The silver stallion whose journey has just begun…

Written by Zarah Perkins

“I remember getting the call from Janina Merz when Atticus was foaled. I was kind of bummed because I wanted a filly,” laughs Michael Weinstein, breeder of the interna-

El Nabila B

tionally up and coming young stallion, Atticus ENB. “His dam, Om El Benedine had foaled an exquisite El Nabila B filly the year before and we lost her in an accident, and I desperately wanted a replacement.”

“Atticus was an absolutely beautiful baby,” Janina recalls. “Very feminine looking as in my opinion, many of the best breeding stallions are at birth. I called Michael and said that a star had been born!”

Of course, no one then could have foreseen just how prophetic Janina’s words were to prove. Now, at just seven years of age Atticus has not only acquitted himself admirably in the show ring - being named 2019 Canadian Reserve National Champion Stallion and 2021 Scottsdale International Silver Champion - but more importantly, from just a handful of US bred foals, he is emerging as a superstar sire of the rarest and most exceptional quality.

His exquisite bay filly, Alesia ENB (from the PCF Vision mare, Aliyah Vision PCF)one of four daughters that made up his entire first foal crop - has been a prolific show winner for her owners Murray and Shirley Popplewell of RaeDawn Arabians, claiming among her successes, champion at the 2021 Arabian Breeder’s Cup where she was also awarded the highest movement points of the show – a truly remarkable feat for a yearling filly! Atticus himself, received the second highest score.

But it is Alesia’s extraordinary ¾ brother, RD Atlantis (from Giana Leah, Aliyah Vision’s daughter by Polidoro) who has really catapulted Atticus the sire into the global spotlight. While still a weanling, word of this huge-eyed and ultra-refined colt spread quickly around the world. Following a heated international bidding war between US, Middle Eastern and European interests Atlantis was eventually sold to French bree- ders, Kalliste Arabians who have entrusted his undoubtedly illustrious future to the auspices of Jadem Arabians in Belgium. A great breeding horse is usually the result of a great pedigree and Atticus ENB is no exception. His sire, El Nabila B requires little introduction. Born at the Babolna stud in Hungary and the result of the mating of two World Champions – the explosively masculine, chestnut Russian superhorse, Kubinec (Balaton by Menes x Kosmetica by Muscat) and the swan white, airy moving Straight Egyptian mare, 218 Elf Layla Walayla B (Assad by Ansata Halim Shah x 223 Ibn Galal 1 - making her twice inbred to the iconic SE matriarch, Hanan): El Nabila B’s pedigree is a breeder’s poem of power and beauty! Still a radiant presence at 27, over his long life Nabila has been crowned national champion both in Brazil and the United States, a title he claimed at the unprecedented age of 14, and built an international reputation as one of the world’s great broodmare sires. Om El Benedine, Atticus’ tall and typey dam comes from an equally important and storied lineage - sired by the legendary El Shaklan son, Sanadik El Shaklan and out of the Sharem El Sheikh daughter, Om El Beneera. Beneera - the last foal of her world-renowned dam Estopa who gave birth to her at 27 - grew up to find the most prolific and important line in the Om El program producing both exceptional daughters and sons like Om El Azeem – all inheriting her big eyes, big movement, and big personality.

Michael freely admits that El Nabila B’s reputation as a sire rest largely on the quality of his daughters, so it is worth noting that his arguably two best sons, Atticus ENB and the late Titan AS (a dramatic chestnut stallion who sadly died young) were both bred from Om El Arab mares. Thus, Atticus’ qualities as both an individual and a sire undoubtedly owe much to his dam who brings not only four closes crosses to Estopa, but the proven stallion producing power of the

RD Atlantis

Om El Beneera line.

“I think Atticus represents the perfect balance of his pedigree” says Michael. “Like his father, Atticus is a soft, kind horse. He loves to puff up and snort and blow but he’s basically very sensible. He also has inherited Nabila’s perfectly vertical tail carriage, small tight ears and broad flat forehead with big prominent eyes. He is very leggy like his dam’s family. And his long neck, high set into a powerful, sloping shoulder comes both from his maternal grandsire, Sharem El Sheikh and his father, but the beautiful curvy polls and super clean throats which seem to be characteristic of all his foals so far – that is definitely Nabila.”

Ironically, while Atticus’ pedigree is one of his greatest strengths it may also be the reason that he initially failed to capture the imagination of US breeders. “Americans like their bays,” laughs Michael, “and they tend to gravitate to a certain set of bloodlines. Atticus is unusual amongst most American halter bred stallions in that he has no Gazal Al Shaqab blood, no Marwan, no Justice, no Padrons Psyche, no Bey Shah, no Minstrel blood – in fact he is a complete outcross for most modern mares, and we are seeing that outcross strength now in his babies.”

If Atticus was not on local breeder’s radar other Arabian horse connoisseurs were paying attention. “Scott Benjamin (renowned judge and breeding consultant) came to see him and absolutely loved him!” says Michael. As a result, Benjamin became the stallion’s first international agent, selling multiple frozen semen breeding’s most notably in Australia and New Zealand. The resultant exciting Antipodean foal crop, most still weanlings, currently represents the largest group of Atticus progeny anywhere in the world.

Atticus’ pedigree is also unusual in that he is a very rare modern representative of the Bairactar sire line, the oldest sire line in the world long prized for their substantial bodies, large eyes and trainable temperaments. Bairactar himself, was a white Seglawi stallion brought from the desert to the royal stables in Germany in the early 19th century where he was renowned for his almost unworldly Oriental beauty. The line exists today only through descendants of the fifth-generation Polish bred stallion, Amurath Sahib: a superlative broodmare sire and one of the cornerstones of Polish breeding, his daughters produced the legendary Bask, Bandola and founded the world-famous E-line at Michalow. The Poles, in efforts to reinvigorate this line have previously used Atticus’s sire, El Nabila B with a handful of mares being retained. This year, on Jeff Wallace recommendation, 7 of the Polish state studs’ best mares will be bred to Atticus in hopes of producing a breeding colt.

While today as a mature stallion Atticus is more beautiful than ever – since he was last seen in the showring his body has filled out and muscled up and his coat has burni- shed into a spectacular flea-bitten silver – there are no current plans to bring him out again. “Atticus has shown that his future lies as a breeding horse,” says Michael. “He has already proven himself to be a sire of both exceptional fillies and colts which is cool in itself. I think that his son Atlantis RD is one of the best colts I have ever seen, anywhere and a far better horse than his sire, in the same age, more extreme for sure. That he is consistently out-siring says everything about Atticus’ potential as a breeding horse!”

Now for Atticus a new chapter is on his way to open – he is heading to Europe!

Only a few hours after the conclusion of the 2022 World Arabian Horse Championships in the ‘Ville Lumière’, social media have been stormed by pictures and messages from the proud winners of this 41st edition, with members of the international Arabian horse breeding community posting congratulations, glorious acknowledgements, sharing videos with thousands of views at all times of the day. Approximately 100 horses from Europe and the Middle East were entered in this year’s pageantry at the Parisian Bourget Exhibition Centre, which lasted three consecutive days from 17 to 19 November 2022.

Nine judges of international provenance were appointed to score the registered horses, divided into six classes according to age and sex. From the Vip tables, and with exquisite music playing all along, we followed the operations made by Mr Ae- schbacher Urs (Switzerland), Willie Brown (South Africa), Mrs Eberhardt Sylvie (Germany), Mr Al Hussini Sufian T. (Palestine), Mr Lieblang Steve (United States of America), Mr Rocco Luiz (Brazil), Mr Scanzi Fausto (Italy), Mrs Van Hee Martine (Belgium) and Mr Marc Veray (France).

With the rank of Disciplinary Commissioners: Dr Benamar Malak (Morocco), Mr Amira Abdel Wahab Ben Ali, Dr Kupaj Jean-Bernard (France) and Mrs Valette Christine (France).

In their capacity as Ringmasters: Mr Ladek Alain (France) and Mr Valette Bertrand (France). Official Scorer: Mr Denis Charles (France). Marks Checking Officer: Mr Jean-Marc Dubois (France). Show Commentator: Mr Guy de Fontaines (France). Music played by: Ms Asya Bruillon (France).

Official Show Photographers: Mr Wieslaw Pawlowski (Poland) and Ms Lisa Abraham (USA).

For those who could not join in Paris but were keen to follow this exclusive event and cheer for their favourites, the team of Arabian Essence TV prepared an exceptional live streaming of the whole show.

The show started on November 17, 2022, at 12:00 Europe/Rome and ended on November 19, 2022, at 18:00 Europe/Rome with the following champion winners:

In the YEARLING FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP, sponsored by Akmal Stud, Gold me-

– UAE and owned by Al Shaqab Stud – Qatar. Bronze medal winner Aj Kayya (Aj Kafu x Aja Caprice) bred and owned by Ajman Stud – HH Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi – Qatar.

In the SENIOR MARES CHAMPIONSHIP, sponsored by Al Sheikh Stud, Gold medal winner Mozn Al Bidayer (Sma Magic One x Mattaharii) bred by Albidayer Stud – UAE and owned by Al Wajba Stud – Qatar.

Silver medal winner D Aziza (Ajman Moni- dal winner Aisha Al-Sheikh (Jyar Meia Lua x Algamra) bred and owned by Al Sheikh Stud - Palestine. Silver medal winner D Expo (D Seraj x Elle Jaharra) bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud – UAE. Bronze medal winner Samara Ka (Fa El Rasheem x Safya Ka) bred and owned by Knocke Arabians – Belgium.

In the JUNIOR FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP, sponsored by Al Wajba Stud, Gold medal winner Brianne Alfabia (Eks Alihandro x Balbina Alfabia) bred by Alfabia Az. Agricola, and owned by Aljassimya Farm – Qatar.

Silver medal winner D Beisan (D Seraj x Rah Rosalia) bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud scione x Midnight Kiss) bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud – UAE and owned by Hanaya Arabian Stud – Switzerland.

Bronze medal winner Nada Al Shahania (Besson Carol x Mfa Annies Song) bred by Michael Byatt – USA and owned by Al Shahania Stud – Qatar.

In the YEARLING COLTS CHAMPIONSHIP, sponsored by Al Shaqab Stud, Gold medal winner Baz Aljassimya (Exxalt x MD Mirka) bred by Aljassimya Farm – Qatar and owned by Akmal Stud – KSA.

Silver medal winner Aj Sayer (Aj Yas x Sama Am) bred and owned by Ajman Stud – HH Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi – Qa- tar. Bronze medal winner Bandar Aljassimya (Picasso di Mar x Miznat Aljassimya) bred and owned by Aljassimya Farm – Qatar.

In the Junior Colts Championship, sponsored by Ajman Stud, Gold medal winner D Sharar (D Seraj x FT Shaella) bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud – UAE. Silver medal winner LR Solo Mio (Aj Radman x Lr Buena Mia) bred by Las Rosas Estancia – Uruguay and owned by Al Shahania Stud – Qatar.

Bronze medal winner D Shahhar (Excalibur Ea x D Shihanah) bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud – UAE.

In the SENIOR STALLIONS CHAMPIONSHIP, sponsored by Aljassimya Farm, Gold medal winner Alexxanderr (Excalibur Ea x Ar Most Irresistible) bred by Frances Butler & Brandi Carson – USA and owned by Alsayed Stud – KSA.

Silver medal winner Excalibur Ea (Shanghai Ea x Essence of Marwan Ea) bred by Equus Arabians – Spain and owned by Al Saqran Stud that leased him to Akmal Stud – KSA. Bronze medal winner Hl El Ganador (HP Shakir x lonco Bay Maria) bred by Dutch Matthei – Chile and owned by Hanaya Arabian Stud. - Switzerland.

Special Awards

A plethora of Special Awards got solemnly assigned to the following breeders, owners and champion horses:

Farm of the Year: Dubai Arabian Horse Stud – UAE

Best Sire in The World Championship: D Seraj

Best Dam in The World Championship: FT Shaella

Highest Scorer in The World Championship: Alexxanderr

Best Movment Female: Brianne Alfabia

Best Movement Male: HL El Ganador

Best Breeder in the Show: Dubai Arabian Horse Stud – UAE

Best Breeder/Owner in the Show: Dubai Ara- bian Horse Stud – UAE Trophy Espoir Female: D Najlah Trophy Espoir Male: Dawwas Alsayed Trophy of Paris: Mozn Albidayer

World Platinum Champion Male: E.S.Harir

Best Head Yearling Fillies A: Bint Rshediah Alkhashab

Best Head Yearling Fillies B: Aisha Al Sheikh

Best Head Junior Fillies A: D Beisan

Best Head Junior Fillies B: Brianne Alfabia

Best Head Senior Mares A: Rshediah Alkhashab

Best Head Senior Mares B: Mozn Albidayer

Best Head Yearling Colts A: Baz Aljassimya

Best Head Yearling Colts B: AJ Sayer

Best Head Junior Colts A:D Shahhar

Best Head Junior Colts B: D Sharar

Best Head Senior Stallions A: HL El Ganador Best Head Senior Stallions B: Alexxanderr

A FEW CONCLUDING WORDS...

Whether adored or vilified, envied or criticised, but even emulated, the Paris World Arabian Horse Championship remains a symbol of excellence, said the President of Ceneca, Mr Jean-Luc Poulain in his welcoming message. The 41st edition catalyzed at the Parisian Bourget Exhibition Centre, about 25 countries, 2,000 attendees, many well-known personalities, committed owners, successful breeders, skilful handlers and horses at their best conditions. We wish to heartily thank the organizers - Ceneca and Mr Poulain, the principal consultants and godmothers of the event, Mrs Christianne Chazel and Dominque Briot, for having invited us, and for allowing the AHM team to take care of the professional booths and graphic design for award-winning international breeding programs and training centres. Being there has been a great privilege. Thank you very much and we look forward to seeing you. A bientôt, Paris!

Expo

K.A.

Championship

D BEISAN D SERAJ X RAH ROSALIA BREEDER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD OWNER: AL SHAQAB STUD

Junior Colts | FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

LR SOLO MIO AJ RADMAN X LR BUENA MIA BREEDER: LAS ROSAS ESTANCIA OWNER: AL SHAHANIA STUD

Sharar D Seraj X Ft Shaella

D SHAHHAR EXCALIBUR EA X D SHIHANAH BREEDER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD OWNER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD

D Aziza

Mozn Al Bidayer

Sma Magic One X Mattaharii

Hello, Nicola. Thank you very much for accepting the invitation! To provide some background to our readers, could you tell us a bit about yourself, your family, and your education, please?

Hello, AHM! It is an honour to be given this opportunity.

Having grown up in the countryside of central Italy, I was surrounded by nature all my life. I have always had horses in my life, from my grandfather’s brother, who was a horse dealer, to me when I started participating in endurance competitions.

When have you first met an Arabian horse? Who was it?

My first Arabian horse experience was when I was only a child -- it was a horse named Bakr with Polish lines, whose genealogy I don’t recall since it was a few years ago. Bakr was an endurance horse that my father rode.

Tell us about your early stages in the show industry as a handler. How did it all start?

Following my graduation as a surveyor, I went to work at Schouckens Training Center, where I learned a lot of skills.

My next stop was David Boggs (Midwest Training Center), where I met Dagmar Gordiano, an incredibly talented Brazilian trainer and handler. I learned everything from Dagmar. I then moved to Brazil with Rinaldo Lounghini, an excellent trainer and handler (a showman) I consider one of the most gifted individuals in the ring. Dagmar Gordiano continued to be my mentor. Then I returned to Italy. This led me to build a training centre with my cousin Enrico Mearelli.

I was staying at David Boggs’ when I had my first experience handling Arabian horses at the Scottsdale show in America. It was an unprecedented opportunity for me to present two horses in the Futurity Classes after hard personal training. I couldn’t believe what I was doing in the arena... As I said before, I was fortunate enough to work for and with amazing and extremely professional people who trained me thoroughly. What I am today, I learned from Tom and Glenn Schouckens, David Boggs, Dagmar Gordiano and Rinaldo Lounguini. My sincerest thanks also go to Davide Mariani for all of his help!

Have you developed a systematic program for handling Arabian horses of your own? In order to prepare a horse best for a show, how can you make sure that he is physically and mentally prepared? How can the horses be made to perform at their best when needed?

Just like every training centre, I have created a personal training program based on everything I learned from past experiences. I might add something of my own, for sure.

In my life, I’ve learned from my mistakes. I’ve learned to recognize when a hor- se is physically and mentally ready for a show. The combination of both conditions is essential for a handler who wants to make his horses express themselves in the ring at their best. horse that I prefer over another.

Nicola, is there a limit to what an Arabian horse can be taught through handling?

There are always new things and methods to learn and different ways to reach a goal when working with horses.

Horses differ in physical conformation, disposition, and ability to show. Horses enrich your personal experience and teach you something new and different each time. When you have a horse, you are pushed to find the best possible solution to a problem while maintaining respect for them.

What have been the best experiences at the show’s most recently? Can you tell me about the horses you presented and which stud (s) they belonged to?

What is your favourite bloodlines?

I do not have a favourite bloodline. I would rather say that I have one type of

Several episodes of shows stay etched in my mind. There is one in particular, if only for the level of satisfaction and personal gratification. The sort of recognition for all my sacrifices, everything that has been my path and for the birth of Elegantica Training Center. This show is the 2020 European Championship, where we have achieved incredible results.

Recognition

A good result is always the result of teamwork. Not of the individual. Remember. Teamwork makes dreams happen…

At the 2020 European Championships, I won the Yearling Colts Silver Medal with a colt that we “built” from the start.

The heads of contemporary Arabian horses are often particularly ‘extreme’ with prominent dishes. What do you think of this phenomenon? Are these the most critical beauty standards at shows today?

The current beauty standard is an extremely dished head. But, that is not crucial. In any case, it is not the only feature a show horse must have.

Nicola, have you been to the World Arabian Horse Championships in Paris? (or watching them?) What do you think about the 2022 edition?

I participated in the last edition of the World Championships in Paris with a two-year-old filly owned by Regina Arabians in Poland. The World Championship is, and will always stay, the most exciting show where breeders from all over the world bring their best horses. It is always a thrill to participate.

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