Stallions Championship

Sendbad Sakr

Moez Ezzaman

THEEB AL RAYYAN X MAJEDAH AL SHARBATLY BREEDER: EZZAMAN STUD OWNER: AL WAKEEL STUD

R.C.A.

Our tour of Erbil city was simply magical. We visited many city districts and explored local attractions that not everyone knows exist in Erbil. Yes, because unless you love Arabian hor-

This multi-millennial human presence is tangible in the Citadel of Erbil, which rests atop a hill of about 30 meters, created from sediments of the inhabited area of day zero. Er- ses, are involved with the petrol industry, or are passionate about archaeology and treks, you might not come here on purpose. Historically, Erbil is one of the oldest cities on earth, and scholars and researchers from across the globe frequent the archaeological areas nearby. bil is a renovated city Fort, and we get to access it only on foot from one of its two main gates. As the evening comes, beautiful lights reflect the yellowish colour of the buildings, creating an enthralling setting. The Qaysari Bazar, the first stop on our tour, is the city’s commercial heart, long before the malls. This microcosm is filled with numerous and various commercial activities, and it teems with life. At the many restaurants and bars along the way, you can smoke “hookah” and drink hot tea. The innermost parts of the city and the local markets offer a lot to discover. Streets are lined with clothing, fabric, tailoring shops, newsstands and goldsmith shops (with gilded windows that seem fake but are not!). Then, there are carpentry shops, honey and soap sellers, telephone and photography shops everywhere, shops with dozens of types of olives and lots of shops that sell “Chinese stuff”. A few neighbourhoods in the city of Erbil have streets without sidewalks, large numbers of fruit and vegetable vendors, and liquor and beer vendors (the Kurds love whiskey, but the Arabs are also huge whiskey fans! There are also a few “hip” bars and restaurants attended by well-known personalities at night, according to locals. A thrilling tour in Erbil for the Arabian Horse Magazine team whose memories will last for a lifetime. We are grateful to all the people who allowed us to enjoy the Arabian dream in this ancient city of the world during our time at the 1st Iraq Sumer National Show!

INTERVIEWED BY SONJA SMALDONE

Nathalie Goedert was born in Greece but moved to Belgium with her family at the age of 10. Her studies were completed and she raised a beautiful family. Having inherited her father’s passion for horses, she bought her first Arabian horse in the 1990s. Nathalie Mikonos Arabian Stud is now run by both of her daughters, Zoé and Eve. The girls both enjoy learning about the charismatic and beautiful Arabian horse that their mother loves so much...

Who’s Goedert Nathalie?

My name is Goedert Nathalie, I come from Greece. I was born in the beautiful city of Athens where my parents lived for a few years. I came to live in Belgium when I was 10 years old, I did my studies there and had the pleasure to build a family. My passion for horses is something I got the chance to share with my father since I was 10. In the 1990’s I acquired my first Arabian Horse which made me fall in love with them for its great charisma and extreme beauty. Today, I’m grateful I can share my passion with my two daughters, Eve and Zoé who are really involved in our breeding farm.

When have you founded Mykonos Arabian Stud? Where are you located? What are the bloodlines you use?

Mykonos Arabian Stud was founded in the 1990s. But the name «

Mykonos » was chosen in late 2021 by my two daughters when they decided to join me in the family passion of breeding Arabian Horses. The decision to the Stud Farm’s name was a way for Eve and Zoé (my daughters) to honour my origins in Greece and also to thank me for the passion I transmitted to both of them. The farm is located in a quiet place surrounded by 24 hectares of forest. Only 30 minutes away from Liege Airport and close to very tourist cities such as Durbuy, Dinant, Huy, Namur, etc.

What is your philosophy? And your breeding strategy?

What matters to us the most are our horses. Their wellness is our major priority. Competition and trophies are just a plus. We work a lot on conditioning our horses’ minds. To make it easier for every one of them on everyday manipulations and also to prepare them to move easier to a training centre or a new home. We respect our broodmares a lot and so no intensive breeding on our farm. A few babies per year is already enough.

What does the word “breeding” mean to you? What specific qualities or skills do you need to have to become a good breeder?

Breeding means you have a special dream. And to achieve your dream, you spend considerable time at the stables with your horses, you sleep very little time to optimize the chances of success. For us, breeding is a journey that starts as soon as we decide to inseminate our mares. We provide our mares with the best care. We do everything for that each and every one of them feels comfortable with their gestation. Then we deal with the foaling process, educate the foals and prepare them for any activity relating to show sport and family life. So being a breeder requi- res tons of work, patience, unconditional love and a lot of knowledge.

Who is/are the most important breeding stallion(s) at Mykonos Arabian Stud?

For the upcoming breeding season, our choice has been unanimous on the stallion Avalon Falkan (from the Padrons Psyche’s bloodlines). We got to see his progenies and realized what he could bring once crossed with our mares. For the future of our breeding program, we put all our hopes in two stallions: Nesj El Edison, a son of AJ Elaf, out of Sanadik El Shaklan’s daughter. He is extremely typey with tons of attitude and amazing movement. And Amalfi O (by Makisa Adaggio) out of the World Champion mare, Alma Al Tiglio. This young boy has a pedigree mixed with Ajman Moniscione, Vervaldee and Ekstern. He is very necky and he is a showstopper.

Which mares are used to improve (or to evolve?) your breeding program?

We own a small group of mares with diverse pedi- grees (mares with MF Aryan El Thessa, Emerald J, Magic Mon Cheri, Ajman Moniscione or Magic Magnifique bloodlines). Each of them has already made their proofs in the breeding program, even if we didn’t reach our dream yet… but that’s the breeder’s life, it requires many tries to reach the goal.

Are there any foals, in particular, offering solid breeding and showing potential at the moment? We always keep some of them secret. But I can safely say that Endromède M (DA Maserati x B.A. Elianah) and Mozart M (Avalon Falkan x Marbella De Briera) have a lot of potential. Our lovely filly Endromède M adds refinement and a big femininity. And our homebred boy Mozart M has large black apple-like eyes perfectly placed on his exotic head.

Both are full of attitude and great movers.

How do you tackle the concepts of “beauty” and “functional correctness” in Arabs today?

The work of breeders is quite hard. Everyone is looking for the most exotic horse, but we must be realistic. Arabian Horses don’t have to be only beautiful, they must be correct and functional horses at first sight. Beauty is like a dance, everything must go in harmony. It means the horses must catch the attention for their charisma because they move as if they were flying on the ground because they are proud.

Nathalie, do you have your horses participate in competitions?

I guess that the biggest pride of a breeder is to see his homebred horses achieve tons of victories. Because it proves in a certain way that your breeding choices were correctly made. Actually, we do not have horses participating in competitions. We’re looking to put our own homebred horses to the show ring once we consider them ready to shine.

What goals would you like your breeding program to achieve in the future?

To keep respecting my horses and the breed, to go higher in this way to produce new future champion horses.

What else do you do besides breeding Arabian horses?

Breeding horses is a work that takes a lot of time, and so I dedicated my life to them. Besides this, I help my two daughters to get more knowledge about Arabian Horses and breeding.

Nathalie, can you please leave a last message for the readers of this interview?

Arabian horses are more than a simple passion. Throughout the years, they become true family members and require the best of care. To conclude this lovely interview, I would like to thank you and Arabian Horse Magazine for giving me such an opportunity to introduce Mikonos Arabian Stud and myself to your international readership!

An Interview by Sonia Smaldone

Painter Laetitia Meliani is of French and Italian descent and married a Muslim husband, although she embraced Islam many years earlier. As such, the Arabian horse has always held a deep spiritual significance for the young artist. When Laetitia paints or sculpts the Arabian horse, and works on his shapes and curves, she goes into a contemplative state. As she describes it, painting is almost like a cathartic experience, a powerful tool for purification, for overcoming the physical barriers, and ultimately, for self–liberation…

Welcome on board Laetitia!

Just to set the scene for our readers, will you please share with us some background about you and your family?

I have been a happily married woman for 15 years with 4 children, 2 girls and 2 boys of fourteen, twelve, ten and four years old respectively. My husband is Algerian, and I am of Italian and Sicilian descent on my paternal side and French descent on my maternal side. I have wonderful children as a result of this multicultural marriage. Our family loves travelling, learning from others, and experiencing other cultures and traditions. Riding has been a part of my life since I was a little girl.

Can you talk a little about your formative years as an artist? Have you been trained, and if so from what Institution? Or are you self-taught?

I have been painting for about 8 years. Before that, I was a stay-at-home mom of three young children, and life was getting hard, so I was looking for a way to escape this tough routine, to be in my bubble. I followed animal painters on Facebook who painted oil hyperrealism. There were beautiful portraits of horses, as well as other species, but primarily horses, as my Facebook feed was mainly about horses.

I have always been self-taught and I have learned by observing, and looking for videos on YouTube when I got stuck or thought I couldn’t make it. I have learned a lot from my mistakes and failed paintings. To this day, I am proud of painting without even preparing my drawing. I paint straight on the canvas without tracing. Horses were all I painted. After a few years of oil realism, I got bored. There was something else I was looking for. I wanted more fun and above all to enjoy myself. The focus on the children had me lose sight of myself.

Graphite drawing, Indian ink, other animals, cities, portraits...I still have no idea who I am... My method must work for me; I cannot do things the same way everyone else does. I want something that represents me to the fullest extent. Three or four years ago, I switched from oil to acrylic and had fun! I found it to be a revelation. Initially, I felt a bit destabilized because acrylic dries much faster...but I quickly got used to it. Then, I switched to the painting knives and left the brushes behind. It’s so cool!

Which came first, the horses or the art? What first attracted you to Arabian horses as an artistic subject?

In my life, horses came first. I had a Fjord pony when I was 7 years old, then an Ardennes, a Selle Français when I did sport…Also 2 Spaniards, 2 Welsh, a Quarter Horse, and a Paint Horse. There is so much variety in my equine life. I enjoy all disciplines, with some preferences for some, of course. Due to his versatility, the Arabian Horse is one of the best for western and liberty riding. Artistically, I am drawn to the Arabian horse because he has an extraordinary attitude, a unique expression, and tons of charisma. When I paint and sculpt him, work on his shapes and curves I get into a state of contemplation. The wonder of God, he is. I decided to get artistically and intimately closer to the Arabian horse also due to my religious beliefs. Being Muslim, I find the Arabian horse’s story incredibly poetic. Here’s a little bit about it: “God created this domestic four-legged animal to raise you up spiritually and to help you with everyday living. By the south wind, God created this animal, the Arabian Horse, to be powerful enough to help humans and loving enough to bring out the best in them”. I felt compelled to draw closer to this horse for spiritual reasons, even though all horses are exceptional. On top of it, he is the first horse ever created, the oldest breed, and is found in virtually all Studs for the improvement of other breeds.

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

My last memories go back to my childhood... my parents had one friend, and to please us this friend brought us the breeding farm of a friend of his in the middle of France. The image I still keep in my mind is of beautiful grey mares with their bay foals (baby hair) in a large meadow. Besides that, I have always been surrounded by purebred Arabians, even my husband is Arab (laughs). No, unfortunately, I don’t have any purebred Arabian of my own…One day maybe!

Why do you use the Indian ink technique to capture the horses’ personalities in your works?

I paint 3/4 of my paintings with knives, except for the eyes. The look I do with brushes brings more details, and more expressions because that’s really what I like... staying vague...mysterious... putting everything into the expression, the attitude and this is the biggest strong point of the Arabian Horse.

Who are your main artistic influences?

I have always set high restrictions for myself …never emulating anyone else. Observing famous or not-sofamous people has taught me a lot because we all learn from one another. However, I don’t have any artistic references, between you and me... Lol. Watching others’ work motivates me when I need it, but that’s it. Whenever I start to paint, I feel liberated. I pour my soul, heart, and mind into it, and I love watching my work when it’s done - that may sound a bit pretentious, though). I’m not sure why I don’t have artistic references, as I said earlier...I never do like the others.

Do you have any secret rituals you do to help you get in the zone for your art?

Yes, of course! A nice cup of coffee and a good music piece.

Is there a particular place that brings you inspiration?

Certainly surrounded by nature, though outdoors and free!

What effect is the Internet on art? Is it having an effect on yours? In what ways?

The Internet can be a good or a bad thing. I’m very sensitive. I’ve already stopped using the internet several times because I couldn’t stand and accept the wickedness of some people around me. That’s right! I don’t look like a European woman, so what? I use the internet today, but always with this fear. As hard as it is, I try my best to ignore free wickedness. Apart from that, the internet is a great tool for seeing artwork, and it can even help us improve with constructive criticism and compliments.

Which one is your personal favourite painting/or collection?

I love them all because each painting and collection represents an evolution, a new reflection, and a crisis of existence. The journey I travel with each completed piece makes me very happy, and I am always looking for ways to improve...

Have you done any particular exhibitions so far? Yes, I have done local exhibitions in my friends’ stables during their open days and in the town hall of my village, but that is all! However, it’s not me...Maybe one day I will do it more often, but right now I don’t want to. I am doing well at home.

What is the best way for a potential client to reach you? What does your package usually include? You can reach me on social media: Instagram: @laetitia. meliani_art Facebook: Firdaws Art - Laetitia Meliani

Tiktok: @firdawsart

What are your hopes and dreams or future goals, where do you see yourself in the next ten years?

Painting is something I hope to always take pleasure in, not become tired of, and always have this curiosity for new and better things. It is very important to me to explore...try and make mistakes again, and I hope I’ll experience them again in the next ten years!

Laetitia, please leave a message for the readers of this beautiful interview! My final little message? Embrace our differences and stay true to them, Be respectful of everyone’s differences, Let’s learn from each other’s differences, Diverse perspectives only enrich our lives, Let’s cherish our horses more than anything else since they are the best teachers we can have!

7th FUJAIRAH INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN HORSE CHAMPIONSHIP 15-16-17 December 2022

WRITTEN BY SONJA SMALDONE

he 7th Fujairah Arabian Horse International Championship organized by the Emirates Arabian Horse Society under the kind patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah and Chairman of the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority (FCMA) – and managed by Mr Ali Mossabah Ali Alkaabitook place from 15th to 17th December 2022 in the arena adjacent the emirate’s historic fort. Broad participation of horse owners and stables from inside and outside the country, with a total prize pool of 4 million dirhams.

ad (Belgium), Mrs Van Hee Martine (Belgium), and Mrs Weidner Michaela (Germany). All horses got scored according to the 5 Topics system with the half point for Type, Head and Neck, Body, Legs and Movement.

ne (Norway), Mr Ouelhazi Kaies Bin Hadi (Uni- compete in a beau-

A total of 339 horses enrolled to compete in a beauty context richly endowed with titles, which drew first-class breeding programs from Arabian countries. The 2022 Judging Committee featured Mr Abdelrazek Ahmed (Egypt), Mrs Darius Claudia (Germany), Mr Moschini Christian (Italy), Mrs Stigler Irina (Russia), Mr. Bialobok Jerzy (Poland), Mr Detailleur Koenra-

With the rank of Disciplinary Commissioners: Mrs Keyser Christine (Norway), Mr Ouelhazi Kaies Bin Hadi (United Arab Emirates), Dr. Bedair Sameh (Egypt), Dr Gill Ummar Raza (United Arab Emirates), Dr Suryawanshi Sujeet Bhaskar (United Arab Emirates), Mrs Zouaghi Farah (United Arab Emirates), and Mr Tayfour Haitham Babiker (United Arab Emirates). In their role of Ringmasters: Dr Wahab ben Ali Amira Abdel (United Arab Emirates) and Mr Almenhali Eidha (United Arab Emirates). Results by Mr Biju Peter (United Arab Emirates).

Dr. Bedair Sameh Ummar Raza (United Arab Emirates), Dr Mrs Zouaghi (United Arab Emiof Ringmasters: Dr Wahab ben Ali Amira Abdel (United

The show started on 15 December 2022 at 14:00 in Asia/Dubai (11:00 in Europe/Rome) and ended up on

17 December 2022 at 02:00 in Asia/ Dubai (23:00 in Europe/Rome) with the following results:

In the Yearling Fillies Championship, Gold medal winner D Aserah (AJ Nofan x D Shihanah) bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud. Silver medal winner AJ Raseel (Alexxanderr x Aj Rajwa) bred and owned by Ajman Stud - HH Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi. Bronze medal winner Al Aryam Sahayeb (Alexxanderr x Al Aryam Samha) bred and owned by Al Aryam Arabians.

In the Junior Fillies Championship, Gold medal winner D Raseel (D Seraj x Elle Flamenca) bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud. Silver medal winner E.S. Sharjah (E.s. Sarab x E.s. Rasheeda) bred and owned by Sheikh Abdulla Bin Majid Alqassemi. Bronze medal winner, E.s. Halwa (E.s.

Sarab x E.s. Hala) bred by Sheikh Abdulla Bin Majid Alqassemi and owned by Alhaqbani, Faisal Mohammed A.

In the Senior Mares Championship, Gold medal winner Aj Tarim (Emerald J x Espinilla) bred and owned by Ajman Stud - HH Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi. Silver medal winner Roaah Mughaider (E.s. Harir x Sheikha Sq) bred and owned by Rashid Saif Saeed Hammad Alzaabi. Bronze medal winner Farida (Al Farid x Al Patra) bred and owned by H.H. Sheikha Mariam Bint Sultan Bin Ahmed Alqassemi.

In the Yearling Colts Championship, Gold medal winner Al Aryam Shadeed (Admiraal x Al Aryam Shakeera) bred and owned by Al Aryam Arabians. Silver medal winner Fam Del Palazzotto (D Shakhat x D A’Asaleyyah) bred and owned by Federico Jose Morales Jordan. Bronze medal winner Faiz Al Bahya (Antaris Os x AJ Fekra) bred by Ajman Stud - HH Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi and owned by Matar Mohamed Salim Alhafri Alketbi.

In the Junior Colts Championship, Gold medal winner D Rasel (Fa El Rasheem x Ladi Veronika) bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud. Silver medal winner Al Aryam Barjes (Al Aryam Sari x Al Aryam Ballora) bred and owned by Al Aryam Arabians. Bronze medal winner Fd Rafale (D Maysoor x D Arta) bred and owned by Alfalah Arabian Horse Stud.

In the Senior Stallions Championship, Gold medal winner E.s. Sarab (Marajj x Mahjesty) bred and owned by Sheikh Abdulla Bin Majid Alqassemi. Silver medal winner Ka Nishan (Shanghai Ea x Aj Nazwa) bred and owned by Khaled Ghanem Mubarak Alomairi. Bronze medal winner Star Farid (Rfi Farid x Eks Star of Africa) bred by Wojciech Parczewski and owned by Al Juwaher Arabian Horse Stud.

The final day of the championship was attended by His Highness Crown Prince of Fujairah, Sheikh Dr Rashid bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Chairman of Fujairah Culture & Media Au- thority, Sheikh Saif bin Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi, Chairman of Fujairah Free Zone Authority, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi. At the end of the show, His Highness crowned the winners, honoured the officials, and awarded the Fujairah Golden Sword Award to the Dubai Horse Stud. In his remarks, His Highness thanked the Fujairah International Arabian Horse Championship Organizing Committee for its efforts. “This show’s increasing success, its upgrade from a National to an International show this year, and achievement of its goals notably contributes to the revitalization and enrichment of equestrian sports throughout the world”, he said. `The event was also attended by H.E. Mohammad Saeed Al Dhanhani, Director of Fujairah Emirs Court and Salem Al Zahmi, Director of the Office of the Crown Prince of Fujairah, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Championship. We do want to thank all the Eminences of the entire Organizing Committee and the local media partners for inviting us to support one of the most beautiful championships in the United Arab Emirates and extend our congratulations to all those involved. Thanks a lot, indeed. Hopefully, we will see you in Fujairah next year with new extraordinary classes!