of the enchanting tide, The pictorial view takes your breath away, The scenic beauty of the bay, The beauty of nature is a captivating sight, Looking at it, you can forget your entire plight!

Muranas Jassehr, in an Egyptian type, is the ‘apple of the eye’ of Michaela Weidner from Murana Arabians in Germany. This Koheylan Adjuz grey stallion was born at Murana Stud in 2007. He is sired by the stallion Major. A stallion formerly leased by Murana Stud and now a very successful show horse in the Middle East. Major is sired by the Straight Egyptian stallion El Allah Abu (Thee Desperado) and comes out of the fantastic broodmare Marischka (Plakat) – who was awarded with the title of ELITE mare in Germany.

A title some broodmares or stallions receive for their out s t an d i ng offspring.

The dam of Jassehr is one of the most successful broodmares of Murana Stud, the beautiful Jana el Bri. Jana el Bri came to Murana Stud as a yearling and has produced some fantastic foals, which gave her the ELITE title as well. The sire of Jana is the exotic CH El Brillo. A son of El Shaklan and out of AZH Basknaborra.

The dam of Jana is Julliana el Jamaal who is by the legendary Ali Jamaal and out of one of the best broodmares in Brazil: NV Justa Dream, who is also the dam of the unforgettable Jullye el Ludjin.

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exotic pedigree. His big dark eyes, his exotic face, well-shaped neck, smooth body and spectacular movements have gathered him fans all over the world. Also the judges have always been charmed by this exotic stallion. In 2008 he achieved the gold medal unanimously at the show in Exloo, The Netherlands. That same year he was also chosen as the National Champion of Germany.

In 2009, Jassehr won the gold medal at Kauberplatte again unanimously and also won the Breeders Cup. At the stallion license that same year, he took home another Gold medal. In 2010 he went to the International A-show in Wels, Austria, to compete against the big boys. He did well and got awarded with the Bronze medal. In Ströhen that same year, he took home the Gold again, which he repeated at the Breeders Cup in Chantilly, France in 2013. In 2015, Jassehr conquered a second place in Menton, France and he has been named Silver Champion Stallion at the Al Khalediah Arabian Horse Festival in Poland in 2016.

He had been brought from home just for fun.

Now at the age of ten, Jassehr has reached a re-

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Muranas Majeed, colt foal

Emira who was sold to Israel.

The 2014 grey filly Muranas Nabila out of Nioba. The 2015 grey filly Muranas Nour out of Muranas Nasheetah. The 2015 grey colt Muranas Emir out of Muranas Emira. The 2015 grey filly Muranas Nemrah out of Nirwana Jamaal who was sold to Bahrein. The 2016 chestnut filly Muranas Nasirah out of Muranas Nasheetah. The 2016 black colt Muranas Nadeer out of Nirwana Jamaal who was sold into Germany. The 2016 grey filly Muranas Ela’Iza out of Muranas Emira. The 2016 grey colt Muranas ADL out of Murana’s Azeezah. The 2016 grey

spectable breeding sire age and some of his babies have already conquered the show scene. One of the first foals of Jassehr was the impressive grey colt Muranas Hacin (out of Hacinas Gloria).He was sold to Iran at a young age and won many shows there. One of the most recent successes of Jassehr’s offspring is the 2013 grey colt Muranas Majeed (out of Muranas Mamuschka) – who claimed the Silver medal at the German Nationals in Aachen in 2013.

Just to name additional Jassehr’s progeny: the 2013 colt chestnut Muranas Nadir out of Muranas Nasheetah. He had his first Show in Frankfurt and he made it, Class winner and Gold champion on the Intern. B-Show in Frankfurt; Junior Gold champion in Jericho in 2015 and 1st place at the Israeli Nationals in 2014. The 2013 bay filly Muranas Marwanah out of Muranas Marquesa who was sold to Bahrein. The 2013 chestnut colt Muranas Nebraska out of Nioba who was sold into Germany. The 2013 black colt Muranas Nasr out of Nirwana Jamaal who was sold into Germany. The 2013 grey colt Muranas Eliah out of El Arba who was sold to China. The 2013 grey colt Muranas Eldor out of Muranas Multichampion Colt Muranas Nadir

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Muranas Magic Gold Champion colt German Nationals 2018

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Muranas Magic Gold Champion Colt Al Khaledia Festival 2018 Poland

filly Muranas Maha out of Muranas Mooneerah who was sold to France. To finish up the list, we shall mention few little individuals of Jassehr’s 2017 latest crop: the chestnut colt Muranas Nadeem out of Muranas Nasheetah. The chestnut colt Muranas Magic out of Muranas Muhtarah.

The grey filly E.S. Amarah out of Lady Amarisa.

The chestnut filly E.S. Djenna out of E.S. Darifa and the chestnut colt E.S. Majazz out of Muranas

Marquesa.

To name are also three client horses that did really well such like the charismatic Pharouk Al Amaar (*). He was Gold champion colt at the international Show in St. Oeddenrode in The Netherlands.

The multiple Junior Champion mare Czelina S owned by Alle Arabians in the U.K. She is not only a very pretty show horse; she is also very successfully presented under saddle.

Last but not least, the beautiful Amurath Mona Lisa (* Amurath Mofeedah). She is multiple champion filly and already as a three-year-old awarded by the German studbook VZAP. In 2017 Muranas Adl out of Muranas Azeezah won in different shows. He was Bronze Champion Junior colt Al Khalediah Festival A – Show; Bronze Champion European Cup Prague and again Bronze Champion at the German Nationals in Aachen.

This year Muranas Jassehr progeny has been very successful in different disciplines for Arabian

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Phantasia Al Amar

horses and just to name a few, there is Muranas Marcello out of Marieta B. He just won the Halloween endurance ride over 62km and also got awarded for the best condition. Another beautiful

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example by Muranas Jassher is Phamouk Al Amar out of Panamerah Al Amar. He has won the Gold Champion Junior colt title at the Krakow Show for his proud owners. The beautiful Phantasia Al Amar the full sister to Phamouk has also been successful in the show ring and was named Bronze Champion Senior mare at the Jeddah Show in Saudi Arabia. The latest fantastic win for the breeding program of Murana Stud has been with their own bred colt Muranas Magic out of Muranas Mutharah by Stival. He has won the Gold Champion title at the A Show at the Al Khalediah Festival in Poland and has also been named Gold Champion at the German Nationals in Aachen this year 2018. What a great achievement and sta-

tement for a sire like Muranas Jassehr. He has been leased form the State Stud in Poland to cover some of the best Polish mares and we can’t wait to see what he will produce there.

Muranas Jassehr however, is more than just a good-looking and prolific stallion who has produced wonderful foals. He also has a great temperament, something which is very important to his breeders Michaela Weidner and Michael Verhoeven. ‘Arabian horses need to love people’, they both explain.

Jassehr is also being ridden on a daily basis, which is a great test not only for his bodies but also for his mind.

Muranas Marwanah (*Muranas Marquesa)

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Some other Jassehr’s Foals

Malik colt by Muranas Jassehr

Muranas Majesta (* Mamuscka)

Muranas Nooryiah

Muranas Nadir (* Muranas Naseetha) - Multi Champion

Muranas Nooryiah (* Nirwana Jamaal)

Parys Al Amar, colt foal

Phantasie Al Amar

Pharouk Al Amaar (*Panamerah Al Amar) 2015

Muranas nabila

AJ Nadira, owned by Ajman Stud

Czelina S (*Czelina S)

Mare by Muranas Jassehr

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Coordinated by Sonja Smaldone Hello Kristi. Thank you very much for accepting our interview. Let’s start from the very beginning.

- Who is Kristi Hopp? When did you start taking an interest in the Arabian horse breed? What made you prefer the Arabian breed to all the other breeds? And how long have you been breeding it?

I was born in the great state of Washington, lived in San Diego, California as a young girl then it was back to Washington until I moved out after college to start a career with the Arabian horse.

That career took me back to California, back to Washington, a move to Scottsdale, Arizona and now Florida.

My mother, Janel Hopp, had her first Arabian horse when she was thirteen years old and has had them ever since. So I was literally born into Arabians, or as some may say almost born on an Arabian. My mother is half the equation of Dellesta Park Arabians (DPA) and we are breeding/business partners in this passion.

Interestingly, the name of Dellesta Park came from where my mother grew up on Lake Whatcom in Bellingham, Washington. We did not like the feel of Hopp Arabians but wanted to use a name that has a meaning to us, and that is for sure Dellesta Park Drive. So DPA was officially born in 2001. We had always bred Arabians horses on a casual level, but as I ventured out in my Arabian career and attended more and more “Big” shows, our dream was to one day have a competitive yearling at the prestigious Scottsdale show.

So obviously from birth the Arabian horse was always “our” horse. As I learned about other breeds I could, and still do, appreciate them but it is

Arabian that captures your soul and heart. Not to mention their beauty!!!

- What does the word ‘breeding’ mean to you?

And which are the bloodlines mostly bred at your Dellesta Park Arabians?

Anyone can pick a Sire and Dam and have a resulting foal, which is easy. What is not easy is to have a true understanding of phenotype and genotype.

A Breeder or a Breeding Program has to have a clear outline with exact objectives in mind. That outline and objective than most produce the desired result of your set program, that is a breeder.

We started out with our foundation mare in 1997, her name is Magics Charisma (Magic Dream x JK Fire Charm). So Ali Jamaal, The Dreamspinner and some classic Polish blood got it all started. We also leased another Magic Dream daughter by the name of AE Faith (x SC Halana Jazmeen) from JoAnne Campone, who just happened to be the breeder of Magic Dream.

It would later be with the acquisition of EF Kingston (Padrons Psyche x The Dreamspinner) that we would introduce the crucial lines of Psyche into the DPA program. Also noting, doubling up on The Dreamspinner in a lot of our pedigrees has worked really well.

What specific qualities or skills do you need to become a good breeder?

You need to start out with a good educated eye, really have an understanding of conformation.

Know the Arabian standard, from what characteristics standardize the breed but what are also the faults in conformation to look out for. With each foal or foal crop born, learn to objectively evaluate your herd and learn from what worked and even more important from what didn’t work, and AHM | 95

why! A major note, ALWAYS stay true to your version of what is ideal and how that ideal represents the Arabian standard.

When was Dellesta Park created? What’s your typical day at the breeding farm?

EF Kingston with Fernando Poli at the Arabian Breeders World Cup

As mentioned before, DPA was officially started in 2001 with our first foal that was born with the DPA added to its registered name. That was Caro Lynn DPA (*Form Carillon x Magics Charisma), who is still with us today. Along with her mother Magics Charisma, the foundation mare, both fabulous mares live on our farm in Washington with my mother.

With two separate locations, Washington & Florida, the days look similar and different.

For us in Florida, my husband Fernando Poli and myself, it is primarily Fernando that is every day with our horses.

I LOVE spending time on the farm but also have to manage a household, our 7 Year Old boy Giulliano, my journalist/ PR work and travel. Fernando also happens to be our fabulous trainer, no one turns out a horse like him, he is beyond caring with them and TALENTED. We are blessed!

For my mom in Washington, farm work keeps her young LOL. Her daily dedication of feeding, watering, mucking stalls, turn out and you name it. Without her and the DPA broodmares she cares for, DPA could not exist.

I enjoy summertime on our farm in Washington; my favorite daily activity is riding the trails. Our farm backs up to some amazing farmland and breath taking views of the Columbia River. Magic Charisma is one of the most amazing trail mares, my mom and I enjoy our rides, it is AHM | 96

beyond special.

What’s your relationship with your horses? Is there any horse holding a particular place in your heart? Why? Our horses are everything to us, we live and breath everyday the Arabian horse. Our horses are not just a number to us; they are all a part of the family.

Without question, EF Kingston.

“Kinger” came into my life when I was a breeding manager at Bennett Woodland Farms, Deming, Washington. He stood at the reproduction center for about a year. His owner and breeder Bruce Edwards told me simply to treat him like he was my own. So not only was Kingston breeding mares, he was learning what trail riding was all about. It came time to take Kingston back to Bruce’s farm and I simply could not put him in the trailer. We had connected on such a special level and PLUS his foals were hitting the ground and I knew he would be a breeding stallion, he surely has not disappointed.

EF Kingston helped put Dellesta Park Arabians on the map.

Who is the most important breeding stallion at Dellesta Park at the moment?

Actually DPA only owns one breeding stallion and that is EF Kingston.

We have utilized outside stallions on occasion but Kingston has done such a fabulous job on

Caro Lynn DPA (Form Carillon x Magics Charisma)

our mares. Some very successful DPA offspring from Kingston are: Vegas DPA (x Angelina DPA, Vernazza DPA (x Angelina DPA), Vuitton DPA (Angelina DPA), Vesuvius DPA (x Psymply Red VF), to name a few. A now we have a third gene-

The whole family - Fernando Poli, Kristi Hopp, Giulliano Poli and EF Kingston

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ration from Kingston that is doing very well too, Valencia DPA (Vegas DPA x Psymply Red VF).

Which of your mares do you think is the most important? Why? Production wise, we feel Angelina DPA (EA Echstravagant x AE Faith) and Psymply Red VF

Angelina DPA

(Psymadre x Red Flame BRSB). Both mares have produced winners on an international scale and are very consistent in their successful production.

How would you advise a young person eager to undertake a breeder career?

Please do your homework.

Study breeding programs from the past and present, know your pedigrees and what they represent. Talk to established breeders, ask lots of questions, and have an open mind to learn.

Start out with the best mare(s) you can, don’t focus on quantity but go for quality.

Choose your stallion choices very wisely, just because a stallion is the flavor of the month does not mean they are a good breeding horse or the right horse for your mares.

To what extent is ‘marketing’ important in the Arabian horse industry?

Without a market, we have no industry. “Marketing” builds a market for our Arabian horses, if that makes sense. We have, in a way, backed ourselves into a corner with just selling to each other. We really need to focus on bringing new

people into the breed; the Arabian horse will certainly sell themselves once they are introduced to new people.

What are the objectives you would like your breeding program to reach in the future?

We have had many Top Tens and US Reserve National Champion DPA bred horses, but never a National Champion. This is a major goal! Also on the International level Vesuvius DPA is making us very proud with his numerous Gold Medal titles, we would like to strive for more just like Vesuvius. This would concrete our program on even more of a global scale.

Our DPA bred horses are definitely beautiful but it is also their athletic ability that we cherish. Echcentric DPA (EA Echstravagant x Magics Charisma) has completed the prestigious Tevis Cup Endurance Ride 3 times. We certainly would like to continue to see more DPA bred endurance horses or whatever performance discipline suits them. Another example is Vuitton DPA (aka Louie) had a very successful halter career at a Scottsdale level but soon after became a good jumper over fences. Actually, is owned by a family now that he is also an emotional support horse.

- Do you think we have the balance right between ‘beauty’ and ‘functional correctness’ in our modern day Arabians?

This is something we have lost; so no I do not think we have the right balance. With “extreme” breeding for just that exotic head we have lost a lot of correct feet and legs, and of my favorites a big laid back shoulder. I find some of the Arabians today way to refine. Arabians need to have

Kingston & Vegas

good bone and substance to them and they need to be able to move. Our motto at DPA has and always will be is to breed beautiful, athletic Arabians. This is so critical!

If you could name one Arabian that comes the AHM | 99

closest to your ideal, which one would that be stal clear day with Thompson Peak in the backtoday? drop and watching the best Arabian horses in the Oh man that is a tough one, I am going to go a World. little old school and say Gazal Al Shaqab still just I am also a big fan of the International shows, blows me away. He is very structurally correct Menton is a must every year and also All Naand is a very tions Cup. I balanced love destinahorse.

He tion city based e nc omp a s shows. It only ses the rienhances the ght balance whole expebetween rience. beauty and function.

- What is it We used him you’d like to early on, bestill experifore we purment at this chased Kinstage of your gston, and career in the bred him to Arabian horse Caro Lynn industry?

DPA; the reWe are looking sult was Belforward to lissimo DPA now breeding who would some of our be a US Reyoung horses, serve Natiosome of our Bellissimo DPA, nal Chamgood Kingston left to right. Robin Hopkinson, Kristi Hopp & Janel Hopp pion Stallion daughters we in Amateur have. We will to handle. It breed in 2019 was an honor for me to present such an incredible our first 3rd generation mare, Valencia DPA (Vehorse that we bred and owned. gas DPA x Psymply Red VF), finding that perfect match will be fun.

- Do you also breed Purebred Arabians for show I would also like to focus on hosting Arabian parpurposes? If so, where did this passion for morties that are targeted for possible new Arabian pephology contests arise from? ople, again introducing more people to this breed We want our horses to be show horses, and we we love. I have a lot of fun ideas in this realm. enjoy showing them and also supporting the ones we have sold have show ring success for their new - Kristi, will you please leave a final message to owners. the readers of AHM? But we don’t only have the show in mind as the Small breeders, like us, are the backbone of the final goal, our goal is to breed to produce foals breed, without small breeders the breed numbers that are closest to the Arabian standard. And we will continue to decline. Stay true to the Arabian believe a good horse, is a good horse regardless breed standard and let your program reflect that. of the venue.

Stay away from “trends” and know your conformation, phenotype and genotypes. DPA is a very Do you miss the shows of the past or do you presmall breeding program but certainly has made a fer the atmosphere of today’s exhibitions? splash, always holding true to our ideal. Most of Actually both! I remember my first US Nationals all, the Arabian horse is the most fantastic breed, back in 1991, it was in Albuquerque, New Mexico enjoy every minute you have with them, we certhat year and Tingley Coliseum was packed. It tainly do. was the year Simeon Shai was Champion stallion and Padrons Psyche was Reserve, I think this is Thanks a lot for your contribution Kristi. It was when I fall in love with the Psyche blood. So thoa great pleasure talking to you. On behalf of the se past days were indeed nostalgic, but we have a entire AHM Team, I wish you all the best in your lot of great shows today. Scottsdale is truly one of future endeavors… my favorite, nothing like Wendell arena on a cry-

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EF KINGSTON PADRONS PSYCHE x THE DREAMSPINNER AHM | 101

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T

A cura di Sonja Smaldone

he sixtieth edition of Purebred Arabians in Bergamo took place in the framework of the Bergamo Fair from August 31st to September 2nd 2018. As an A.N.I.C.A. and E.C.A.H.O. affiliated morphology contest, this year it made the great leap forward to the B International category, thus entering the rich calendar of events of the Sant’Alessandro Fair. The stage of the show was the regional festival of animal husbandry, agriculture, equitation and typical local food products.

About 50,000 visitors were present at the Fair with 250 registered horses and 200 exhibitors. It was with a great deal of sympathy that both the public audience and the breeders participated in the event for years now organized by Scanzi Faustino, President of Ente PromoBerg.

Followed with great attention from the attendants, the operations of a jury of articulated international provenance composed of four judges: Eberhardt Sylvie (Germany); Paakkonen Pekka (Sweden); Rota Pierluigi (Italy) and (Poland). As Disciplinary Commissioners: Manerba Alberto (Italy) and Zanchi Manuel (Italy). Pre-ring manager: Soresini Giancarlo (Italy); Ring-master: Bonomi Mario Alessandro (Italy); General secretary: Pacchiana Greta (Italy); Official photographers: Azzali Alessio (Italy) and Petix Paola (Italy). The organized machinery of Bergamo worked very well. Local authorities, the parterre of the Fair and A.N.I.C.A. worked in perfect synergy with one common goal: to create an event that becomes etched in people’s mind and of all those who breed and promote the beauty and the great qualities of the Arabian horse; as well an event that could demonstrate that Purebred Arabians in Bergamo had it all for the international category advancement.

We would like to thank all those who contributed to the outcome of these two fantastic days. Congratulations to the organizers and the winners and see you all next year.

The final results of the Championships are given below.

D

al 31 agosto al 2 settembre 2018 è andata in scena presso la Fiera di Bergamo l’edizione numero sei di PUROSANGUE ARABI a Bergamo, concorso di morfologia affiliato A.N.I.C.A. ed E.C.A.H.O., che quest’anno è diventato di categoria B International inserendosi così nel ricco calendario di eventi della Fiera di Sant’Alessandro. Il palcoscenico dello show è stato la rassegna regionale della zootecnia, dell’agricoltura, dell’equitazione e dei prodotti alimentari tipici locali.

Presenti alla Fiera circa 50.000 visitatori con 250 cavalli iscritti e 200 espositori. Bella e nutrita la partecipazione del pubblico e degli allevatori alla manifestazione organizzata da Scanzi Faustino, Presidente dell’Ente PromoBerg. Seguite con grande attenzione le operazioni di una giuria di articolata provenienza internazionale composta di quattro giudici ovvero: Eberhardt Sylvie (Germania); Paakkonen Pekka (Svezia); Rota Pierluigi (Italia) e Tarczynski Tomasz (Polonia). Con l’incarico di Commissari Disciplinari: Manerba Alberto (Italia) e Zanchi Manuel (Italia). Responsabile pre-ring: Soresini Giancarlo (Italia); Ring-master: Bonomi Mario Alessandro; Responsabile segreteria generale: Pacchiana Greta (Italia); Fotografi ufficiali: Azzali Francesco (Italia) e Petix Paola (Italia). La macchina organizzativa a Bergamo ha funzionato molto bene: gli enti locali, il parterre della Fiera e ANICA hanno lavorato in perfetta sinergia con un solo obiettivo comune, quello di creare un evento che potesse restare nella memoria di coloro che allevano e promuovono la bellezza e le grandi qualità del cavallo Arabo e, che, potesse dimostrare che lo show Purosangue Arabi fosse effettivamente pronto all’avanzamento di categoria internazionale. Vogliamo ringraziare tutti quelli che hanno contribuito all’esito di queste due fantastiche giornate. Complimenti a organizzatori e vincitori e ci vediamo il prossimo anno. Di seguito i risultati finali del Campionato.

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Yearling Fillies CHAMPIONSHIP

D GHARAM

(FA EL RASHEEM x FT SHAELLA) Breeder: Dubai Arabian Horse Stud Owner: Dubai Arabian Horse Stud Handler: Paolo Capecci

VIRGINIA MONISCIONE

(AJMAN MONISCIONE x ANNA MONISCIONE)

Breeder: Az. Agr. Buzzi Giancarlo Owner: Az. Agr. Buzzi Giancarlo Handler: Andrea Boscarino

D TAMAYYUZ

(FA EL RASHEEM x D SHAHLA) Breeder: Dubai Arabian Horse Stud Owner: Dubai Arabian Horse Stud Handler: Paolo Capecci

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Yearling Colts CHAMPIONSHIP

AJMER MONISCIONE

(AJ MARDAN x AGIANNA MONISCIONE)

Breeder: Az. Agr. Buzzi Giancarlo Owner: Az. Agr. Buzzi Giancarlo Handler: Andrea Boscarino

SQ SAGER

(ES HARIR x CS AMAY) Breeder: Al Saqran Arabians Owner: Al Saqran Arabians Handler: Paolo Capecci

SQ AGEEB

(FA EL RASHEEM x CS AMAY) Breeder: Al Saqran Arabians Owner: Al Saqran Arabians Handler: Paolo Capecci AHM | 111

Junior Fillies CHAMPIONSHIP

VA JANETTE

(FARENHEITSTAR x MA MISTYK JANA) Breeder: Victor Arabians di Ranieri Mauro Owner: Benedetti Mauro Handler: Paolo Capecci

BELLA VIKTORIA (VITORIO TO x JANEIRA) Breeder: Bossalini Nicoletta Owner: Bossalini Nicoletta Handler: Davide Costa

PLATINIA J (EMERALD J x PSYCHES ANGEL) Breeder: Jamar Christine Owner: Jamar Christine Handler: Cristian Franceschina

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Junior Colts CHAMPIONSHIP

D KAHEEL (FA EL RASHEEM x D MUWADAH) Breeder: Dubai Stud Owner: Abhaa Arabians Handler: Paolo Capecci

VIVALDI REGALIS (RFI FARID x NATISSE REGALIS) Breeder: Re Pietro Owner: Regalis Arabians S.r.l.

Handler: Diego Zoppellaro

SHADI EL MARWAN (MARWAN AL SHAQAB x AP SHAKIRA) Breeder: Pastine Claudio Owner: Pastine Claudio Handler: Andrea Boscarino

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Senior Mares CHAMPIONSHIP

ALMA AL TIGLIO (AJMAN MONISCIONE x AMANDA AL TIGLIO) Breeder: Az. Agricola Buzzi Giancarlo Owner: Az. Agricola Buzzi Giancarlo Handler: Andrea Boscarino

FER FIERA BLANCA (WH JUSTICE x CLIO FIERA BLANCA) Breeder: Yeguada Ferrero Owner: Albabtain ASA Ahmad Handler: Paolo Capecci

NATISSE REGALIS (WH JUSTICE x NASHIRA BY CHAWI NA) Breeder: Re Pietro Owner: Regalis Arabians Srl Handler: Diego Zoppellaro

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Senior Stallions CHAMPIONSHIP

MONTASSAR AL ZOBAIR

(KHIDAR x FALHA AL SHAQAB)

Breeder: Sheik Abdullah Bin Mohammed Ali Al Thani Owner: Naseem Stud - Khalil Ebrahim Ali Muktar Handler: Paolo Capecci

FLUKE (WH JUSTICE x GUENDALINA) Breeder: Az. Agricola Roncaccio Owner: Az. Agricola Roncaccio Handler: Giacomo Boscarino

EKS AMIR

(EKS ALIHANDRO x EKS LADY DAUPHINE) Breeder: Brown Willie Owner: Shazin Stud Handler: Andrea Boscarino AHM | 115

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Best Italian Filly

Best Italian Colt

BELLA VIKTORIA

VIVALDI REGALIS

OWNER: BENEDETTI MAURO

OWNER: REGALIS ARABIANS S.R.L.

Best Italian Mare

Best Italian Stallion

VITORIO TO X JANEIRA

ALMA AL TIGLIO

RFI FARID X NATISSE REGALIS

FLUKE

AJMAN MONISCIONE X AMANDA AL TIGLIO

WH JUSTICE X GUENDALINA

OWNER: AZ. AGRICOLA BUZZI GIANCARLO

OWNER: AZ. AGRICOLA RONCACCIO

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MILES BUCKLEY & JULY DAGHUYT WRITTEN BY SONJA SMALDONE

A

shared deep love for the Arabian horse has often acted like a catalyst in the creation of new ‘loves’ and new couples within the international Arabian horse community. A perfect example of this, it’s the couple formed by trainer Miles Buckley and his girlfriend July Daghuyt. Arabian horse wanted to meet them both to interview them and to find out what are in their opinion the basic ingredients for a satisfactory and long-term couple life...

Hello Miles, Hello July! When and where did you first meet?

We met each other 3 years ago before going to Christine Jamar’s spring open barn.

I went over to Belgium to see some clients and met up with Julie a few times. Julie also came over to England.

Miles, how did you declare your love to your girlfriend?

At a birthday party of a friend, Julie told me that she was in love with me and I told her my feelings were the same, I was going to tell her that night but she beat me too it.

July, what was your first reaction?

I was happy and relieved that he felt the same for me. I was so happy people never seen me smile so much before. It took a lot for me to say that I loved him.

What’s the best trip the two of you have ever taken together?

We are lucky enough to travel the world together for shows and see amazing places, but our favorite of the year is when we go to Spain to Julie’s mum. As it feels like a holiday but also a little like home for us.

What are in your opinion the most important elements for a successful relationship today?

Julie - I think in a relationship, trust, respect and loyalty are the most important.

Miles – Trust is essential in our relationship, especially as we both travel a lot, we could both be on different sides of the world but when you trust each other it brings you closer together.

How important do you think is ‘communication’ within a couple?

It is also important to be able to communicate with one another, as without it would be hard to understand each other and be able to live together or just be around each other.

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‘Men are from Mars and women from Venus? Do you agree?

Not really, it is to stereotypical to say that men are from Mars and women from Venus. Everyone has a different character and behaves differently to what someone else would do.

Miles, how does it feel to be one of the most respected ‘trainers/handlers’ of Arabian horses on the international scene?

I feel very proud and honored for what we have achieved so far and I’m looking forward to the future, as you never stop learning and furthering yourself.

So, where does this passion you both share for Arabian horses come from and what role has it played in building your relationship?

Julie – My family always had horses and I was into it from the beginning. We had Belgian Warmbloods. My passion for the Arabian horse started when I was playing a game online I must have been about 11 years old, I saw a photo of a chestnut Arabian mare. I started to look up and got hooked. Told my parents all about it. Then they arranged a visit at a breeder’s farm in Belgium. I was introduced to Lilyh…My first 2-year-old chestnut filly… I think the passion for the Arabian horse is what brought us together in the first place.

Miles – I have always been around horses as my family had part bred Arabians, so I have always had a passion for horses, but the first time I have seen purebred Arabians was at a county show that my family were showing at. They were showing one side of the arena and the pure Arabians the other side. I was just drawn to them. I must have been around 11-12 years, ever since then I have been hooked.

What is your daily routine at your Arabian Training Center?

Julie – We get up early to feed & hay the horses. Then we start cleaning out the stables, grooming, lunging and putting horses out in the fields. Some days I have horses to clip too.

Miles – I start early, I go to the office to reply to emails and any other office work. Then out onto the farm to help with morning duties, then we start working horses, schooling and so on. I like the horses to keep to routine, but somedays you have photoshoots or presentations.

How has the Arabian horse enriched your lives? What is your relationship with horses?

This is a good question, Horses are our lives, it’s what makes us get up and go, and

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it’s a lifestyle, a passion. I feel so blessed to get to do what I love.

July, do you have one ‘loving horse’? If yes, can you tell us something about this ‘experience’?

July - That would be Speechless. My parents wanted to buy another horse, and Miles suggested Speechless, a beautiful grey stallion. And on top of that he is the sweetest horse you can imagine. I was sold obviously; he went on my grooming list and got to know him even better. I could not imagine life without him now. Just hearing him nay at me when I walk through the barn brightens my day.

Miles, what are in your opinion the most important qualities to become a good trainer/handler? Do you train horses for morphological competitions? If so, where does this passion spring for?

Miles - Just be prepared to work hard and listen and watch people, you never stop learning keep an open mind. Take your time to get to know the horses your training, not every horse is the same.

To what extent is ‘marketing’ relevant in this sector?

Marketing has become a big part of our business, you can achieve a lot from a good marketing campaign, and especially at a time where everyone is on phones, computers, social media and so on.

Who are your best friends in this field?

The great thing with the Arabian horse world it brings together a lot of people who in the outside world you wouldn’t get the opportunity to meet, and for sure in that we have made some very good friendships.

16. What are your future plans? Do you have a dream in life?

Miles – I am living my dream, I love what I do and I hope long may it continue.

Julie – My dream already is reality. I work with horses every day and it is just everything to me. I want to become more confident in the ring and get better at schooling horses as this is something I really love to do.

17. Miles and July, will you please leave one last message for our readers?

We would like to thank everyone for their support and to also remember why we all do this, i.e. the passion for the Arabian horse.

Thank you so much guys for your contribution. It was great to have you both with us today. On behalf of the entire Arabian Horse Magazine team, I would like to thank you for the precious time you have dedicated to us and we wish you all the best and good luck in your future endeavors!

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WORDS BY SONJA SMALDONE

The 32nd edition of the Italian National Championship by A.N.I.C.A. was run between Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th September at the Horse Riviera Resort in San Giovanni Marigliano, in the province of Ravenna, a location that opened its comfortable premises to all participants besides being a geographically strategic place easy to reach for everyone. Once again, the event earned the participation of the most important names at the national level. The five international judge panel in Cattolica was composed of: Aeschbacher Urs (Switzerland); Smith Graham (Australia); Huemer Ferdinand (Austria); Shaarawi Ali (Egypt) and Woodhouse Sue (Great Britain). Disciplinary Commissioners: Dr. Benamar Malak (Morocco); Raso Barbara (Italy) and Sparapan Giorgio (Italy). Ring Masters: Bonomi Mario Alessandro (Italy) and Ludi Ivo (Italy). Music Manager: Lorenzi Luisa (Italy); Staff: ArabianEssence TV. The National Association provided for the allocation of substantial prize money put up at the competition: an amount of € 30,000.00 that was distributed among winning horses born and bred in Italy as well as owned by A.N.I.C.A. members. The Association wanted to make their support to Italian breeders widely felt, by guaranteeing entry and box costs at a truly symbolic figure: with only € 100.00 each breeder was able to present his Arabian horse at the show and get a comfortable accommodation for his beloved animal in the box at the Horse Riviera Resort. On Saturday night, everyone turned up at the Breeders’ Gala dinner, one of the most awaited moments by all those in the sector. Sport also needs to create circumstances like these… Besides relaxing, catching up with friends, enjoying great food and pleasant company, such appointments are often ‘factories’ of good ideas and offer unique opportunities to everyone in the industry in that exchange of relevant knowledge between people driven by the same passion, the purebred Arabian horse.

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La 32^ edizione del Campionato Nazionale Italiano A.N.I.C.A. si è disputata tra sabato 15 e domenica 16 settembre all’Horse Riviera Resort di San Giovanni Marigliano, in provincia di Ravenna, una location che ha offerto ai partecipanti il massimo del comfort oltre ad essere un luogo geograficamente strategico e facile da raggiungere per tutti. L’evento ha ancora una volta raccolto la partecipazione dei nomi più importanti a livello nazionale. I cinque Giudici internazionali presenti a Cattolica sono stati: Aeschbacher Urs (Switzerland); Smith Graham (Australia); Huemer Ferdinand (Austria); Shaarawi Ali (Egitto) e Woodhouse Sue (Gran Bretagna). Commissari Disciplinari: Dr. Benamar Malak (Marocco); Raso Barbara (Italia) e Sparapan Giorgio (Italia). Ring Masters: Bonomi Mario Alessandro (Italia) e Ludi Ivo (Italia). Responsabile Musiche: Lorenzi Luisa (Italia); Staff: ArabianEssence TV. L’Associazione Nazionale ha provveduto all’assegnazione del cospicuo montepremi messo in palio per l’appuntamento: ben 30.000,00 € che sono stati ripartiti tra i cavalli nati e allevati in Italia e di proprietà di Soci A.N.I.C.A. L’Associazione ha voluto far sentire il suo supporto agli allevatori italiani garantendo costi d’iscrizione e box davvero simbolici; con sole 100,00 € ciascuno ha potuto presentare il proprio cavallo allo show e farlo soggiornare in box all’Horse Riviera Resort. Il sabato sera, tutti hanno preso parte ad uno dei momenti più attesi, quello conviviale con la cena di Gala; lo sport necessita anche di circostanze come queste. Oltre a rilassarsi, rincontrarsi, gustare del buon cibo in compagnia, appuntamenti del genere spesso sono ‘laboratori’ di buone idee e di proficui confronti tra persone unite dalla stessa passione, il cavallo Purosangue Arabo.

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Yearling Fillies FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

GOLD

VIRGINIA MONISCIONE

AJMAN MONISCIONE X ANNA MONISCIONE

BREEDER: AZ. AGR. BUZZI GIANCARLO OWNER: AZ. AGR. BUZZI GIANCARLO HANDLER: ANDREA BOSCARINO

SILVER

LATIFA DEL PALAZZOTTO

ESPRESSIVO X ZEINA AL SAMAH

BREEDER: AZ. AGR. IL PALAZZOTTO OWNER: AZ. AGR. IL PALAZZOTTO HANDLER: PAOLO CAPECCI

BRONZE

KHARMA GCA

AHM | 130

WADEE AL SHAQAB X VIKTORIA

BREEDER: CAPACCI EMILIO OWNER: CAPACCI EMILIO HANDLER: GIACOMO CAPACCI

Yearling Colts FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

GOLD

AMANI MONISCIONE

AJ MARDAN X ALMA AL TIGLIO

BREEDER: AZ AGR. BUZZI GIANCARLO OWNER: AZ AGR. BUZZI GIANCARLO HANDLER: BOSCARINO ANDREA

SILVER

MICHELANGELO REGALIS

SA FAEZ SIMBAD X NASHIRA BY CHAWY NA

BREEDER: RE PIETRO OWNER: RE PIETRO HANDLER: DIEGO ZOPPELLARO

WON BY CLASS SCORE

BAYF BY BAYDAH

FADI AL SHAQAB X BAYDAH

BRONZE

BREEDER: MARGHERITA CRACCHIOLO OWNER: MARGHERITA CRACCHIOLO HANDLER: GIACOMO CAPACCI

AHM | 131

Junior Fillies FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

GOLD

MYSTICA KHALEESI

MARWAN AL SHAQAB X MYSTICA JOHARA

BREEDER: MCGLINN JEFFERY WILLIAM OWNER: MCGLINN JEFFERY WILLIAM HANDLER: GIACOMO CAPACCI

SILVER

RK GHAZALAH SHAZIN

GAZAL AL SHAQAB X TF LADY ROYAL

BREEDER: SHAZIN SOCIETA’ AGRICOLA A R.L. OWNER: CLAUDIO PASTINE HANDLER: ANDREA BOSCARINO

BRONZE

VA LADY MADHJRA

AHM | 132

MAHDER AL JAMAL X VA LADY PLAMENA

BREEDER: VICTOR ARABIANS - RANIERI MAURO OWNER: VICTOR ARABIANS - RANIERI MAURO HANDLER: LUCA OBERTI

Junior Colts FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

GOLD

PICASSO DI MAR

CAVALLI X SG WENDETTA

BREEDER: SOC. AGR. TRE STELLE S.A.S. BY CRISTINA C. OWNER: SOC. AGR. TRE STELLE S.A.S. BY CRISTINA C. HANDLER: GIACOMO CAPACCI

SILVER

CL SHAADI

FADI AL SHAQAB X SHAAMISA

BREEDER: MINCIGRUCCI PAOLO OWNER: ELI GIOVANNI HANDLER: GIACOMO CAPACCI

BRONZE

QS MARZIO

EMERALD J X NAWAL BY APOLO

BREEDER: QIRAT STUD DI MORANDO GIOVANNI OWNER: QIRAT STUD DI MORANDO GIOVANNI HANDLER: GIACOMO CAPACCI

AHM | 133

Senior Mares FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

GOLD

ALMA AL TIGLIO

AJMAN MONISCIONE X AMANDA AL TIGLIO

BREEDER: AZ. AGR. IL TIGLIO SAURO LODETTI OWNER: AZ. AGR. BUZZI GIANCARLO HANDLER: BOSCARINO ANDREA

SILVER

TF ESMERALDA

AJMAN MONISCIONE X BALEENA EB

BREEDER: TRIPODI FRANCESCO AZ. AGR. OWNER: SHAZIN SOCIETA’ AGRICOLA A R.L. HANDLER: ANDREA BOSCARINO

WON BY CLASS SCORE

GRISENDA CHANDRA

AHM | 134

WH JUSTICE X GARIDAH

BRONZE

BREEDER: GATTI GLORIA OWNER: AZ. AGR. MONTECUCCO DI GATTI GLORIA HANDLER: DIEGO ZOPPELLARO

Senior Stallions FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

GOLD

AG NOBEL DAVIDE

AJMAN MONISCIONE X SAHHARA EXCELSJA

BREEDER: AG NOBEL ARABIANS OWNER: AG NOBEL ARABIANS HANDLER: PAOLO CAPECCI

SILVER

DALI

LAZAAL X ELEKTRA BY HADIDI

BREEDER: GIORGIO VIRGA OWNER: GIORGIO VIRGA HANDLER: GIACOMO CAPACCI

BRONZE

SS CORONADO AL JAMAL

CAVALLI X SS TADMOR

BREEDER: ALLEVAMENTO STIGLER STUD OWNER: SHAZIN SOCIETA’ AGRICOLA A R.L. HANDLER: BOSCARINO ANDREA

AHM | 135

Futurity Filliest FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

GOLD

DONNASARA NIGHT

RFI FARID X PALTONA K.A.)

BREEDER: BLOISI FRANCO OWNER: BLOISI FRANCO HANDLER: PAOLO CAPECCI

SILVER

IMPERIA PC

ALEXANDER PC X AP IMPERIA

BREEDER: LO VOTRICO MARIO OWNER: CAPIZZI FRANCESCO PAOLO HANDLER: COMO FABIO

BRONZE

AFRODITE MCA

AHM | 136

EKS ALIHANDRO X REBECCAAH MARC MCA

BREEDER: SCARAMELLA EMANUELA OWNER: SCARAMELLA EMANUELA HANDLER: BOSCARINO GIACOMO

Futurity Colts FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

GOLD

RENOIR DI MAR

RFI FARID X ISABEAU DI MAR OS

BREEDER: FRANCHINI MARCO OWNER: FRANCHINI MARCO HANDLER: GIACOMO CAPACCI

SILVER

TF NASSER

EKS ALIHANDRO X LATIFFA

BREEDER: TRIPODI FRANCESCO AZ. AGR. OWNER: TRIPODI FRANCESCO AZ. AGR. HANDLER: PAOLO CAPECCI

BRONZE

PERFECT MCA

AJMAN MONISCIONE X SOPHIE MCA

BREEDER: SCARAMELLA EMANUELA OWNER: SCARAMELLA EMANUELA HANDLER: GIACOMO BOSCARINO

AHM | 137

AHM | 138

AHM | 139

L e Soleil

2019 awaited baby

IZMYR LE SOLEIL (WH Justice x Alfabia Gaucita by Phaaros) In foal to PRINCIPE AL SALHIA

© Gigi Grasso

(Marwan Al Shaqab x ZT Fantmaisa) Half brother of ZT Magnofantasy

LE SOLEIL STUD - Elvis Giughera Via Borgata San Rocco 26 - CERCENASCO (TO) - ITALY +39.3393680656 - www.le-soleil.org - E-mail: info@le-soleil.org AHM | 140

AHM | 141

Moments

Thank You to all our clients for their trust and support during the 2018 show season !

AHM | 142

Kamila SA

sa faez simbad x sa karima

GOLD MEDAL YEARLING FILLY MONTEFALCO 2018 SILVER MEDAL YEARLING FILLY MARINA DI PIETRASANTA 2018

AHM | 143

Janira SA

sa faez simbad x princesa pin

BRONZE MEDAL YEARLING FILLY MONTEFALCO 2018 BRONZE MEDAL YEARLING FILLY FORLI 2018

AHM | 144

Farah Alessia FM

sa faez simbad x tihanj

AHM | 145

Exposita

KA

qr mark x ekina

Owned by

AHM | 146

Sonja SA

ajman moniscione x sa sofia

Owned by

AHM | 147

Zaid SA

sa faez simbad x sa zein

CONTACT US FOR BREEDING INCENTIVES AHM | 148

SA

Falco

sa faez simbad x sa morgana

GOLD MEDAL JUNIOR COLT FORLI 2018

CONTACT US FOR BREEDING INCENTIVES AHM | 149

Madison SA

wh justice x sa minerva

GOLD MEDAL STALLION MONTAFALCO 2018 GOLD MEDAL STALLION FORLI 2018

CONTACT US FOR BREEDING INCENTIVES AHM | 150

Majd

AL ARABI

magnum chall hvp x selket obsession

BRONZE MEDAL STALLION MONTEFALCO 2018

AHM | 151

Juliusz

de wiec

debowiec x jiullya el jamaal

FROZEN SEMEN AVAILABLE CONTACT US FOR BREEDING INCENTIVES AHM | 152

AHM | 153

Not only a champion himself...

SA KAMILA

SA FAEZ SIMBAD X SA KARIMA

SA JANIRA

SA FAEZ SIMBAD X PRINCESA PIN

SA FALCO

SA FAEZ SIMBAD X SA MORGANA

SA ZAID

SA FAEZ SIMBAD X SA ZEIN

AHM | 154

Not only a champion himself...

FM FARAH ALESSIA

SA FAEZ SIMBAD X TIHANJ

NEMESI REGALIS

SA FAEZ SIMBAD X NASHIRA BY CHAWY NA

MICHELANGELO REGALIS

SA FAEZ SIMBAD X NASHIRA BY CHAWY NA

AHM | 155

FORLI’ 2018

ARABIAN HORSE INTERNATIONAL C - SHOW ITALIAN SHOW TOUR 21st - 23rd September

AHM | 156

F

rom 21st to 23rd September 2018 the city of Forlì hosted the International Horse Fair after 20 years since the last edition of the Horse Show. The Forlì Fair had the main aim of bringing the horse among young people who, thanks to this beautiful animal, can learn a new way of conceiving life combined with sport and leisure. Among the equestrian events of this year, we shall mention the one dedicated to purebred Arabian horses, the International C- show affiliated with ANICA and ECAHO which was staged in the Hall-C of Punta di Ferro Fairgrounds concurrently w i t h

another crucial step of the ‘Italian Show Tour’ 2018.

The organization of the competition bore the signature of Gianluca Martino on behalf of Arabians VIBE SRLS. Hotel Globus facilities showed their value by fully satisfying all requests by ANICA; the beautiful aperitif and welcome briefing was the visiting card and the prologue of the quality of service offerings. A jury of the highest international level was appointed to judge over 100 quality horses excellently prepared so to make a good impression in the international event. For the occasion there intervened: judge Murilo Kammer, who is also the Brazilian breeder producing the largest number of Arabian champion horses in his country from 1980 to date; judge Nasser Al-Ali Rashid (United Arab Emirates), himself, too, a breeder promoting bloodlines of the highest genealogy; judge Muktar Khalil (Baharein); judge Bohmer Paula (The Netherlands); and, to complete it, judge Rota Pierluigi (Italy). The Disciplinary Committee could count on the expertise of: Fhazeli Farang (Iran) and Dr.

D

al 21 al 23 settembre 2018 la città di Forlì ha ospitato l’ International Horse Fair dopo circa 20 anni dall’ultima edizione della Mostra del Cavallo. La Fiera di Forlì si è proposta come obiettivo principale quello di portare il cavallo tra i giovani i quali, grazie a questo splendido animale, possono conoscere un nuovo modo di concepire la vita unita allo sport e al tempo libero. Tra gli eventi equestri proposti quest’anno, bisogna segnalare quello dedicato ai cavalli Purosangue Arabi; lo Show Internazionale di tipo C affiliato ANICA ed ECAHO che è andato in scena nel padiglione C del Quartiere Fieristico Punta di Ferro che si è svolto in concomitanza di un’altra tappa di successo dell’ ‘Italian Show Tour’ 2018. L’organizzazione del concorso ha portato la firma di Gianluca Martino per Arabians VIBE S.R.L.S. Le strutture dell’Hotel Globus hanno mostrato il loro valore soddisfacendo appieno tutte le richieste di A.N.I.C.A.; l’affollato aperitivo e briefing di benvenuto è stato il biglietto da visita e il prologo della qualità di offerta di servizi. Una giuria estratta, di assoluto livello internazionale, è stata chiamata a giudicare oltre 100 cavalli di qualità, preparati con grande cura per ben figurare nell’evento internazionale.

Pe r

l’o ccasione sono interve nu ti: il brasiliano Murilo Kammer, il quale è anche l’allevatore brasiliano che dal 1980 a oggi ha prodotto forse il maggior numero di cavalli arabi diventati campioni nel suo Paese. Nasser Al-Ali Rashid (United Arab Emirates), anch’egli allevatore con linee di sangue di altissima geneaologia; Muktar Khalil (Bahrein); Bohmer Paula (The Netherlands) e, per completare, Rota Pierluigi (Italia). La Commissione Disciplinare ha potuto contare sulle competenze di Fhazeli Farang (Iran) e del Dott. Vet. Teobaldelli Gian Paolo (Italia). Presente in arena anche

AHM | 157

Vet. Teobaldelli Gian Paolo Italy). Hennekens Helen (The Netherlands) was also present in the arena as an apprentice Disciplinary Commissioner. In the role of Ring Master: Roberto Ceccaroni Italy); the Speakers were two: Blaak Erik (Belgium) and Di Giacomo Riccardo (Italy); General Secretary: Debora Martino (Italy); official photographer of the event, our friend and collaborator Azzali Alessio (Italy). Set out below the final results of these two sensational days in the company of people united by the same passion, the purebred Arabian horse.

ARABIAN HORSE INTERNATIONAL C – SHOW

In the Yearling Fillies Championship (Class 15) Gold medal winner AZALEA MONISCIONE (EDEN C x ADANA MONISCIONE) bred and owned by AZ.AGR BUZZI GIANCARLO. Silver medal winner LATIFA DEL PALAZZOTTO (ESPRESSIVO x ZEINA AL SAMAH) bred and owned by AZ. AGR. IL PALAZZOTTO- CAPECCI PAOLO. Bronze medal

AHM | 158

Hennekens Helen (the Netherlands) come apprendista Commissario Disciplinare. Nel ruolo di Ring Master: Ceccaroni Roberto (Italia); Responsabile speakers: Blaak Erik (Belgio) e Di Giacomo Riccardo (Italia); Responsabile segreteria generale: Debora Martino (Italia); Responsabile musiche: Alizeé Huet (France); Fotografo ufficiale dell’evento il caro amico e collaboratore Azzali Alessio (Italia); Web Streaming a cura di Arabian Essence. Di seguito, i risultati finali di queste due giornate mirabili in compagnia di persone accomunate dalla stessa passione, il cavallo Purosangue Arabo.

ARABIAN HORSE INTERNATIONAL C – SHOW

Per la Categoria Puledre Yearling (Classe 15), Medaglia d’oro AZALEA MONISCIONE (EDEN C x ADANA MONISCIONE) allevata e di proprietà di AZ.AGR BUZZI GIANCARLO. Medaglia d’argento LATIFA DEL PALAZZOTTO (ESPRESSIVO x ZEINA AL SAMAH) allevata e di proprietà di AZ. AGR. IL PALAZZOTTO- CAPECCI PAOLO. Me-

winner SA JANIRA (SA FAEZ SIMBAD x PRINCESA PIN) bred and owned by SCIPIONI ANGELO. In the Yearling Colts Championship (Class 16) Gold medal winner MG EL RASHEER (FA EL RASHEEM x GW LA PREMIERE) bred and owned by MG ARABIANS. Silver medal winner ELJE VENITIO (INIZIO x VISA DE GARGASSAN) bred and owned

by JEAN-LUC BERGER & ERIC BESNARD. Bronze medal winner AJ YAS (AJ MARDAN x AL AMRYA) bred by Ajman Stud and owned by FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS SRL. In the Junior Fillies Championship (Class 17) Gold medal winner SS ESENIA (KAHIL AL SHAQAB x ESCALADA) bred by ALLEVAMENTO STIGLER STUD and owned by SHEIKH ALMATRAFI SALEH MELEEB. Silver medal winner PENELOPE DS (HARIRY AL SHAQAB x LE PIROUETTE) bred by DOLCE CAVALLO LLC & SANDHU ARABIANS and owned by ABDULHAMEED MOHAMMED AMEZ. Bronze medal winner MADONNA J (EMERALD J x MAGNIFICIENT LADY J) bred by JA-

daglia di bronzo SA JANIRA (SA FAEZ SIMBAD x PRINCESA PIN) allevata e di proprietà di SCIPIONI ANGELO. Per la Categoria Puledri Yearling (Classe 16), Medaglia d’oro MG EL RASHEER (FA EL RASHEEM x GW LA PREMIERE) allevato e di proprietà di MG ARABIANS. Medaglia d’argento ELJE VENITIO (INIZIO x VISA DE GARGASSAN) allevato e di proprietà di JEAN-LUC BERGER & ERIC BESNARD. Medaglia di bronzo AJ YAS (AJ MARDAN x AL AMRYA) allevato da Ajman Stud e di proprietà di FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS SRL. Per la Categoria Puledre Junior (Classe 17), Medaglia d’oro SS ESENIA (KAHIL AL SHAQAB x ESCALADA) allevata da ALLEVAMENTO STIGLER STUD e di proprietà di SHEIKH ALMATRAFI SALEH MELEEB. Medaglia d’argento PENELOPE DS (HARIRY AL SHAQAB x LE PIROUETTE) allevata da DOLCE CAVALLO LLC e SANDHU ARABIANS e di proprietà di ABDULHAMEED MOHAMMED AMEZ. Medaglia di bronzo MADONNA J (EMERALD J x MAGNIFICIENTE LADY J) allevata da JADEM ARABIANS e di proprietà di Patricia Maffre e Ve-

AHM | 159

AHM | 160

DEM ARABIANS and owned by Patricia Maffre and Veronique Chabbert.

In the Junior Colts Championship (Class 18) Gold medal winner MONTE CORE (AJ MARDAN x MAHALYA EL JAMAL) bred by MATTENS J & SPOENLE and owned by FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS SRL. Silver medal winner PICCADILLY (AJMAN MONISCIONE x SHAKIRA BY KIR) bred

by SPARAPAN AMADIO and owned by SCALVINI MARIA ANGIOLA. Bronze medal winner and higher score in Class AURELIUS (SHANGAI EA x ZB LAMANTE) bred and owned by AZ. AGR. IL PALAZZOTTO - CAPECCI PAOLO. In the Senior Mares Championship (Class 19) Gold medal winner AD STELLA BGP (HADIDI x CARINA DEI MORI) bred and owned by DIONISI ANTONIO AZ. AGR. Silver medal winner SAWHA EL DINE (AL WHAID EL DINE x SABIHAIR) bred by Angelo Teobaldelli and owned by EMAD ABDULLAH AMA AL KANDARI. Bronze medal winner MARLANA SWF (SELKET MARQUE x MAGNA PSYCHE) bred by SCOTT BAILEY & CAINS DAVID and owned by MANZONI ELENA. In the Senior Stallions Championship (Class 20) Gold medal winner PARONOS KA (ESPRESSIVO x PHIROUETTES) bred by KNOCKE ARABIANS and owned by MARINA ALBANESE. Silver medal winner AL ANEED LDA (ALIXIR x ILLA MAGIDAA LDA) bred by LD ARABIANS and owned by FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS. Bronze medal winner ENGULO EEA (SHANGHAI EA x ENJORA E) bred by ENZO LTD and owned by FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS SRL.

ronique Chabbert. Per la Categoria Puledri Junior (Classe 18), vincitore della Medaglia d’oro MONTE CORE (AJ MARDAN x MAHALYA EL JAMAL) allevato da MATTENS J & SPOENLE e di proprietà di FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS SRL. Medaglia d’argento PICCADILLY (AJMAN MONISCIONE x SHAKIRA BY KIR) allevato da SPARAPAN AMADIO e di proprietà di SCALVINI MARIA ANGIOLA. Vincitore della Medaglia di bronzo e punteggio più alto nella classe AURELIUS (SHANGAI EA x ZB LAMANTE) allevato e di proprietà di AZ. AGR. IL PALAZZOTTO - CAPECCI PAOLO. Per la Categoria Fattrici Senior (Classe 19), Medaglia d’oro AD STELLA BGP (HADIDI x CARINA DEI MORI) allevata e di proprietà di DIONISI ANTONIO AZ. AGR. Medaglia d’argento SAWHA EL DINE (AL WHAID EL DINE x SABIHAIR) allevata da Angelo Teobaldelli e di proprietà di EMAD ABDULLAH AMA AL KANDARI. Medaglia di bronzo MARLANA SWF (SELKET MARQUE x MAGNA PSYCHE) allevata da SCOTT BAILEY & CAINS DAVID e di proprietà di MANZONI ELENA. Per la Categoria Stalloni Senior (Classe 20), vincitore della Medaglia d’oro PARONOS KA (ESPRESSIVO x PHIROUETTES), allevato da KNOCKE ARABIANS e di proprietà di MARINA ALBANESE. Medaglia d’argento AL ANEED LDA (ALIXIR x ILLA MAGIDAA LDA) allevato da LD ARABIANS e di proprietà di FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS SRL. Medaglia di bronzo, ENGULO EEA (SHANGHAI EA x ENJORA E) allevato da ENZO LTD e di proprietà di FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS SRL.

AHM | 161

Yearling Fillies Final Championship

AZALEA MONISCIONE

EDEN C x ADANA MONISCIONE

Gold

Breeder: AZ.AGR BUZZI GIANCARLO Owner: AZ.AGR BUZZI GIANCARLO

LATIFA DEL PALAZZOTTO

ESPRESSIVO x ZEINA AL SAMAH

Silver

Breeder: AZ. AGR. IL PALAZZOTTO DI CAPECCI PAOLO Owner: AZ. AGR. IL PALAZZOTTO DI CAPECCI PAOLO

SA JANIRA

SA FAEZ SIMBAD x PRINCESA PIN Breeder: SCIPIONI ANGELO Owner: SCIPIONI ANGELO

AHM | 162

Bronze

Yearling Colts Final Championship

MG EL RASHEER

FA EL RASHEEM x GW LA PREMIERE

Gold

Breeder: M G ARABIANS snc Owner: M G ARABIANS snc

ELJE VENITIO

INIZIO x VISA DE GARGASSAN

Silver

Breeder: JEAN-LUC BERGER X ERIC BESNARD Owner: JEAN-LUC BERGER X ERIC BESNARD

AJ YAS

AJ MARDAN x AL AMRYA

Bronze

Breeder: Ajman Stud Owner: FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS SRL

AHM | 163

Junior Fillies Final Championship

SS ESENIA

KAHIL AL SHAQAB x ESCALADA

Gold

Breeder: ALLEVAMENTO STIGLER STUD Owner: SHEIKH ALMATRAFI SALEH MELEEB

PENELOPE DS

HARIRY AL SHAQAB x LE PIROUETTE

Silver

Breeder: DOLCE CAVALLO LLC OR SANDHU ARABIANS Owner: ABDULHAMEED MOHAMMED AMEZ

MADONNA J

EMERALD J x MAGNIFICIENT LADY J Breeder: JADEM ARABIANS Owner: Patricia Maffre and Veronique Chabbert

AHM | 164

Bronze

Junior Colts Final Championship

MONTE CORE

AJ MARDAN x MAHALYA EL JAMAL

Gold

Breeder: MATTENS J AND SPOENLE Owner: FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS SRL

PICCADILLY

AJMAN MONISCIONE x SHAKIRA BY KIR

Silver

Breeder: SPARAPAN AMADIO Owner: SCALVINI MARIA ANGIOLA

AURELIUS

SHANGAI EA x ZB LAMANTE

Bronze

Breeder: AZ. AGR. IL PALAZZOTTO DI CAPECCI PAOLO Owner: AZ. AGR. IL PALAZZOTTO DI CAPECCI PAOLO

AHM | 165

Senior Mares Final Championship

AD STELLA BGP

HADIDI x CARINA DEI MORI

Gold

Breeder: DIONISI ANTONIO AZ. AGR. Owner: DIONISI ANTONIO AZ. AGR.

SAWHA EL DINE

AL WHAID EL DINE x SABIHA LR

Silver

Breeder: Angelo Teobaldelli Owner: EMAD ABDULLAH AMA AL KANDARI

MARLANA SWF

SELKET MARQUE x MAGNA PSYCHE Breeder: SCOTT BAILEY AND CAINS DAVID Owner: MANZONI ELENA

AHM | 166

Bronze

Senior Stallions Final Championship

PARONOS KA

ESPRESSIVO x PHIROUETTES

Gold

Breeder: KNOCKE ARABIANS Owner: MARINA ALBANESE

AL ANEED LDA

ALIXIR x ILLA MAGIDAA LDA

Silver

Breeder: LD ARABIANS Owner: FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS

ENGULO EEA

SHANGHAI EA x ENJORA E

Bronze

Breeder: ENZO LTD Owner: FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS

AHM | 167

Price Money Sponsored by

AFRODITE MCA

Gold

EKS ALIHANDRO x REBECCAAH MARC MCA Breeder: SCARAMELLA EMANUELA Owner: SCARAMELLA EMANUELA

Price Money: € 700,00

ALA MONISCIONE

Silver

AJ MARDAN x ANTHEA MONISCIONE Breeder: AZ.AGR. BUZZI GIANCARLO Owner: AZ.AGR. BUZZI GIANCARLO

Price Money: € 550,00

MAGIC EXCELSA

Bronze

ENGULO EEA x MAGIC SAFIYYAH

Breeder: FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS Owner: FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS

AHM | 168

Price Money: € 350,00

4th PLACE: MENARA MONISCIONE

6th PLACE: SG WERONIKA

8th PLACE: JWH FEDORA

AL AYAL MONISCIONE x EMARRA MONISCIONE

JAMAAL DI MAR x SG WERA

ZT MAGNOFANTASY x MARTINA

Breeder: AZ AGR BUZZI GIANCARLO Owner: MEHDI BENLAFKIR Price Money: € 200,00

Breeder: Soc Agr Scuderia Groane Owner: Soc Agr Scuderia Groane Price Money: € 400,00

Breeder: MAZZOLENI FEDERICA Owner: MAZZOLENI FEDERICA Price Money: € 200,00

5th PLACE: RIHANNA DI MAR

7th PLACE: FAYYADA BY FAYYAD

9th PLACE: ATHENA FANA

PSYRASIC x PETRA PS

FAYAD ALFAYYAD x HAS FARIDA

NASSER FANA x EGYPTIAN DEA

Breeder: SOC. AGR. TRE STELLE S.A.S. di Cristina C. Owner: SOC. AGR. TRE STELLE S.A.S. di Cristina C. Price Money: € 200,00

Breeder: GUIDONE CARMINE Owner: GUIDONE CARMINE Price Money: € 200,00

Breeder: DIONISI ANTONIO AZ. AGR. Owner: DIONISI ANTONIO AZ. AGR. Price Money: € 200,00

Price Money Sponsored by

PERFECT MCA

Gold

AJMAN MONISCIONE x SOPHIE MCA Breeder: SCARAMELLA EMANUELA Owner: SCARAMELLA EMANUELA

Price Money: € 700,00

ROLEX DI MAR

Silver

PSYRASIC x PRINCIPESSA DI MAR Breeder: Soc Agr Tre Stelle Owner: Soc Agr Tre Stelle

Price Money: € 550,00

MAGIC ELHAM

Bronze

EDISSON x MAGIC HALIMA SORVE

Breeder: FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS Owner: FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS

Price Money: € 350,00

4th PLACE: SANTIAGO ROZA

6th PLACE: SADIQ

PSYCHES EMOTION x LARAZA MB

AMG DALY x SUAZILA

Breeder: Zaniboni Roberto Owner: Zaniboni Roberto Price Money: € 200,00

Breeder: Maccabei Luca Owner: Luca Maccabei Price Money: € 200,00

5th PLACE: SELIS JAMAL MAHDEL AL JAMAL x SELIS NEVADA

Breeder: SELIS STUD di Stefano Sandrini Owner: SELIS STUD di Stefano Sandrini Price Money: € 200,00

AHM | 169

AHM | 170

ITALIAN SHOW TOUR 2018

In the Yearling Fillies Category (Class 21), Gold medal winner ARIA BM (AJMAN MONISCIONE x NAJIA EL MUT) bred by PACE IVANA AZ. AGRICOLA and owned by CUSIMANO CARMELINA. Silver medal winner BLUEMOON BY CZEKURA (SA FAEZ SIMBAD x CZEKURA) bred and owned

by PACE IVANA AZ. AGRICOLA. Bronze medal winner PENELOPE DEL FALCO (AMG DALII x IDEL BY MIAL) bred and owned by AZIENDA NARDINI MARCO. In the Junior Fillies Category, (Class 23) Gold medal winner SHAKIRA BY AISHA (CAVALLI x AISHA PA) bred and owned by PAOLONI PIERO. Silver medal winner NADIRA DEL FALCO (AMG DALII x ZARA BY MIAL) bred and owned by NARDINI MARCO. Bronze medal winner AMIREL BY AMIR (EKS AMIR x ELEM) bred by BEDNARSKA EWA AGNIESZKA and owned by CATTANEO MARINO. In the Junior Colts Category, (Class 24) Gold medal winner SA FALCO (SA FAEZ SIMBAD x SA MORGANA) bred and owned by SCIPIONI ANGELO. Silver medal winner MAGIC CORASON (MAGIC MON AMI x CC MAGIC CONTESSA) bred and owned by FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS SRL. Bronze medal winner PRYAM DI MAR (PSYRASIC x PENELOPE DI MAR) bred and owned by SOC. AGR. TRE STELLE S.A.S. di Cristina C. In the Senior Mares Category, (Class 25) Gold medal winner ZAFIRA ATG (MAGIQUE MAGNIFIQUE x ZENIMA REDY) bred and owned by ALESSANDRO GIORGINI. Silver medal winner CASSANDRA LC (WH JUSTICE x CRETA MONISCIONE) bred and owned by SOC. AGR. LA CAMPAGNOLA MOTTA. In the Senior Stallions Category, (Class 26) Gold medal winner SA MADISON (WH JUSTICE x SA MINERVA) bred and owned by SCIPIONI ANGELO. Silver medal winner PHAVEZ BY IMPERIA (MAHRABI PA x AP IMPERIA) bred by LO VOTRICO MARIO and owned by ADELFIO CATERINA. Bronze medal winner AMG DALII (WH JUSTICE x ABHA LA LUNA) bred by RADICCHI MORENO and owned by AZIENDA NARDINI MARCO.

ITALIAN SHOW TOUR 2018

Per la Categoria Puledre Yearling (Classe 21), Medaglia d’oro ARIA BM (AJMAN MONISCIONE x NAJIA EL MUT) allevata da PACE IVANA AZ. AGRICOLA e di proprietà di CUSIMANO CARMELINA. Medaglia d’argento BLUEMOON BY CZEKURA (SA FAEZ SIMBAD x CZEKURA) allevata e di proprietà di PACE IVANA AZ. AGRICOLA. Medaglia di bronzo PENELOPE DEL FALCO (AMG DALII x IDEL BY MIAL) allevata e di proprietà di AZIENDA NARDINI MARCO. Per la Categoria Puledre Junior (Classe 23), Medaglia d’oro SHAKIRA BY AISHA (CAVALLI x AISHA PA) allevata e di proprietà di PAOLONI PIERO. Medaglia d’argento NADIRA DEL FALCO (AMG DALII x ZARA BY MIAL) allevata e di proprietà di NARDINI MARCO. Medaglia di bronzo AMIREL BY AMIR (EKS AMIR x ELEM), allevata da BEDNARSKA EWA AGNIESZKA e di proprietà CATTANEO MARINO. Per la Categoria Puledri Junior (Classe 24), Medaglia d’oro SA FALCO (SA FAEZ SIMBAD x SA MORGANA) allevato e di proprietà di SCIPIONI ANGELO. Medaglia d’argento MAGIC CORASON (MAGIC MON AMI x CC MAGIC CONTESSA) allevato e di proprietà di FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS SRL. Medaglia di bronzo PRYAM DI MAR (PSYRASIC x PENELOPE DI MAR) allevato e di proprietà di SOC. AGR. TRE STELLE S.A.S. di Cristina C. Per la Categoria Fattrici Senior (Classe 25), Medaglia d’oro ZAFIRA ATG (MAGIQUE MAGNIFIQUE x ZENIMA REDY) allevata e di proprietà di ALESSANDRO GIORGINI. Medaglia d’argento CASSANDRA LC (WH JUSTICE x CRETA MONISCIONE) allevata e di proprietà di SOC. AGR. LA CAMPAGNOLA MOTTA. Per la Categoria Stalloni Senior (Classe 26), Medaglia d’oro SA MADISON (WH JUSTICE x SA MINERVA) allevato e di proprietà di SCIPIONI ANGELO. Medaglia d’argento PHAVEZ BY IMPERIA (MAHRABI PA x AP IMPERIA) allevato da LO VOTRICO MARIO e di proprietà di ADELFIO CATERINA. Medaglia di bronzo AMG DALII (WH JUSTICE x ABHA LA LUNA) allevato da RADICCHI MORENO e di proprietà di AZIENDA NARDINI MARCO.

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Yearling Fillies Italian Show Tour

ARIA BM

AJMAN MONISCIONE x NAJIA EL MUT

Gold

Breeder: PACE IVANA AZ. AGRICOLA Owner: CUSIMANO CARMELINA

BLUEMOON BY CZEKURA

SA FAEZ SIMBAD x CZEKURA

Silver

Breeder: PACE IVANA AZ. AGRICOLA Owner: PACE IVANA AZ. AGRICOLA

PENELOPE DEL FALCO

AMG DALII x IDEL BY MIAL

Bronze

Breeder: AZIENDA NARDINI MARCO Owner: AZIENDA NARDINI MARCO

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Junior Fillies Italian Show Tour

SHAKIRA BY AISHA

CAVALLI x AISHA PA

Gold

Breeder: PAOLONI PIERO Owner: PAOLONI PIERO

NADIRA DEL FALCO

AMG DALII x ZARA BY MIAL

Silver

Breeder: NARDINI MARCO Owner: AZIENDA NARDINI MARCO

AMIREL BY AMIR

EKS AMIR x ELEM

Breeder: BEDNARSKA EWA AGNIESZKA Owner: CATTANEO MARINO

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Bronze

Junior Colts Italian Show Tour

SA FALCO

SA FAEZ SIMBAD x SA MORGANA

Gold

Breeder: SCIPIONI ANGELO Owner: SCIPIONI ANGELO

MAGIC CORASON

MAGIC MON AMI x CC MAGIC CONTESSA

Silver

Breeder: FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS SRL Owner: FONTANELLA MAGIC ARABIANS SRL

PRYAM DI MAR

PSYRASIC x PENELOPE DI MAR

Bronze

Breeder: SOC. AGR. TRE STELLE S.A.S. di Cristina C. Owner: SOC. AGR. TRE STELLE S.A.S. di Cristina C.

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Senior Mares Italian Show Tour

ZAFIRA ATG

MAGIQUE MAGNIFIQUE x ZENIMA REDY

Gold

Breeder: ALESSANDRO GIORGINI Owner: ALESSANDRO GIORGINI

CASSANDRA LC

WH JUSTICE x CRETA MONISCIONE

Breeder: SOC. AGR. LA CAMPAGNOLA MOTTA F.LLI Owner: SOC. AGR. LA CAMPAGNOLA MOTTA F.LLI

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Silver

Senior Stallions Italian Show Tour

SA MADISON

WH JUSTICE x SA MINERVA

Gold

Breeder: SCIPIONI ANGELO Owner: SCIPIONI ANGELO

PHAVEZ BY IMPERIA

MAHRABI PA x AP IMPERIA

Silver

Breeder: LO VOTRICO MARIO Owner: ADELFIO CATERINA

AMG DALII

WH JUSTICE x ABHA LA LUNA

Bronze

Breeder: RADICCHI MORENO Owner: AZIENDA NARDINI MARCO

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The program of events in the Forlì International Horse Fair was very rich in contents and catchy indeed. As an event inside of the event, the show ‘Angels and Demons’ placed itself at the heart of the ‘Grand Gala’ scheduled on Saturday night from nine to midnight. An entire District open for moments of intense emotion given by almost thirty equestrian artists under the direction of Omar Selvi. In the ring set up in Hall C, the performance of famous South African violinist Catilin De Ville, electric violin virtuoso, literally sent the public audience into raptures. The artist has already performed in 28 foreign countries in concerts and performances with a very wide repertoire, ranging from rock to pop music. Also present at the Gala was British actress Susan George, who is also known to be a breeder of high genealogy Arabian horses and award-winning international champions.

Among the most anticipated guests of this marvellous exhibition was Sheikh Saleh Muneea Al Matrafi, owner of the champion filly SS Esenia, who flew to Forlì from Saudi Arabia. What left everyone in suspense was the entrance in the ring of Royal Colors (True Colors × Xtreme Wonder), top stallion producer at Dubai’s Arabian Horse Stud. With him, present at the show, Mr. Abduleziz Marzooqi Stud Manager of Dubai Stud who arrived directly from Dubai; Paolo Capecci and Woody Gubbiotti who have always followed this beautiful specimen anywhere he goes. The audience at the ‘Forlì International Horse Fair’ also found on display very particular highlights, maybe not directly linked with the world of horses and horsemanship, but always associated to the emotion they can generate in the human being: some extraordinary Harley Davidson motorcycle models, still not in the marketplace, arrived in Forlì directly from the United States. And then American vintage cars and other “cult” objects and items that occupied the wide premises of the Punta di Ferro Fairgrounds. The new Fair in Forlì started with an ambition of renewing the success and satisfactions for the public once belonging to the historic ‘Horse Show’ that used to hold court in Romagna about twenty years ago. Therefore, the most heartfelt thank you go to Mr. Paolo Cicognani, Manager of the entire Horse Fair who, after years and years of absence from the circuit, has been able to give fresh impetus to a historic fair for the Mercurial city, showing great enthusiasm and passion for the horse. Special thanks also go to the many sponsors that made this great event come true. Last but not least, the success of the International C show affiliated ANICA and ECAHO, and organized by Gianluca Martino and his staff, confirmed an operating model worth replicating also at upcoming events.

Molto articolato e accattivante il programma degli eventi della Forlì International Horse Fair.

Evento nell’evento è stato ‘Angeli e Demoni’, lo spettacolo che ha costituito il cuore del ‘Grand Galà’ in programma dalle nove di sabato sera in poi. Quartiere aperto per momenti d’intensa emozione regalati da una trentina di artisti equestri con la regia di Omar Selvi. Nel ring allestito nel padiglione C, le performance della celebre violinista sudafricana Catilin De Ville, virtuosa del violino elettrico, hanno letteralmente mandato in visibilio la cerchia di spettatori. L’artista si è già esibita in 28 Paesi stranieri in concerti e performance con un repertorio molto vasto, che spazia dalla musica rock al pop. Presente al Galà anche l’attrice inglese Susan George nota per essere anche allevatrice di cavalli arabi di altissima genealogia e pluripremiati ai concorsi internazionali. Tra gli ospiti più attesi di questa meravigliosa rassegna è stato lo Sceicco Saleh Muneea Al Matrafi, proprietario della campionessa SS Esenia, giunto a Forlì dall’Arabia Saudita. A lasciare tutti con il fiato sospeso è stata poi l’entrata nel ring di Royal Colors (True Colours × Xtreme Wonder) stallone di punta di Dubai Arabian Horse Stud. Con lui, presente allo show, lo Stud Manager di Dubai Stud, Abduleziz Marzooqi arrivato direttamente da Dubai, Woody Gubbiotti e Paolo Capecci, i quali da sempre assistono questo bellissimo esemplare nei suoi numerosi spostamenti. Il pubblico dei visitatori della ‘Forlì International Horse Fair’ ha trovato in esposizione anche curiosità molto particolari, slegate dal mondo dei cavalli e dell’equitazione ma sempre collegate all’emozione che riescono a generare nella persona: sono stati esposti alcuni modelli di Harley Davidson ancora non usciti nel mercato europeo e che sono arrivati a Forlì in esclusiva direttamente dagli Stati Uniti. E poi auto d’epoca americane e altri oggetti e articoli “cult” che hanno riempito gli spazi del Quartiere Fieristico di Punta di Ferro. Il nuovo Salone del Cavallo della Fiera di Forlì è partito con l’ambizione di rinnovare i successi e le soddisfazioni per il pubblico della storica ‘Mostra del Cavallo’ che soleva tener banco in Romagna una ventina d’anni fa. Pertanto, i ringraziamenti più sentiti vanno a Paolo Cicognani, Manager dell’ Intera Fiera, il quale, dopo anni e anni di assenza dal circuito, ha saputo ridare vita ad una fiera storica per la città Mercuriale con grande entusiasmo e passione per il cavallo. Ringraziamenti speciali anche ai numerosi Sponsor intervenuti che hanno reso possibile l’effettiva organizzazione dell’evento.

Dulcis in fundo, il successo dello show Internazionale di tipo C affiliato ANICA ed ECAHO e organizzato da Gianluca Martino e dal suo staff, ha confermato un modello operativo che conta di replicare anche in occasione di prossimi eventi.

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COORDINATED & TRANSLATED BY SONJA SMALDONE

W

ho is Marco Pittaluga, when did you start getting interested in the purebred Arabian horse and which was the first Arabian horse you laid your eyes on?

I’m a civil engineer. I have been retired for just over a year and, for the time being, I am a member of the Board of Directors of A.N.I.C.A. (Italian National Association of the Arabian Horse) (Board Member of A.N.I.C.A. the Italian Stud Book Authority). I was General Manager for the Italian Public Administration and for three years, from 2005 to 2008, I was also General Manager of U.N.I.R.E. (The Italian Public Authority for the development of horse breeding and related sports activities), a Public Authority now incorporated in the Ministry of Agricultural Policies (Italian Agricultural Ministry). This Authority was responsible for breeding and keeping of the Genealogical Books of sport horses in Italy (Thoroughbreds, Half-Blood Arabians, Saddle Horses for Olympic disciplines, Trotters) and management of galloping races, including thoAHM | 182

se on flat tracks reserved for the purebred Arabian, and trotting races, as well as responsible for all relations with both racetrack/hippodrome companies in Italy and competent foreign bodies and federations in breeding and racing sectors.

The experience made as a Director of U.N.I.R.E. was extremely engaging.

My passion for horses arouse at around

the age of seventeen. Very early every morning, I would take a bike ride to get to Roma Capannelle Hyppodrome, which was only 3 km away from where I lived, to help a trainer-jockey friend grooming the English Thoroughbreds standing at his stables, clean the boxes, brush the horses or sometimes even ride

them from the stables to the big test track.

At the age of 20 I had to give up on this as I had to focus on my university studies.

In those years, I used to give free rein to my passion for horses by riding in the countryside for a couple of hours at weekends.

At that time, I still did not know much about purebred Arabian horses, I only had heard of them as ancestors of English Thoroughbreds.

In 1981, while I was at the famous FieraCavalli in Verona, I had the opportunity to see a showcase of subjects which, that year, had been imported to Italy from Russia. I had a real shock and got fascinated by the temperament, the elegant features and movement of some young stallions so much that I promised myself that as soon as I could afford buying my first horse that it would have been a purebred Arabian.

I had to wait a few more years until my wife and I decided that the right time had come, so, in 1987, I bought a filly, 6 months old, and later, I would also find out that she was an Egyptian-Marbach

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subject.

Discovering that the filly carried a specific bloodline had a great impact on me, and I got so curious about it that besides

me, I had bought my first two mares out of whom, as early as 1990, I had my first two foals.

So my adventure with purebred Arabian horses and my wonderful hobby had begun and I immediately realized that it would be with me for all the years to come.

- What are, in your opinion, the strengths of the breed and how do you tackle the concepts of ‘beauty’ and ‘functional correctness’?

caring for the filly and her growth, I embraced a new path made of long evenings spent reading up about the origins of the breed, buying books and subscribing to magazines from all over the world. In time I became confident about the intrinsic characteristics of the breed and its evolution as well as the development of different breeding aims in various parts of the world, their history and different ways to develop specific features.

I investigated the pedigrees, into the morphological and functional characteristics, also analyzing the small / big differences that some breeding choices, although in line with the fundamental breed standards, had brought about.

As an engineer I was also fascinated by the study of the horses’ musculoskeletal apparatus; to understand the kinetics of the movement, as much as possible, with the belief that this was the necessary key to understanding the actual vocation of a horse to become a good ridden horse.

At that point it became clear to me that I had been trapped - with no way out - in a cage of passions and various interests from which I had, nevertheless, no real interest to escape.

In the late ‘80s I started taking a series of trips around Italy and Europe joining in the most popular events. In the meantiAHM | 184

As for the strengths, I would simply say that they refer to two fundamental aspects that elevate the purebred Arabian above all other breeds. However, to avoid improper glorification or deviant apologia, let’s start from an established fact; no one will ever see a purebred Arabian taking part in any Olympic jumping show final, nor will we ever see him win the Aitree Gran National or the Epsom Derby or the Prix d’Amerique at Vincennes at the long reins. I here refer to the massive endurance and stamina possessed by a well-bred and highly selected Arabian horse, and to his great ability to learn quickly and execute, either in the first training phase or at the next stage, his rider’s or his driver’s commands. Not many people in fact know that the response to any rein, leg or control command is much faster in an Arabian horse since he owns reaction times well above the average of any other breed. This condition makes it an exceptionally ready and highly satisfying steed for those who know how to ride on horseback. They are ‘neural’ but not nervous subjects (i.e. they are subjects with temperament but are not nervous).

More often, it is the inexperienced rider who is unable to follow the speed of response to his commands from his Arabian horse.

You then asked me to give my opinion on the concepts of beauty and functional correctness.

I honestly believe that ‘beauty’ is too bro-

ad a form of abstraction and left to have any value.

For some years, within the framework of the contests about horse morphology, there has been an attempt to simplify and homologate the aesthetic requirements pursued by the breeders under the general definition of ‘beauty’.

But, I think that this simplification is the biggest mistake we can ever make since the standard that has been set is what has led us to consider the shapes of the fawn, particularly in its Disney version, as a paradigm to implement for that feeling of tender protection those shapes are able to evoke in the human soul, losing sight of the genuine and important qualities.

The Arabian horse must instead be evaluated, starting from his compliance with ‘Type’ or - as we should better say – with ‘Types’, to then work on each parameter that can give an indication of his qualities, which overall make him an excellent horse, but also a possible excellent reproducer.

Just to give an example of what is meant by functionality, let’s just focus on the analysis of the head. It can certainly be said that a dished head is appreciable, but, even more so, if the horse has large, well-set eyes, wide and mobile nostrils, a large space between the jaws, a well-ar-

ched and thin neckline.

Each of these parameters certainly helps make the horse look ‘beautiful’, but each

of them finds its strongest reason to exist in the function that it serves. Given that, large and well set eyes give the horse a more secure sight; wide and mobile nostrils allow for greater passage of air at every breath therefore contributing to enhance resistance to physical effort; a wide space between the jaws improves the trachea and facilitate deep breathing; an arched and thin neckline allows for head mobility, which enables the horse to have greater control of his movements.

Therefore, it is evident that if the head is extremely dished but the nostrils are thin or not so mobile, the neck is bad shape and not very mobile, as a result, functio-

arers of serious inherited defects.

For the time being, I mainly breed horses from the Russian maternal line that I cross with all the other lines looking for the best combination of phenotypes between mares and stallions trying to pursue the least possible consanguinity among the subjects.

My experience suggests that the way to obtain, at least statistically, a better result in the short term is to proceed with ‘outcross’, so that the conceived foal draws upon a pool of genes as wide and differentiated as possible.

In other words, I try not to challenge too much the unfathomable and bizarre “Ge-

nality is to some extent deteriorated, whereas a less dished head - accompanied by a better quality of all the other elements involved - will always be preferable.

netics” and to minimize disappointments that I might experience on my way.

Often, but not exclusively, I use Straight Egyptian stallions when I think they are conveyors of excellent qualities or, in any case, of few non-substantial and non-hereditary defects. That’s because the lower rate of consanguinity they have with my mares gives me the possibility to make fewer errors.

I talk about my breeding goal in terms of minor mistakes and certainly not of successes, because the big satisfactions of my own work are always much less than flops, and whoever says he/she never ma-

- What are your favorite bloodlines?

I started breeding both Straight Egyptians and Russian bloodlines at the same time, but I cannot say that I prefer a breeding goal to another one.

In my life as a judge I have seen many excellent Egyptian horses, Russians, Polish, Spanish, Crabbet, and various combinations of these lines, as wells as many similar genealogies of little value and be-

kes mistakes in breeding is either a liar or a fool unaware of his/her results.

- Your passion sounds like a deep and abiding passion, so we would like to know to what extent, has it influenced your life?

Well, it certainly has filled my life up since I was seventeen, and ever since it has just been awesome for me. It’s a passion that over time I have been able to harmonize with the needs of a life committed to family and a very engaging and intense job. Nonetheless, it has been invasive enough to occupy great part of my life to become my only true hobby. No doubt it has been a bit demanding even if it is evi-

dent that it is me who is just not willing to rebel against it.

- When did you become a judge?

Which steps have you had to take to become an E.C.A.H.O. International ‘A’ judge? What pushed you to embark on this path?

Let’s start with what was the real push that made me want to become a judge.

I am a curious man and always hungry for learning new things, but I am also a very competitive person. No doubt I am endowed with an ego that I myself find it hard to handle.

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In the case of Arabian horses my reading books, textbooks, scientific reports or writings both in Italian and English, has never been enough for me although my library on the subject is quite massive. I often come across narratives, as reported and highlighted by many parties, of how the selection, which at the beginning took place through many centuries of natural evolution in the Middle Eastern geographical area and in “Desert Arabia”, but then, from the Middle Ages onwards, the selection continued to develop thanks to the great breeding vision that the Arabian nomadic populations had. This breeding vision brought a precious load of genetic heritage into the hands of the greatest breeders and enthusiasts in most recent centuries.

Then, I wondered to what extent I could engage myself with it to be able to make some contribution to such an attractive cause.

Certainly, this could not be the few subjects on my small breeding farm.

Little by little I wanted to know even more about all those aspects that would allow me to make a careful analysis of the best phenotypic characters to pursue or the most undesirable ones.

I have dealt with the study of the kinematic movement, i.e. the various biometric relations, even by touching, although superficially, some basics notions of scientific Genetics.

Very short journey to test myself as a judge from there. At that point, it appeared to me not only logical but also terribly alluring.

On the other hand, a very competitive person like me could not just sit by the window waiting… and that’s how it all began.

I started in 1993 as a National judge with the first ever show of Marina di Pietrasanta in Italy that came to life in that year.

In the following years, I got onto the international lists, according to the current selective process, entering first the ‘B’ List and then, in 2003, the ‘A’ List. So I have been a judge for 25 years in total and an ‘A’ List judge for 15 years.

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- What are, in your opinion, the necessary skills to be a good and accountable judge? What do you think about the growing general dissent from the breeders over the categories of judges and show organizers who accept compromise but who are also subject to undue pressure?

This is a complex issue that has a very different genesis compared to the current way of conceiving it. In the ‘80s and early’ 90s (during which time I was on my vocational training as a judge ) a widespread and shared concept was that a judge-trainee had to fully understand the evolutionary history of the breed and its different expressions. A judge-trainee, had to understand the various environ-

MP RITZIUS Ajman Moniscione x BF Anuska

mental conditions and those ‘breeding goals’ that had determined its success in various parts of the world, exceeding the Middle Eastern boundaries of its ancestral origin. In addition, a judge-trainee had to also understand and analyze every aspect concerning the ‘phenotype’ of the subjects to judge, all characteristics related to its musculoskeletal apparatus harmony and biometric relations of the shapes as well as the functionality of its movement.

All this would enable a judge to assess the extent to which the subjects complied with the ‘Type’, or even with dif-

ferent ‘Types’ of Arabian horses, as well as to evaluate those absolutely necessary qualities that make them subjects that can always be used under a rider’s saddle. Such an approach to judgment meant that a judge, trained and introduced to the practice, was fully oriented to a selective evaluation. Charged with strong responsibilities, whereby the breeding world could know about the “most useful” contributors among colts, fillies, stallions and mares, and how to keep, for future breeders generations, the best and desirable characteristics of the breed for its development.

Today, I get the impression that the various events held around the world have been turned into something different.

So that the show-events of morphology selection are now interpreted in the most literal sense of “Spectacle-Show”.

Not only has it taken over the founding principles mentioned above, but, over time, it has generated some monotonous judges who are able to judge the subjects standing in front of them only for ‘parts’, with no vision of the whole; but, even more so, they appear to be homologated by specific aesthetic standards, neglecting all functional implications which may arise from those standards.

Just to give you some examples, you can sometimes see judges award very extremely dished heads without realizing that some horses have short necks or an incorrect shape or even backward necks or the so-called “deer neck”.

These judges do not seem to understand that the neck is the first engine of a horse’s action, therefore a very short or even incorrect posture of neck prevents the horse from balancing his action forward thus becoming a not so functional mount.

Again, and always by way of example, I see some judges award exaggerated upward movements of the forelegs during the trot with a correspondent lack of forward push, ignoring the fact that this type of action is precisely linked to an incorrect shape of the neck and an extremely vertical neck which prevents the horse from freeing himself in a broad

forward movement.

In addition, I can also say that I often see some judges award with very high scores extremely flat backs without verifying that these were always accompanied also by a rib cage ample enough to accommodate lungs capable of extensive breathing which only can guarantee strong resistance to fatigue (a fundamental quality inextricably linked to the breed). I could go on talking about how some judges assess - always in a cautious rearguard position - the legs as well as the harmony of shapes, moving themselves, often confusedly, within the narrow space of 1 point / 1 point and a half … but I do not want to be too annoying, so I will stop myself here.

My point is that such a different approach to judgment, which is no longer strictly linked to the principles of breed selection, brings with itself a significant risk of deterioration of the breed in a relatively short time. In fact, the massive global spread of cool promotional messages has multiplied the opportunities, for those horses who are “winners in show” to be elected as strongly desirable by unskillful or unprepared breeders, even if they are carriers of a functional fault. Not having the knowledge required to make the necessary selection by themselves they will therefore rely on current trends.

In my view, such an approach is not only lack of technical values but, it deviates from what I consider a necessary condition, that is the accountability of the judges to feel their commitment as a central issue to get the best possible future for the breed. This has become possible also because many exhibitors are getting grudgingly accustomed to seeing extreme subjects win at shows, though they have faults.

To answer the second part of your question, I can say that when the accountability to ensure the best future to breeding lacks, then it is likely that the vision of a

judge could become less universal and transversal than it should be and, in the case of those ones less strong on a technical level or with lack of personality, it narrows down to include only the most flamboyant and attractive images proposed by the most mediatically aggressive farms.

The show world is vast and consists of an extended gradient of economic possibilities, from the smallest to the largest, and to everyone should be guaranteed some satisfaction from their work (if they de-

serve of course). It is certainly true that a feeling of intolerance towards the category of judges and organizers is now spreading. It is not possible to deal with this issue superficially, nor it is possible to think that the cause of complaints lies only in the imagination of those ones who feel the frustration at not being able to realize their own dreams. Even if only statistically, we should consider such discontent as an indication, a clear symptom of the fact that there are, at different

levels of penetration, market distorting actions that make use of some judges [ Luckily I think they are only a few] - who do not feel the principle of accountability on their skin - and of some organizers simply unable to cope with economic difficulties and who surrender to the temptations offered by huge numbers of participants and solid sponsorships.

They sometime bow their heads in front of insistent demands aiming at putting in list at least a more flexible judge.

I do not have a ready-to-use solution. I know as a matter of fact that the sooner we go back to judge for breeding selection - and not for the show end in itself – the sooner we can regain the trust of small and medium breeders who are the connective tissue of the whole industry. Everything will become clearer as we further this exercise. It must be acknowledged by all the parties involved that if we let the small and medium breeders exit from the breeding sector, the whole system will falter and the future of the breed will be compromised.

In my opinion also the most recent choices made by the E.C.A.H.O (European Conference of Arab Horse Organizations), in order to give some answers to this dissatisfaction, should be revised as they are not able to prevent the ‘particular’ from being confused with the ‘general’ in the collective imagination, and the resulting metonymy can exacerbate the relationship between breeders and judges to such an extent as to make it hopeless to find a way to calm it down.

To face a situation like this, E.C.A.H.O has made all its own judges sign a contract. This should lead to an absolute obligation to exercise the ‘profession’ for which they are qualified under absolute transparency and impartiality conditions. But, at the same time, I wonder if the Executive Committee have realized that the same contract does not lay down AHM | 187

any seriously organized set of penalties for a judge in the event of non-compliance behaviors. Thus, it is quite clear that the good intention only remains a vain and useless statement.

On the other hand, some nonsense measures have been introduced.

For example, there has been written a listing, though messy and complex to assess in terms of its applicability, of a plethora of possible conflicts of interest some of which are either unknowable or even go so far as to deny the right, which should be absolutely inalienable, of a judge to also be a breeder, or of a show organizer to be both a judge and a breeder.

I firmly believe that these options are only destabilizing and in no way tackle the root of the problem of ‘compromise’ and ‘corruption’ in the show-ground.

Today, the possibility of collecting informatic data and a constantly computerized monitoring system can certainly be

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more effective tools to understand what is really happening about such conflicts of interest than it can be done by a mere description which is often painstaking, sometimes over-heightened, and, nevertheless, inadequate.

If we want to solve the problem then you need to establish a real Disciplinary Commission which has the power, obviously mitigated by the rights of those who are accused, to impose real penalties ranging from removal from the official lists in serious cases, till to reporting to judicial authorities in “very serious cases”.

Furthermore, the new provision under which judges over 75 years of age are to be banned from the list appears aberrant to me. According to the author of this provision such judges would no longer be able to stay in the ring with the necessary physical alertness in the presence of horses. So, the rationale behind such a rule would be one of ‘safety’ of ‘silvering’

judges.

The true spirit of this provision seems to me rather lying on a generational clash regarding the big international shows, that becomes even more evident when the same E.C.A.H.O, provides that a senior judge over 75 years can still judge at national or at local shows. As if these shows were only attended by old, physically debilitated horses to the same extent of the judges, therefore not very mobile, therefore completely harmless.

It rather seems like a contradiction in terms which doesn’t deserve further discussion. I am still far from that age limit so what I am saying it is not for personal gain. I believe that a large part of the senior judge’s generation, including myself, was educated according to the principles linked to the selection of horses to implement the breed, whereas I guess the most recent generation, or at least a part of it, is more show-oriented and has learned,

how to make judgments about horses, by mimicking the behaviors of the other judges.

Just for the sake of clarity I will repeat what I have already said. Today it looks like that the judges, in general, know how to be comfortably in the jury without making big mistakes, also because in the last 10-15 years the quality of the horses has much improved and the major differences of the past have been leveled, but I think also that someone of them (Luckily only a few, I repeat) does not even know the real technical motivation underlying the given scores.

Still in my opinion, what has contributed to make the situation even worse is the new discipline put in place by the E.C.A.H.O according to which a newcomer judge can find room in the ‘A’ list by simply accumulating lots of invitations to judge. As if judging in many shows also meant acquiring real technical knowled-

ge.

By inference, it would be easier to conclude that carrying out many tasks in the same season, is only an indicator of a judge’s approval from the organizers. Preference to a judge is not always related to his quality and technical preparation, but, probably in some cases, it does refer to his flexibility and compliance with the interests of third parties.

I believe that we will soon have to go back to a tougher selection, technically managed by extraordinarily rigorous judges with proven experience in the tasks required.

As for the withdrawal of older judges from the lists, I think that, first and foremost, not all of them get old in the same way and, they do represent a cultural heritage that must be ‘exploited’ and not simply removed, though the passing of time plays its role and must be taken into consideration. Yet, such a withdrawal can

never happen all of a sudden, it must be gradual and then, once these judges have completed their task as technicians on the show-ground, every National Federation should use their knowledge to ensure that the new judges generations are being trained by the older ones, in order to get better trained and prepared for the selection tests that the E.C.A.H.O should restore for each level currently established.

- What are the positive and negative aspects of being a judge?

I honestly see only positive aspects about being a judge. By doing this job I can keep on strengthening my knowledge and this passion I nurture will never fade. I have had the opportunity to visit many breeding organizations and to see how various cultures deal with breeding. I found myself in different parts of the world that maybe I would not have ever visited wi-

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thout this opportunity. Those who claim that it is a difficult and a burdensome activity, only want to prevent others from considering him/her as a privileged one, and want avoid that they aim at taking their place.

I only know that I find it a very rewarding job, and to stay like that, I try to avoid becoming a serial presentialist and putting myself under the label of the ‘overly’ invited judge. I know that I must make my contribution with the utmost commitment. I also know that I have just always to feel honored about receiving an invitation and that I am not a star who brings prestige to the event, by no means.

- Do you think that the current widespread European judgment system is valid, or do you think it can be improved? What do you think about the so-called “half-point”?

This question is always very intriguing because it is one of those issues that separate people in the show-ground. The 0-20 scoring system with half points is universally known, so both the public and the exhibitors tend to rely on it. In reality, I believe that it has become a method that brings with it very superficial judgments, and also allows less prepared judges to AHM | 190

float on the average without making big mistakes.

I besides think that the system implemented, in some shows, based on the elimination of the highest and lowest marks, is done with the erroneous hope that it can reduce gross attempts to favor or disfavor some horses. It is a serious mistake. It only hides the mediocrity of those judges who do not know how, or just do not want to express their convictions courageously.

I believe that people around the world have a certain degree of confidence with the evaluation in tenths, and know very well that a score of 5 equates to a deficit,

the score about ‘Type’, when referring to concepts of selection on a functional basis. I place less value, in a hierarchical order, upon neck, harmony and correctness of the shapes and their biometric relations, legs and movement when compared to ‘Type’, but all of these parameters and their scores still remain more important than the score for the Head.

Moreover, I reckon that one system that could bring the show back to its original function of morphological selection should be based on at least 6 parameters: Type, Head, Neck, Conformation and Harmony, Legs, and Movement. Such system can be easily managed on the

4 equates to an important deficit, 3 or less than 3 to a serious deficit, while 6 and 7 are normal and high, 8 represents an evaluation that corresponds to good quality, 9 to a remarkable quality and 10 to perfection. In my opinion, the use of half points would still be useful. That would be clearer and more understandable by breeders-exhibitors.

However, I strongly believe that the current standards set to evaluate horses are no longer effective, and we may argue that they have been overtaken by the need to really lay bare judges’ skills.

For example, I give an absolute value to

basis of a 0 to 10 scoring scheme with the half point; with the addition that the score on ‘Type’ shall be associated with a multiplier, while scores on Neck, Conformation and Harmony, Legs, as well as Movement, shall be associated with another multiplier, lower than the first, and finally, no multiplier has to be associated to the score for Head. These multipliers should then be exclusively applied to scores above 8, which represents good quality.

This is not the place to quantify the value of these multipliers, even if I have my own idea.

I just want to point out that by doing so, a judge would be forced to give his/her scores according to his/her technical evaluation without really knowing the final weight of his scores. When a single score exceeds the absolute value of 8, it would be automatically corrected by the Secretariat of the competition. The situation in which a tie can occur would be extremely rare.

There may of course be more effective methods than those that I have outlined, but what is absolutely necessary is to draw out mediocrity and set up judges who take on a transparent, personal and full-strength responsibility within the judge-panel.

- What was the most important show of your career?

I do not want to sound banal or even ruffian, but for me the most important show is always the next that I will be invited to.

I have never ranked the shows in terms of their importance.

As I have already said, I consider these events as a selection activity, and as such my commitment, as a judge, is always a strong responsibility towards both the exhibitors, for the work that they have done with the hope it will be rewarded, and to the future of the breed.

A future that even if to a lesser extent (and I am well aware of it), depends also on my job.

For this reason, I am always a bit tense before any Show, be it a small local event or a big international show. I always want to be worthy of the task I have been set and avoid making mistakes that can have repercussions on people’s dreams. Everyone deserves utmost attention from me as a judge, and everyone should expect me to be focused and not shallow.

Clearly, I must work on myself first, so that tension may turn into concentration and certainly not into negativity.

- Do you feel would you like to give some advice to those who want to become judges?

I am not at all sure that this can be defined as a profession. If it were really such, not only should it be more appropriately financially rewarded, it also ought to be accompanied by a series of conditions, if not fulfilled, should make judges accountable for their mistakes or failures in person, as it happens in any professional

field, where performances are commensurate both with remuneration or with penalties. In reality, I still see it as a passion and in the case of a youngster who feels he/she can make his contribution as a judge, I will strongly urge her/him to study, very hard, every aspect related to breeding, the morphological-functional characteristics of the breed, and to assess every single parameter that will be part of the judgment with a true speculative behavior. Moreover, I suggest that he/she should never feel complete as a judge, on the contrary he/she ought to cultivate a constant sense of incompleteness as a value that will help her/him grow.

Last but not the least, I would advise him/ her not to remain entrenched in his/her positions, but to always be willing to have dialogue with other judges, without suf-

fering any ‘fascination’ or the inevitable attempt of dominance by those who feel first among peers. (And there are quite a few…)

- The Arabian horse industry is now in the midst of increasing difficulties. What do you think? What are, in your opinion, the main reasons behind this problem?

On this point I believe that every temptation to generalize should be resisted.

I do not feel like joining in the chorus claiming that everything is due to the ongoing economic crisis that has severely been hitting the West since 2008.

The truth is that in some countries the economic recovery is evident despite the ongoing crisis, while in others it has not

come on as yet. In my opinion almost everything depends on the political choices made by Governments.

Some countries invest, sometimes even at a loss, in horse racing, in equitation, showjumping and so on, considering these in the same way as other sports, as tools that can give a ‘Brand’ of prestige, with positive effects on the image of the Nation and its solidity. Whereas others act very differently, as in Italy for example, where there is still a situation of economic stalemate, the lack of interest on the part of all politicians, is translating into a decline of both the breeding and of sports activities. Nevertheless, in Italy, the specific sector of the Arabian horse is going through a positive period against the general trend. A.N.I.C.A. (the Italian Stud Book) took the wise decisions of starting propel forms of incentive, together with the development of new international relations; this is determining an appreciable revival of sports sectors, with a constant growing interest in the discipline of endurance and a renewed interest in flat racing.

Italy, with the fundamental commitment of ANICA has become a newcomer official member of I.F.A.H.R. (International Federation of Horseracing Authorities) that brought with it a certain number of international races that had never been held before in the country.

Such a different climate has rekindled a little confidence to the extent that, in recent years, the births of foals registered in Italy have almost returned to pre-crisis rates.

The show sector is still not participating in this recovery, but the reason for this is that both small and medium breeders feel they have, to some extent, been excluded from a market that has bowed to the interests of only some big breeders or some marketmen, who have occupied it through lobbying policies.

As I have already stated in a previous answer, if the small and medium breeders are not brought back into the market, the entire industry will lose its historical basis as well as entire territories, and even the upper echelons, who think they are always safe, will end up being fatally overwhelmed.

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tryside, the castle itself will degrade and ruin’ and, at that point, the end of the show will be unstoppable. Under these circumstances, a new ‘dawn’, I think, could take very long time.

- In your opinion, has the E.C.A.H.O. succeeded in implementing the necessary policies in support of both small and medium European breeders who find it extremely unaffordable to participate in the most important international shows; which seem instead to serve well, the interests of a few wealthy investors?

In my humble opinion the E.C.A.H.O. deals too much with the implementation of policies aiming at protecting the largest and most successful shows on calendar. Whereas it should find resources to start supporting and consolidating, together with the various member countries, a structural deployment of local events where small breeders can find the right environment to present their production to the public. Then, the E.C.A.H.O. should help them get a chance with major traditional magazines, web-magazines and with web-news through (not particularly onerous) agreements; it should give national and international visibility to the winners of small show-events so that they could benefit from a range of show-case opportunities, that in their current condition, they could never get because of the prohibitively expensive promotional campaigns they would need. Obviously, these local events should be reserved only for European breeders and intended for horses that have not won any international competitions (I would say for at least 3 years) and who have never won ‘A’ competitions or Titles.

I know very well that what I suggest here looks more like a system of support and assistance policies which focus far more on breeding than show management, which, in a correct analysis would be the true and main competence of the E.C.A.H.O..

Despite that, I think that the E.C.A.H.O. itself must now understand that only with small contaminations, of different competences, it is possible to stop the ongoing decline and give new impetus to the sector and revive breeders’ trust.

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ders and the new breeders In 2019, for its part, A.N.I.C.A., will start looking for organizers who wish, with the support of the Association, to consolidate, on the national territory, at least 5 regional shows, to be planned in a manner which ensures an appropriate coverage of the territory and to be organized in the way suggested above.

As far as I can see, into the ECAHO, there is not, at moment, any vision that leads to considering at the center of the program the activities that can boost European breeding, while it is focused a lot on international relationship and on shows with great international resonance.

I do not think that making good policies for European breeders were a form of protectionism, but, on the other hand, I also realize that with a market so globalized it is no longer possible to think that the ECAHO. should be bent only on itself.

Realities such as Middle Eastern countries, America, and now also the Eastern countries launched by booming economies must certainly be considered by the ECAHO as important and substantial interlocutors with which to open every possible form of collaboration, but, in my opinion, in order not to be annihilated by those same economies and to avoid that the interests of European breeders are diluted in a sea that is too big to stay afloat, a strong European governance must be maintained into the E.C.A.H.O., with the aims to consolidate the positions of the European countries into an evergrowing globalized market.

I am not here to list out what these forms of collaboration could be (this would require many pages of analysis and evaluations) and to suggest how to provide additional robustness for the E.C.A.H.O., but I firmly believe that if internal sustainable policies are not being implemented, we will see the E.C.A.H.O. embark on an adventure that could be ruinous for all European breeders in a very short time.

In my opinion, better internal policies should not be seen as a loss of chance to attract Middle Eastern or Eastern investors or others to Europe.

I think that Europe, with its great cultural appeal, the landscaping appeal, the charm of big and small cities full of ancient memories and history, fashion, gastronomy, is still and will always remain a very strong call for all exhibitors and breeders from every part of the world and its greater shows will still be the best stage to compete at great levels, so I do not see

how those kind of shows can be deserted.

E.C.A.H.O. has only to guarantee that those shows will be attended also by European breeders of all levels, because if they will have had enough low-level shows to compete for growing, they will be there vigorously.

- How do you see the future of the Arabian horse?

In the short term I see an expansion of the breeding of horse-racing to be precise. However, as I firmly believe that a show horse with excellent morphological features may be – or better, must be - a good horse for endurance races. I think that as long as the shows do not reduce the breed to simply having a dished head, it will also be possible that some desirable osmosis of the various disciplines can take place. Certainly, this analysis cannot concern horses bred for flat races, whose morphology has changed for a long time now, and therefore between the ‘Show’ and the ‘Racecourse’, there can no longer exist the conditions for sharing breeding and bloodlines.

Regarding the show world, it will all depend on the course corrections made by the E.C.A.H.O. and the single competent National governments as I have argued in a previous answer. There is still room for development, but we must have the strength and the will to give some real perspectives to small and medium breeders, and most of all, we should be aware that making policies for only large lobbies is not great, in the medium or long term, for them either.

- Would you share a significant experience with our readers?

A strong mark on my memory is linked to the first few days when I made my first experience with horses. At the time, I was only a boy approaching the 17 years of age threshold.

My trainer-jockey friend was bringing back from the racetrack to the stables a young English Thoroughbred stallion that had just ridden a race for maiden horses. He was a horse of great proportions, large diameters and musculature, so much so that it would later be provided for the steeple-chase. I was happy and excited by the new experience, and would trot after him to escort both to the box. The horse was very nervous and particularly restless, but I was not afraid of him, since in the days before I had been brushing and grooming him for a long time and he had let me do it and whenever I got at his neck, he would put his big

head on my shoulder.

As soon as they both got inside the box, I slipped behind him. At that moment my friend told me to be very careful and to get out of the box for fear that I could get into trouble because of my inexperience.

Well, when you are very young it is not easy to understand that what my friend said was not a suggestion, but a precise command. I did not care about his command, so I pulled myself in the corner of the box just near the entrance, hidden from my friend’s sight.

At that moment he was taking the harness off the horse, thinking I had gone out and that I was keeping the door ajar as I would do it many times. After the horse had no harness, he reared up twice and swerved in the box abruptly. I got paralyzed in my corner, my eyes all closed when I then realized that the beast had turned around and was pointing at me.

Perhaps, it was just a fraction of a second but to me it felt forever. I can still remember that feeling…my whole body was in a grip of tension until ...I realized that his big head was gently leaning on my shoulder and he was snorting in my ear. He did not want to hurt me at all; he just needed some cuddling and wanted me to scratch him a bit. That terrifying moment turned out to be a moment of great tenderness and ever since I knew what my life’s passion would be like.

- Do you feel like leaving a message to the readers of this interview or to those who are willing to get to know you better?

I really wonder if anyone will ever read this interview. If this happens, I am certainly going to be glad. Whether or not my answers about my way of being, thinking and acting get an approval, it would have been a success anyway.

Do you honestly expect someone to still want to get a message from me after such an interview? On top of that, believe me, I’m not a Guru!

I just want to wish Good Breeding everyone!

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36th All Nations Cup Albert Halle - Aachen - Germany 27th to 30th September 2018 Words by: Sonja Smaldone Keeper of records: Guillaume de ClĂŠry Pictures by: Alessio Azzali

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The principle of an event bringing together breeders from several nations germinated in 1980 but the real genesis of the Nations Cup occurred in Ascot in 1983 thanks to a Committee composed of eminent figures of the time such as: Birgitta Foch / Sweden - Guy de Fontaines / France - Pesi Gazder / Great Britain - Anette Hedley / Great Britain - Claes Lewenhaupt / Sweden - Jose Antonio Munos-Rojas / Spain - Michael Pitt-Rivers / Great

Britain - William Richardot de Choisey / France - Dorothy Stream / USA. The main objective was to ensure the breeders a major international visibility in support of the World Championship of Paris created in 1980, using the new criteria of judgments - at once individual- and, in addition to this, a classification by nation, for the record, this competition was first organized alternatively in England, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland as a follow-up to a traditional international competition held in Aachen every year. Since 1987 this competition has been permanently established in Germany with the VZAP contest which is

especially interested in it. Since that date, from year to year, the event has been organized in enclosed spaces for events that can be defined as breeding contests, or held outdoor for various ridden classes.

The organizers have been able to refresh the old setting, though an unpleasant commercial trend has been developing after the recent establishment of a promotional action named Arabian Futurity Europe that it is offered to young foals and yearlings produced by the best parents.

Like the Disciplinary Commission, the 2018 panel of Judges is once again bloated; the implemented technique via Wi-Fi

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boards allows to follow judges’ notes simultaneously, thus saving time for the sequence of the classes of selection carefully monitored by a creditable number of attendants who know in advance that the participation of the horses will be one of quality.

In two decades characterized by an undeniable aggressive commercial policy, the Aachen show has become the largest gathering in Europe with a huge international parterre reserved for purebred Arabian horses; the great thing about it, it is the fact that stables are open to visitors thereby allowing a

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direct relationship with potential clients, the atmosphere is excessively professional which is not at all to be condemned if we consider the period of disillusionment that the industry is experiencing these days.

For its part, the Paris World Championship keeps proposing a heavy and ambitious program accompanied by a very expensive decorum, nothing has been questioned and updated for years, so it has remained a beautiful year-end showcase at a time when the status of competition is virtually non-existent, however, it still is an equestrian show of the highest quality attended

by beautiful horses which have previously participated in the Aachen show.

The show-ground dÊcor looks very much improved and more welcoming than ever before, the huge banners of the participant parts brighten up the place where an astonishing children’s choir sing The Beautiful World message in which we should believe now, more than ever if we want to maintain international quality events. The latter will have to conform to Aachen, the most important center of the industry to date.

RECORD OF WINNERS THAT HAVE MARKED THE HISTORY OF THE NATIONS CUP AACHEN FESTIVAL *OPEN TO WORLDWIDE COMPETITIONS FOR ARABIAN HORSES FROM ANY COUNTRY WHOSE PUREBRED ARABIAN HORSE STUD BOOKS ARE ACCEPTED BY W.A.H.O.

1984

Plakat, 1970 by Aswan & Pchelka – breeder Tersk Stud, Russia

1985

Dakalieh, 1983 by Abab & Freila – breeder Yeguada Domecq Ybarra, Spain

1987

Shogun, 1985 by Golden Samurai & Fawzeia – breeder Brian Blake, United Kingdom

1990

Nadir I, 1987 by Neman & Neschi – breeder Gestut Gut Alemich, Germany

1993

Aldara, 1983 by Probat & Arra – breeder Janow Podlaski, Poland

1994

Medalj, 1989 by Menes & Sadza – breeder Aspenas Sateri, Sweden

1997

Piketa, 1997 by Probat & Platyna – breeder Michalow Stud, Poland

1999

Kwstura, 1995 by Monogramm & Kwesta – owner Michalow Stud, Poland

2000

The Princess Of Egypt, 1997 by Orayan & Shahneekha – breeder Horst Preuss, Germany

2001

Escape Ibn Navarrone D, 1999 by As Sinans Pacha & Navarrone P – breeder D. Arabians, Belgium

2003

Khidar, 2003 by Ansata Sinan & Elizja – breeder Verrijdt, Belgium

2004

Pianissima, 2003 by Gazal Al Shaqab & Pianosa – breeder Janow Podlaski, Poland

2005

Me Shadow El Sher, 2002 by El Sher Mona & Cal Yenna El Jamaal – breeder Mystik Arabians, Italy

2009

Abha Qatar, 2007 by Marwan Al Shaqab & ZT Ludjkalba – breeder Ses Planes, Spain

2010

FT Shaella, 2007 by Shael Dream Desert & Soul Pretty – breeder Torres, Italy

2011

Shanghai EA, 2006 by WH Justice & Salymah – breeder Equus Arabians, Spain

2013

Antaris, 2012 by RFI Farid & Justina – breeder Gestut Osterhof, Germany

2016

Tehama Ballalina, 2002 by Tehama & JJ Shai Majestic Dream – breeder Ferguson, R.s.a

2017

Excalibur, 2011 by Shanghai EA & Essence Of Marwan -breeder Equus Arabians, Spain

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EUROPEAN BREEDERS TRUST In the framework of the Aachen Festival 2018, we had a second prestigious Sale of Arabian horses coming from fashionable bloodlines and which have been the object of a highly dynamic marketing campaign throughout the show-season; an outlet that has all its effectiveness to keep the industry going.

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YEARLING FILLIES FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Aj Samara, bay 2017

by Aj Mardan & Sama AM breeder – owner Ajman Stud, U.a.e

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SS La Bella, bay 2017

by Calypso OS & BF Bella Contessa breeder Ottoman Arabians owner Al Saqran Stud, Kuwait

D Shihannah, grey 2017

by Fa El Rasheem & D Shahla breeder – owner Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, U.a.e

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YEARLING COLTS FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Admiraal, bay 2017

by Emerald J & Hariyyah breeder Al Muawd owner Ajman Stud, U.a.e

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Maher Al Sayed, grey 2017

by Alexxanderr & Mera Alsayed breeder – owner Alsayed Stud, K.s.a

D Bareq, bay 2017

by Fa El Rasheem & Royal Emira breeder – owner Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, U.a.e

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JUNIOR FILLIES FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Venice MI, chestnut 2015

by Allegiance Mi & Valentine MI breeder – owner Al Muawd Stud, K.s.a

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Rshediah Alkhashab, bay 2016

by EKS Alihandro & Symphony Of Love breeder Psynergy Ent owner Al Khashab Stud, Kuwait

Seranza, bay 2016

by Kanz Albidayer & Evening Color breeder Byatt Arabians owner Al Sheikh Stud, IL

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JUNIOR COLTS FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Aj Kafu, grey 2015

by Shanghai EA & Aj Kahayla breeder – owner Ajman Stud, U.a.e

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D Seraj, grey 2015

by Fa El Rasheem & Ladi Veronika breeder – owner Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, U.a.e

D Shallal, chestnut 2016

by Fa El Rasheem & D Shahla breeder – owner Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, U.a.e

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SENIOR MARES FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Rihab Al Nasser, grey 2007

by Marwan Al Shaqab & Remal Al Nasser breeder – owner Al Nasser Stud, Qatar

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Pustynia Kahila, bay 2013

by Kahil Al Shaqab & Pustynna Malwa breeder – owner Stadnina Michalow, Poland

Galerida, grey 2013

by Shanghai EA & Galilea breeder – owner Stadnina Michalow, Poland

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SENIOR STALLIONS FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

E.S Harir, grey 2011

by Aj Dinar & TF Magnums Magic breeder Al Qassemi owner Al Saqran Stud, Kuwait

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Equator, bay 2010

by Qr Marc & Ekliptyka

breeder Stadnina Michalow owner Al Sheikh Stud, IL

E.S Sarab, grey 2012

by Marajj & Mahjesty breeder – owner Emirates Stud, U.a.e

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ATMOSPHERE IN AACHEN

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ATMOSPHERE IN AACHEN

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Coordinated by Sonja Smaldone

For our ‘Riding Models’ section here is Milanese model Greta Ray who tells Arabian Horse Magazine about her work and her ambitions.

sion in line with the Italian text. In fact, one of my greatest idols is James Blunt.

Besides loving his songs, I just adore the way he performs them all.

Who is Greta Ray? Tell us about yourself, your childhood, your studies, your interests.

I am a model, a singer and an actress. I was born in Cantù, Milan, on 23rd April 1999. I consider myself as a simple, ambitious and determined girl. Since my childhood my parents have always supported me and believed in my capacities. I have attended the Art School and I graduated last year. Besides my work, riding is one of my greatest passions in life.

When did you start working in the Fashion world? How did it all start?

It all started at the age of 4. One day, my parents found an ad in a newspaper. They were looking for a girl for a shoes show commercial on behalf of a well-known Italian weekly magazine.

My father answered the announcement and then they first turned to me as the poster baby girl. I can still remember when they had to comb my long blond hair and all tears I shed for it! (Laughs).

At what age did you start singing and getting interested in music in general?

Grandma passed on this fantastic passion to me. I can still remember when the two of us used to sing some cartoon songs together. At the age of 9, I began taking private piano classes and, since 2015, I have been given singing lessons by Mr. Massimiliano Cenatiempo and Mr. Giancarlo Genise. Music has always helped me, and still it does, go through my hardest times and, I reckon, it is a way to best express my own emotions to the public audience that is there to listen to me.

How would you define your musical ‘genre’ and why?

I would define my genre as pop / rock.

Musical arrangements do have an English sound as well as a melodic expres-

Would you like to parade at Fashion Weeks? For which brands?

I took part in the Milan Fashion Week two years ago. I walked on the catwalk for Terranova, Chiara Boni, and other brands; last brand I worked for was Just Italy of which I am still their international spokesmodel. I won’t deny I’d love to parade for Moschino, Monclaire, Chanel and other major brands… Never say never in life!

How many hours a day do you actually work?

About 16 hours a day in the most intensive periods, before the release of a new song or a fashion show. I can also work for 20 hours straight (Laughs). In the morning, I usually devote myself to my work-out program and vocal exercises. After lunch, I go to my studio where I plan the shootings and various events, write new songs with my staff,

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select the best shots and put them on social networks as well as manage anything to do with the Press office. Of course, on my breaks, I make sure to reply to all comments left by my fans on Facebook, Instagram and You Tube.

What is your everyday style? High heeled or flat shoes?

I only wear slippers!!! (Laughs).

When I’m at my studio, I prefer to wear comfortable clothes like leggings, T-shirts and sweatshirts wrapped around my waist. If I’m a guest at an event, or going to do any outdoor work, I will obviously go for high heels and get all dressed up!

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Who have been the most important people in your career to date?

Max and Martin, my producers. Both are fantastic people who believe in me and support me every day, from morning till night. I will never be able to thank them enough!

Of course, a special thank you also goes to my fans and to all the people I work with.

How important is physical appearance today? How much time do you spend on taking care of your body?

I can’t deny that physical appearance is today very important for a girl’s artistic career, especially in the fashion and the cinema business. Fortunately, I have several work commitments and I always like to show up and look absolutely flawless.

Every two weeks, I go to my beautician to get all necessary beauty treatments and, every day, I do cardio-fitness and then all floor exercise to improve the muscle tone.

What do you do in your spare time?

Do you practice any sport in particular or more than one?

In my spare time, though I don’t have

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much of it, I go out with my friends, do shopping or go check on my horses in the stable, seeing if they’re doing all right.

We know that as a child you used to attend a horse riding center. We would like to know more about this passion for horses. Did you have a bosom horse?

When I was very young, I used to ride Philip, a small spotted pony. Growing up, I then became fond of Pampero. I had a fantastic relationship with him…

It was enough to say: ‘Pampero, gallop!’ and he would start galloping with no specific command. Now, I have two horses that I love very much, Annita and Jonny. Sometimes, they won’t listen to me but they’re just great!

Have you ever met an Arabian horse?

Unfortunately not yet, but I just can’t wait to see one and admire his beauty.

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Greta, tell us about your future projects (Professional or not) Next year 2019, we will attend ‘Sanremo Festival’ performing in the young people category.

Touch wood! In November my fourth single will be released. Moreover, as I am the spokesmodel for ‘JustItaly’, we will prepare a new catalog of evening gowns with wooden camisoles that will be published towards the end of October. In October, I will also be working as the spokesmodel of ‘EasilyJeans, a new brand, and, besides that, I will start many other new collaborations such as that with ‘ButNot’. Even in the film industry, we have some very important projects where I should be acting as their leading lady but, for the time being, I cannot disclose anything. To end up, I would like to invite all of you to stay tuned and, if you aren’t yet, be

one of my followers on Facebook (Greta Ray Model & Singer), on Instagram (greta_ray_official) and/or click on YouTube to find out more about me.

Thank you so much Arabian Horse Magazine!

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Coordinated by Sonja Smaldone

Successful photographers often become idols of new generations.

It’s always interesting to see them in life, to take a glance behind the scenes, and hear their unique stories on how they got into photography.

That’s the aim of the interview with photographer April Visel, specialist in Arabian horses…

Who is April Visel? Tell us about yourself, where you are from and your family.

I am from a small town called Mt. Aukum in the mountains of Central California...We are both native Californians!

What is your favorite subject to photograph?

Horses for sure...I love fashion mixed with horses. I try really hard to make sure BOTH human AND horse look their best in an image. In mainstream fashion magazines, the horses always look unattractive, but the human model will look amazing.

Often in horse magazines it’s visa-versa...that doesn’t have to happen.

Who do you inherit your artistic ability from, is anyone else in your family artistic?

My father is a musician and a builder and my sister is a renown e d

How did you first get into photography?

Brandon my husband was a photographer first and gifted me my first digital camera for our 2nd year anniversary in 2001.

What is your favorite brand of Camera and why?

Canon…because it’s all I know and I know it like the back of my hand, which lets me be free artistically

How would you describe your photography style?

I’m pretty “Artsy Fartsy.” Everything I do seems to have either an element of light or movement ...I just really prefer emotion and feeling in my pictures. I want people to see how it is I felt at that moment...which, when it comes to horses is happy and moved 90% of the time

When you travel, what do you take with you?

Everything I own and usually a very over-packed suitcase…it’s a problem!

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What was your career path? How did you get from being an aspiring photographer to actually doing it full time, for a living and traveling the world?

I was raised on Arabian Horse World Magazines, my mom got me one year’s worth at a garage sale when I was 9. I plastered every inch of my walls with them!

One day around 2004 I was shooting flowers in my yard and my Arabian horses ran by in their pasture, so I started shooting them.

At that moment the light bulb went off and I told myself I would be on the cover of that magazine!

Because of what it takes to do that, I took the correct path and eventually, with the help of some special people, 1.5 years later I had my first cover….since then it has been a fast and wild ride!

If you weren’t a photographer what would be your profession?

I would always have to do SOMETHING with horses… they are in my blood. chef... so it’s somewhere in the DNA! My mother is the “people person” and she taught me how to teach others and have empathy.

How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

I am completely self-educated. I take workshops and study other photographers I love. And I never stop shooting and practicing.

I think it’s important to learn how to work with people’s persoanlities, just as much as how to work your camera.

There are really no “actual” rules to photography...it’s an ART.

What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started?

The best thing someone told me is “It’s not always about you” Separate the business side of the job from the joy of creating and being around the horses we all love so much!

Like I said before...there are really no rules when it comes to your personal style and art. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

What is one cool fact you can tell us about yourself?

I’m a loner and a hermit! I prefer animals and nature and my best friend Brandon. But when I’m teaching workshops, I love the social interaction!

I’ve recently learned I’m an “Introverted Extrovert!” Lol

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Which is your personal favorite artwork to date?

I love what I call “happy accidents”…action shots where my focus landed in a strange spot, or my camera caught a half second that you could only see through a camera lens.

Also any time a horse looks at ME directly while running at liberty is one of my favorites shots, I LOVE eye contact!

I love the images that come from my workshops, especially this year with Jordan Parr and the “Creamsicle Parachute dress” or the giant red dress on Brooke Marie Jarvis. My friend Tatiana Coffman and I always get to put our crazy ideas into motion and it’s so exciting to see what comes of it!

I love whenever light, feeling and subject all come together at once...I’ve cried numerous times at the moment I realize a gift like that is happening!

How long have you been into horses?

Since I came out of the womb! My mom was riding with me when I was 8 months old.

I have never been without a horse since I was 4!

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What’s a typical day-in-the-life for you?

We live in Costa Rica now on a “Finca.” We have 3 horses, 2 dogs and 3 cats. Being outside on the farm, at the beach, or anywhere relaxing is my favorite way to spend the day! I travel a lot, so I value my down time and my own bed!

Do you have any rituals you do to help you get in the zone for Photoshoots?

No not really...except to really look at my surroundings, light and the vibe of the people I’m working with. I like light hearted moods, so I try to make sure everyone feels valued and has fun shooting.

I cannot photograph horses without help...and willing, happy people always make the best art!

Who and what inspires you?

My husband. He is a prodigy genius pianist, musician and composer. It is natural in him and awe inspiring to witness! He is also one of the best humans I know.

Happiness, joy, beauty, laughter, animals, light move me the most.

What is something you haven’t done yet but is on your bucket list?

I’d like to make coffee tables books and have my images hanging in many hotels...I’m working on that slowly, but surely.

How do you photograph Arabian horses at their best?

What particular difficulties can arise while taking pictures at shows?

The only answer to this is to pay attention to

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curves and attitude...that is what makes everyone love Arabians.

Being in the correct spot, having the settings correct on your camera and using light is the best way I know how.

I do not shoot shows as a hired job because I find it uninspiring generally. But I do shoot when I attend with the same guidelines in mind...finding light, moments, emotion and curves.

Do you have a tip for beginner to intermediate photographers that will help them improve their photography?

READ YOUR CAMERA MANUAL. And go through every setting....learn how to work your equipment, so you can create what’s in your brain!

Study others and their work…LOOK FOR LIGHT!

Among all the beautiful Arabian specimen that you have seen so far, can you tell us who really made an impression on you and why?

That list is long... but off the top of m y

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head.

Eden C, Gazal Al Shaqab, EL Nabila B, Tamara LL, Marwan Al Shaqab, Ecaho, Bey Ambition, AJ Kafu and many, many more.

They all embody what it means to be an Arabian. Beauty, charisma and a “look at me” attitude.

April, which horse would you like to reincarnate after death if it were possible? Why? Bey Shah for sure, because he was exciting and a little wild! And if any of the horses above passed, I would be crushed.

Which is your favorite ‘Arabian’ destination to travel to?

Many places for sure, but I love to shoot at Hennessey Arabians and Johanna Ullstrom’s. I’m always free to make art there and they have amazing light and locations.

I also loved shooting in Argentina, Canada, Belgium, Italy, Ajman, Morocco and Egypt.

Thank you so much April. It was a pleasure to talk to you today. On behalf of the entire team, I wish you the best of luck in all your endeavors.

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Text by Sonja Smaldone Photos by Alessio Azzali & Antonio “Winny” De Martino

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Crossed by the ‘Naviglio Grande’, Vermezzo is located 20 kilometers away from Milan. In this quiet and picturesque location, breeders and members of the Arabian horse international community came together during the weekend of 13th -14th last October 2018 at the glamorous equestrian facility - the MVR Pala Show Jumpers Asd. - to assist and participate in the Straight Egyptian World Championship.

This was a world event reserved for horses of the Egyptian line, the rarest line of the purebred breed representing 4% of Arabian horses. Protagonists were also the beautiful diamonds by Harry Winston, the main sponsor of the competition now at its sixth edition, a partnership vigorously advocated by Barbara Morali, CEO of the Morali & C Group and Nayla Hayek, CEO of Harry Winston and Chairman of the Swatch Group. Nayek, herself a passionate horsewoman, is also a member of the World Arabian Horse Organization.

The event was supervised by Christianne Chazel and Dominik Briot, among the most famous in the sector. A combination of un-

Nel tranquillo e suggestivo comune di Vermezzo, nell’area metropolitana milanese, allevatori e membri della comunità internazionale del Cavallo Arabo, si sono dati appuntamento durante il week-end del 1314 lo scorso ottobre 2018 al prestigioso impianto ippico - il MVR Pala Show Jumpers Asd. per assistere e partecipare al Campionato Mondiale del Cavallo Puro Egiziano. Si è trattato di un appuntamento mondiale riservato esclusivamente ai cavalli di linea egiziana, la linea più rara della razza purosangue che rappresenta il 4% circa dei cavalli arabi. Protagonisti anche gli splendidi diamanti di Harry Winston, main sponsor della competizione giunta alla sesta edizione, una partnership voluta fortemente da Barbara Morali, CEO del Gruppo Morali & C e da Nayla Hayek, CEO di Harry Winston e Chairman di Swatch Group. Proprio la Nayek, appassionatissima di equitazione, è anche membro della World Arabian Horse Organisation. A supervisionare l’evento Christianne Chanel e Dominik Briot, tra le più celebri del settore. Un connubio di eleganza senza pari, una giornata intensissima piena di sorprese e personaggi

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paralleled elegance, an intense day full of surprises and international characters; among the participating stables, in fact, there were: Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, El Farida Stud, Alfala Stud, Al Babtain Stud, Al Naif Stud, Al Danat Stud, Al Rayyan Farm, Abhaa Arabians, Al Shaqab of Sheikh Hamad Bin Al Al-Thani - first cousin of the Emir of Qatar - as well as Hanaya Stud owned by Nayla Hayek. Therefore, a major event, a real ‘treat’ we add, for the most enthusiasts. This edition was attended by almost 150 horses from over 20 nations. They were presented by some of the best handlers of the international scene who had the task of showing the specimens in front of an international jury for assessment and scoring.

The judges officiating at the show were: Annatore Ferraroni Maria (Italy); Dr. Aragno Gianmarco (Italy); Mr. Veray Marc (France); Gear Eric (France); Shaarawi Ali (Egypt) and Tarczynski Tomasz (Poland).The Grand Final was compelling and kept

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internazionali quella di Vermezzo: tra le scuderie partecipanti, infatti, la Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, El Farida Stud, Alfala Stud, Al Babtain Stud, Al Naif Stud, Al Danat Stud, Al Rayyan Farm, Abhaa Arabians, Al Shaqab di Sheikh Hamad Bin Al Al-Thani – primo cugino dell’Emiro del Qatar - oltre a quella di Nayla Hayek, la Hanaya Stud. Vi hanno partecipato circa 150 cavalli provenienti da ben 20 nazioni. A presentarli, alcuni dei migliori handler del panorama internazionale i quali hanno avuto il compito di condurre gli esemplari al passo e al trotto davanti alla giuria internazionale per la valutazione. I giudici intervenuti ad ufficiare la gara sono stati: Annatore Ferraroni Maria (Italia); Dr. Aragno Gianmarco (Italia); Mr. Veray Marc (Francia);Gear Eric (Francia); Shaarawi Ali (Egitto) e Tarczynski Tomasz (Polonia). Le Categorie partecipanti sono state tutte, come sempre, molto appassionanti.

Il Gran Finale è stato avvincente e ha mantenuto gli spettatori in suspense per gran parte di esso fino a quando sono stati proclamati i campioni definitivi di

everyone in suspense for much of it until the final champions for each category were announced. Starting with the Yearlings categories, the show featured in only the Females of the class as last year.

What a wonderful weekend at the Straight Egyptian World Championship in Vermezzo. A fantastic parade that took place on the outskirts of Milan with a carnet of international celebs, the technical advice from Mme. Christiane Chazel and Mme. Dominique Briot and that, once again, threw light on the perfect combination between the charm and the elegance of Arabian specimens, the stylish facilities of Barbara Morali & Co. Riding Sports Center and the magnificent creations by Harry Winston, the ‘King of Diamonds’. For us on the AHM team it was just an honor to be there and support this beautiful morphology contest exclusively devoted to pure Egyptian horses from all over the world.

ogni categoria. Esordendo con le Categorie Yearlings, lo show ha presentato, come lo sorso anno, soltanto le femmine della classe.

Un weekend meraviglioso quello trascorso a Vermezzo in occasione del Campionato Mondiale del Cavallo puro Egiziano, una bellissima kermesse che si è svolta alle porte di Milano con un carnet di personaggi internazionali illustri, la consulenza tecnica delle signore Christiane Chazel e Dominique Briot e, che, ancora una volta, ha sottolineato la perfetta unione tra il fascino e l’eleganza di splendidi esemplari arabi, le bellissime strutture del Centro sportivo di equitazione di Barbara Morali & Co. e le magnifiche creazioni del ‘Re dei Diamanti’ Harry Winston. Per noi del team di Arabian Horse Magazine è stato un onore poter essere lì e supportare questo bellissimo appuntamento di morfologia dedicato esclusivamente ai cavalli puri egiziani di tutto il mondo.

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GOLD

Yearling Fillies

N AASIA

OWNER: YOUSEF ABDULAZIZ AL NUGHEMSHI BREEDER: YOUSEF ABDULAZIZ AL NUGHEMSHI

SILVER

PSE AL RAKHAN X LOURA NAUD

OWNER: ABHAA ARABIANS STUD BREEDER: GABRIELE WEIXELBAUM

BRONZE

AB MUHRA ROYAL COLOURS X HAMRA MUSIC MENO

AL JAWHARA ALDANAT

EZZ AL DANAT X AL MASSA AL DANAT

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OWNER: AYAD ABDULMOHSEN AL THUWAINI BREEDER: AL DANAT STUD

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GOLD

Junior Fillies

HANAYA AMIRAH

OWNER: HANAYA STUD, NAYLA HAYEK BREEDER: HANAYA STUD, NAYLA HAYEK

SILVER

KENZ AL BAYDAA X AMEERAT AL HEJRA

SHEIKA AL FALA

OWNER: ALFALA STUD BREEDER: ALFALA STUD

BRONZE

JAMIL AL RAYYAN X MAYSUNA GUASIMO

FH SHARUBY ROSE

SHAHEEN AL WAAB X CANDELA ROSE

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OWNER: AL JOOD STUD BREEDER: FRANKLIN D. HOLLOMAN

GOLD

Junior Colts

D RA’OUF

OWNER: AL BABTAIN STUD BREEDER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD

SILVER

ROYAL COLOURS X DA ANIQAH

OWNER: SABATO FLORIO BREEDER: SABATO FLORIO

BRONZE

FA NILE SUDAN SAFEER BY SIBILLA X SABYAH AL THAWI

DHAHAB AL RAYYAN AL ADEED AL SHAQAB X AIDAH AL NASSER

OWNER: AL RAYYAN FARM BREEDER: AL RAYYAN FARM

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GOLD

Senior Mares

NOOR AL RAYYAN

OWNER: EL ALYA STUD BREEDER: AL RAYYAN FARM

SILVER

ASHHAL AL RAYYAN X ANSATA NEFER ISIS

WADAD ZAMANI

OWNER: HANAYA STUD, NAYLA HAYEK BREEDER: MUHAMAD AL KASSASI

BRONZE

LAHEEB X ZENA AL BURAQ

QUESTURAT AL FAWAZ

AL RAHEEB AA X HV RAMSES MASHALLAH

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OWNER: HANAYA STUD, NAYLA HAYEK BREEDER: YASIN BAKER

GOLD

Senior Stallions

BEBARS EL FARIDA

OWNER: EL FARIDA STUD BREEDER: EL FARIDA STUD

SILVER

IMPERIAL BAAREZ X SALMA

NADEED AL NAIF

OWNER: HANAYA STUD, NAYLA HAYEK BREEDER: AL NAIF STUD

BRONZE

EBTIYAJ AL NAIF X ARQAH AL NAIF

ZAIN AL DEAN

LAHEEB X JOWHARA AL OKAB

OWNER: ABU DAHASH TALAAT BREEDER: ABU DAHASH TALAAT

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Società fondata da Mario Sivieri che opera nel settore dell’ippica da oltre 50 anni ed è uno dei massimi esponenti in materia di trasporti e servizi per l’ippica del nostro Paese.

Pianeta Cavallo, società di servizi, consulenza ed assistenza tecnica agli operatori ippico-equestri, ha stretto accordi con trasportatori nazionali ed internazionali creando una fitta rete in grado di garantire il trasporto rapido, sicuro ed economico

per i vostri cavalli da e per ogni destinazione.

Pianeta Cavallo è munita di tutte le autorizzazioni necessarie sia come spedizioniere internazionale sia come agenzia per il disbrigo di pratiche amministrative presso il MIPAAF ( Ministero delle Politiche Agricole Alimentari e Forestali) per conto terzi.

SERVIZI I servizi offerti da Pianeta Cavallo sono ad oggi i seguenti: - Spedizioni nazionali ed internazionali mezzo van e aereo - Organizzazione viaggi groupages per /da Francia, Inghilterra, Irlanda e Germania in occasione della stagione di monta e delle aste dei purosangue inglesi.

- Svolgimento pratiche di importazione ed esportazione MIPAAF per i cavalli da e per l’Unione Europea (EU) e Paesi terzi.

- Iscrizioni, forfait, dichiarazione dei partenti per corse estere e conseguentemente approntamento della documentazione burocratica e della certificazione veterinaria necessaria per l’esportazione di cavalli destinati a competizioni sportive.

- Preparazione documentazione import/export per clienti che utilizzano un van privato o una compagnia di trasporto alternativa.

- Spedizione di campioni ai laboratori italiani ed esteri per esami sierologici - Fornitura cataloghi aste straniere (modulo richiesta) - Personale specializzato a Roma per effettuare consegna e ritiro documenti per pratiche presso MIPAAF - Richiesta CARNET ATA AHM | 256

- Denunce INTRASTAT di Import/Export di cavalli nella Comunità Europea - Calendario corse internazionali - Pratiche ippiche di ogni genere in Italia e al’Estero - Preparazione informatica modello TRACES - Scuderia di transito AREE Galoppo, Trotto, Endurance, Arabian Show, Polo, Equitazione Negli anni Pianeta Cavallo ha ampliato le sue aree di competenza da una specificità del settore ippico come il galoppo e il trotto ad aree più vaste quali quelle del settore equestre.

Le più importanti manifestazioni di Galoppo, Trotto, Endurance, Arabian Show, Polo e Salto Ostacoli presenti nel nostro Paese si avvalgono dei servizi offerti dalla nostra azienda.

www.pianetacavallo.it Email: info@pianetacavallo.it Telefono: +39-02-33490249

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MOROCCO 2018 Interview with Dr. Vet El Habib Marzak Show Commissioner Since its inception in 2008, the ‘Salon of El Jadida’ has been fulfilling its task of contributing to the development of the horse industry in Morocco, the Kingdom is rich in its diversity, in its cultural heritage and in the strong links that unite all Moroccans with the horse, the Salon is also an event that aims to highlight the position of Morocco in Africa as well as the relationships and forms of cooperation that the country maintains with a large number of countries around the world in the horse industry.

All contacts and communications with governmental institutions, the private sector, the civil society and with similar fairs abroad for the development of the equine sector in Morocco.

The Association of the Salon du Cheval also works to revive the horse’s promotional activities in order to support the socio-economic development of the rural world by helping to raise awareness of the country’s equestrian traditions.

The theme chosen for the 2018 Salon d’El Jadida was ‘Equestrian Sports in Morocco’.

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MOROCCO 2018 11th Salon du Cheval - El Jadida 15th to 21th October 2018 The beautiful ‘Parc des Expositions d’Azemmour’ is now the much-awaited annual meeting place for an entire Moroccan population which, by all means of transport, comes here from all the provinces of the Kingdom eager to attend events and competitions that it keeps in its heart, in the name of truth, this show derives its full meaning by the Championship of Tbourida, an equestrian art which is the essence of the country with the participation of the most prestigious Sorbas, a cultural heritage that is protected and defended with force.

It began with the highly prestigious Morocco Royal Tour initiated

by Feue HRH. Princess Lalla Amina, an event that has become an almost unparalleled sporting reference of equestrian sports worldwide, the general program of the Salon is quite diverse, each year there are held symposia of high scientific and cultural level but, alas, exclusively in Arabic, this is a very questionable choice given that some support comes from abroad, and the second official language of the country is still French.

An admiring mention shall be made of how the children have been generously welcomed in the Children’s Court Space by Majid Jaidi with an extraordinary presence of animators from the ‘Equimatic Academy’ that has offered a wide range of leisure activities, this year there have been registered more than 40.000 children, a formidable action towards the youth from which we should always learn.

7th Moroccan Cup of Purebred Arabian Horse Breeders Its origins are firmly rooted in a generous intention of highlighting the work performed by Moroccan breeders, but

this is done in a spirit of full confidentiality which prevents competitors from getting the necessary support of an interested public audience, of some human reward for the work made throughout the year.

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According to the General Regulations and Conditions any breeder must have Moroccan nationality being himself the breeder of the entered hors, the competition is open to any foreigner who has settled in the country for more than two months before the closing date.

With a view to encourage the locals, the Organizers offered a financial endowment for each preliminary class totaling about 25,000 euros, plus some complementary awards for the best handlers, including Anas Ait Faraji who delivered a great win.

In accordance with the breeding principles of livestock development by means of events such as this Breeders’ Cup - and in a beautiful country where everyone is at the same level in the eyes of men - it would be good to apply absolute justice so that only Moroccan handlers would be allowed to present horses both at the National Championship and at this competition.

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The participation of foreign internationally known professionals, who are invited to present horses at great expense, it is humanly discouraging for the locals, as they do not enjoy the same equality of treatment, they do not have the same opportunities to compete for the coveted titles, these are all consequences related to the show Technical Director’s behavior, he should demonstrate more loyalty to his fellow citizens.

The Disciplinary Commission in place should avoid any kind of slackness, and even more so, it should apply and abide by page 32 referring to ‘Horses well-being’ as specified in paragraph ‘Stress’ & Administration of Chemical Irritants / Ginger. Unfortunately, El Jadida is a finding about this lack of will.

Thirty-one Moroccan breeders made almost seventy-nine horses compete in the ten preliminary classes,as regards the evolution of the competition the judges did not work miracles on the field.

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YEARLING FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP

Gold - Kounouz Bouznika, bay by Lammah Athbah & Gazala HBV – Haras Royal de Bouznika Silver - Najmat Inès, grey by Yazid Chah Name & Amirat Inès – Haras Inès Bronze - Jameelah Mams, bay by Picasso EA & Malawi – Mamoun Arabians

JUNIOR FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP

Gold - Jinane Bouznika, bay by Lammah Athbah & Gazala HBV – Haras Royal Bouznika Silver - Soultana De Dream, grey by Kanz Al Bidayer & MZ Oa Sham Sabbah – Md Mgharfaoui Bronze - Jannat Inés, chestnut by Yazid Chah Name & Mayya Inès – Haras Inés

SENIOR MARES CHAMPIONSHIP

Gold - Firdaouis Lazri, chestnut by Imperial Bisaam & Nassira Gam – Youssef Azri Silver - Chloe Inés, grey by Khidar & Dona Kristina J – Haras Inès Bronze - Amirate Inés, grey by Amalfi de Nautiac & Faiza – Haras Inés

YEARLING COLTS CHAMPIONSHIP

Gold - Mashehour De Dream, bay by Eks Alihandro & Sham Sabbah – Md Mgharfaoui Silver - Kifah Bouznika, chestnut by TSolo & Bouchra Bouznika – Haras Royal Bouznika Bronze - Kadem Bouznika, bay by Lammah Athbah & Diyae Bouznika – Haras Royal Bouznika

JUNIOR COLTS CHAMPIONSHIP

Gold - Walil Inés, grey by Bs Specific & Jenufa De Nautiac – Haras Inés Silver - Gharrar Bouznika, chestnut by Ts Apolo & Thee Black Pearl – Haras Royal Bouznika Bronze - Ghali Bouznika, grey roan by Ts Apolo & Ee Auras Echo – Haras Royal Bouznika

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International-A Arabian Horse Show 2018 This event has become a classical one in the diaspora of competitions labeled by the European Organization that keeps dictating decisions that are no longer viable to approach either professionals in the industry or amateurs of beautiful horses.

With both its culture and its equestrian traditions, one could legitimately wonder if one day Morocco could ever have its own autonomy to realize an ambitious program for purebred Arabian horses, one that could regroup all the African states and the Asian continent under the lead of new young executives, by way of creative meanings, they could set up a major event not bound by instructions from outside bodies.

In 2018, it has been registered a massive participation of Moroccan owners who have gathered nearly one hundred and eleven horses, with the presence of Qatar, France, Spain and Switzerland, in addition, we have had the breeders and owners who once again have benefited from an allowance of 2,500 Euros, whi-

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ch is not nothing in the current context, the network of European competitions is in a state of decline and open crisis.

This raises a question of legitimacy and acceptability of particular leaders who instead seem to appreciate well the smell of ink oil on dollars. But this is something different‌ Installed in a beautiful setting the Salon of El Jadida is at a critical point as regards the choice of judges who are more and more covered by strong criticisms, given that there is no substantial renewal, some of them feel comfortable with the current ‘wheeling and dealing’ that is leading European competitions into chaos, with no concern for the breed at all.

Emotion remain strong when we hear the children in the stands sing at the top of their lungs the anthem of their country each time a native- born winner is being honored, some kind of happiness that is good for our heart, thank you!

In order to support Moroccan breeders, it is needed a refocusing of actions towards Arabian horses, they are provided with neither a B nor a C International level

competition that could complete the program of the four Regionals which are very interesting in summer, but, not sufficient, development that started ten years ago is now totally hindered by decision makers.

They seem to be unaware of the importance of positioning the country on an international stage, possibly, through a pyramid scheme of these two complementary international competitions, by setting a C -International in El Jadida, then a B- International in Meknes, this scale of qualifications would allow Moroccan breeders/owners to access an A-International.

The latter, after the various classifications, would give them the opportunity to participate in any European event or in any other event.

This need is strongly felt. Moroccan society in now changing and it communicates differently. Breeders are evolving too and have different urges for their survival other than a dishonorable deficiency that will never ensure the maintenance of their activity in the short term.

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Winners 2018 YEARLING FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP

Gold - Ghalliba Al Shaqab, 2017 by Hadidy Al Shaqab & Sharifa Al Shaqab - Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar Silver - Kharma GCA, 2017 by Wadee AlShaqab & Viktoria – Md El Atouani - Morocco Bronze - Kounouz Bouznika, 2017 by Lammah Bouznika & Gazala HVB - Haras Royal Bouznika, Morocco

JUNIOR FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP

Gold - Um Graiba Al Shaqab, 2015 by Hariry Al Shaqab & Amina Al Shaqab – Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar Silver - Tania Al Raix, 2016 by RFI Farid & Talilah Al Raix – J-M Franceries - France Bronze - Alsba Al Shaqab, 2016 by Fadi Al Shaqab & Shalimar Prestige – Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar

SENIOR MARES CHAMPIONSHIP

Gold - Aaida Al Shaqab, 2014 by Fadi Al Shaqab & Aabir Al Shaqab – Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar Silver - Gazala HBV, 2009 by Gazal Al Shaqab & Tiaraa Rose – Haras Royal Bouznika, Morocco Bronze - Jenufa De Nautiac, 2012 by Shanghai EA & Jalicia De Nautiac – Haras Inés, Morocco

YEARLING COLTS CHAMPIONSHIP

Gold - BO As Prince Shakar, 2017 by Shakar Pegasus & HD Prestige – Bolero Arabians, Switzerland Silver - Kadem Bouznika, 2017 by Lammah Bouznika & Diyae Bouznika – Haras Royal Bouznika, Morocco Bronze - Diligo Des Aubus, 2017 by Mystic Immage & Rafalia Des Aubues – L.Kattel, France

JUNIOR COLTS CHAMPIONSHIP

Gold The Prince EA, 2015 by Excalibur EA & Lamira – Md El Atouani, Morocco Silver Hagras Al Shaqab, 2016 by Fadi Al Shaqab & Wind Kamelia – Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar Bronze Walil Inés, 2016 by Bs Specific & Jenufa de Nautiac – Haras Inés, Morocco

SENIOR STALLIONS CHAMPIONSHIP

Gold - Marsal Al Shaqab, 2011 by Marwan Al Shaqab & Miss El Power JQ Haras Royal Bouznika, Morocco Silver - Priam De Djoon, 2010 by Abha Qatar & Psyphonie – Cailleux / Dazy, France Bronze - Absolut De Djoon, 2011 by QR Marc & Almeria De Joseph – Haras Inès, Morocco

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Conclusion

In 2018, the Salon du Cheval of El Jadida kept the same program, so basically it brought in nothing new, it came to an end with moderately successful attendance rates, the theme of the year was widely respected; lights were installed by Maurice Galle and got the most applause, though some development of commercial or industrial activities is certainly taking place over there, the Exhibition Park is still missing a building; outdoor stands have undergone a quality facelift with good presence of horses and riders equipment’s dealers. However, the Salon could still do better than that.

We congratulate the logistics team that has done well with Jamal Chakir, Mounir Ahssane, El Arabi Agountaf who are men endowed with multiple capabilities, supported by courageous, helpful, and

smiling soldiers from Garde Royale, they managed to ensure what the strengths of the Salon really are: the Morocco Royal Tour and the spectacular Tbourida.

It was with the deepest regret that we could see the International Competition of the Barb Horse be transferred to the small quarry site, in spite of that, this breed remains highly symbolic of the country, even more than it is the Arabian horse.

The good point about the Salon 2018 was a good press service providing PR / Media performance for daily news, yet, there were no photographic proof sheets available, they would have been useful to embellish the articles to be published by each accredited journalist, this service proved to be very useful in 2017.

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Portrait of a Handler Anas Ait Faraji In most recent years, international issues relating to the equine breeding sector suggest that the Kingdom of Morocco wishes it could be at the heart of all matters concerning the purebred Arabian horse.

It all began with the implementation of a project for the modernization of its former regional depots, this was followed by a social program with the proposal of different training and horse-shoeing activities along with a jockey-training school to be installed in a regional stud, by promoting all equestrian shows disciplines, it represented a good reference point for dynamic people in the broad sense of the term.

In order to occupy – first at international and then at global levels - an important place in the racing industry, the study focused on a technical program with endowments that could be attractive to local breeders but that were also open to international owners.

This vision was accompanied by a selection of Arabian reproducers that carried fashionable bloodlines, all this occurred over a relatively short period of time; but one long enough to have been productive for the country till these days.

The breeding base was fortified by trade relations, in particular, by those that had been established by a precursor like Ahmid Abdelhamid, a man who had the concern to represent his country on all Arabian horse show-grounds, this was matched also by actions he took together with the Agence Française du Cheval Arabe, i.e. the main actor of the Paris competition.

His personal relationships too proved to be beneficial in their entirety, in line with this action, the determination and modern vision of Lahcen Fdail, whose strong experience was widely acknowledged, had been able to place a breeding competition among the regional ones, with an aim to bring local breeders into high-profile events and to create a first International B-Competition, i.e. the dream of many Moroccans who lived there at the time.

The current situation of the purebred Arabian horse in Morocco is multifaceted,the reason for this lies in the fact that the ease of trading with foreign breeders during the B-Competition at the Salon du Cheval has inspired a great desire to participate - both in the country and in Europe – in events showcasing the breeding production of any installed Moroccan breeder.

For a long time in Morocco, the world of the purebred Arabian horse had been kept separated from the business side of it, in principle, breeding competitions were mainly conceived as a zoo-technical tool to serve the general interest. And for a long time, this had also been the main concern of the General Secretary of the Armecpsa.

Today what is at stake at international competitions has changed a lot as a result of an ever-increasing glo-

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balized world characterized by an unbounded greed on the parts of irresponsible professionals, this has led to a significant downturn in the sector and to the rise of unskilled personnel and young handlers who think their future has just blossomed out of there.

In Morocco, local competitions - whether regional, national, specific or about particular breeds, - have however had the same people that have been on the circuit simply for too long, although the average age of the country’s population is quite young, only few new people break through the field and get access to victories.

At previous competitions in Bouznika and at the Salon du Cheval of El Jadida more recently, a good way to show a purebred Arabian horse has been taught by Bernat Tolra to a young local whose appearance on the circuit has emerged as a handler, he seems to be gifted with particular discretion and efficiency that will deserve our attention in the following interview.

Here is the presentation of Anas Ait Faraji a new Moroccan handler who appears to have beautiful dispositions that can certainly make of him a great professional inside of a sector that is crammed with elders who try hard to hang on, he is a young passionate of about 23 years of age, he has been attracted to horses only for seven years since he gives priority to his studies for which he gets a three years Bachelor degree.

This is something quite rare among of all the handlers currently on the market,it is on the breeding farm belonging to a member of his family that Anas Ait Faraji has gradually learned the basics of a specific training for horses, the Arabian horse is able to dazzle him with his beauty, his independent spirit and lonely character.

All qualities that he too has.

While attending various morphology competitions, he has also been working with horses belonging to his family, his first ‘Coup de Coeur’ is caused by Zahrane Albidayer, however, he is not interested in fashionable bloodlines, now, he knows how to assess the strengths of this particular breed and its natural movements.

Just like many others who are involved in this sector that appears to be so appealing to everyone, Anas Ait Faraji wishes he could one day build his own breeding farm, his wisdom must be welcomed as a consequence of his successes, but he does not put on airs, it is a rare knowledge that he has been able to acquire on showgrounds abroad, in Europe or elsewhere.

As regards the organization of modern competitions and the principles of judging criteria, he joins in the chorus of those who believe that the old system was more reliable than the current one, the latter further complicates matters with the multiplication of the scores, he wishes that a greater number of competitions could be held in Morocco, and El Jadida still remains his main reference point.

When referring to judges’ notes, he is not the only one to have noticed that at all Arabian horses’ events, handlers from abroad are always better valued than Moroccan ones, he suggests that there more rules should

be set for all the judges – whether they are rightly or wrongly accused of compromise and corruption, the power of money can mask the vices of the rich and people’s minds, as a result, we have contenders who do not enjoy same equal opportunities when entering a competition.

Despite Anas Ait Faraji’s point of view is quite straightforward on the subject, his goal remains intact, I find it very admirable of a young person who at this

age is kind of level-headed and grounded, there is a pride in that, he is determined to defend his place from certain actors of the moment who occupy center stage and seek to dominate the sector, It will be useful to remember that ‘In life we rise according to what we give’.

A huge thank you for this high quality interview.

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