Senior Stallions

Final Championship

As an accomplished DC and Ringmaster in the world of shows, Roberto Ceccaroni has established himself as one of the industry’s most charismatic personalities. Additional-

Who is Roberto Ceccaroni exactly? In spite of my fifty years, I still feel young on the inside, sometimes even too much... I have worked in a wide variety of fields before deciding to dedicate my entire life to Arabian horses. They have always been an integral part of it and will always be.

How and when did it all start with the Arabian horse?

In the late 80s, I began my adventure on a sunny summer morning. There was a large paddock bordering the country road where I ly, he is pursuing a career as a judge and plans to qualify as an ECAHO lists judge. Roberto’ s resolute attitude, theatrical style and elegance have always captured us at the shows, whether national or international, with their emotion, class, and huge professionalism. was walking. A grey filly trotting in the pastures ravished me and I have been fascinated with Arabian horses ever since. I started as a handler, progressed to become a breeder in the early 90s, and then took disciplinary commission courses, ringmaster courses, and judge courses.

How long have you been a ringmaster? How does the ringmaster perform his or her duties in the arena? How do you like to dress when you work the shows as a ringmaster? I became a ringmaster for the first time in 2008, but on several occasions since then, especially in high-level shows, I have been invited to perform in this role. Inside the arena, the ringmaster is the key liaison between the jury and the handler. As well as ensuring everyone’s safety, he should advise and help those with less experience while letting presenters do their jobs efficiently. A ringmaster should also be kind and polite to everyone while still being determined to enforce the rules. While respecting the organizers’ time, he must provide the same amount of time to each presenter.

In addition, his position cannot interfere with the judges’ work, and it should not disrupt the handler, who spent months training for just 2/3 minutes of performance... During my time as a ringmaster, I don’t wear a particular outfit, I usually wear comfy but elegant clothes since I have to stand so much, or I may have to go pick up some undisciplined presenters.

Is there any difference between being the ringmaster at a National and International Arabian Horse shows?

There are no big differences between being a ringmaster in a national or an international event, though national shows are often more challenging due to the higher number of non-professional handlers inside the arena which can pose a dangerous situation for horses and officials. Nevertheless, in international shows, handlers tend to ignore the ringmaster’s instructions because they are under more pressure to make their horses perform as well as they can.

Roberto, did you get a specific preparation to become a ringmaster? What technical or practical skills must a ringmaster necessarily possess doing his job?

I have been involved in shows since the beginning. In 2013, I attended the ECAHO workshop in Paris for ringmasters. However, my very first experiences as a member of the disciplinary commission and the knowledge I acquired in those years, were certainly crucial for me to get a full understanding of the regulations and the precise phases of the show performance.

Ringmasters must have practical experience working with horses, know their behaviour, and recognize the signals of horses to prevent dangerous situations. It is imperative that you know how to interact with other officials and, above all, establish a healthy relationship with DC members. Needless to say, it is of utmost importance to be familiar with the Blue Book to make the right decision quickly.

Everyone in this community knows that you are also an accomplished Disciplinary Commissioner. What are your main duties and responsibilities as a DC at shows? No doubt the role of the disciplinary commissioner is my favourite in this kind of equestrian event because I am more in close contact with all the show participants. DC’s number one rule is to guarantee the wel- fare of our beloved horses, making everyone, including other officials, respect the rules of conduct of the show, helping the organizing committees so that the event runs in the best possible way, and monitoring the smooth conduct of the championships. Finally, drafting a truthful report allows ECAHO to be informed of any problems that may have come up in the event so that, if necessary, it can take action against those who have behaved incorrectly.

Roberto, what five words would be best to describe you as a DC? Honesty Integrity Cooperation Firmness

Kindness

Do you feel like sharing with us any episode of the particular misconduct during an Arabian Horse show that you managed successfully? What makes you really angry, Roberto?

I will never forget an episode that took place a few years ago in a national championship in the Middle East…

During a yearling class, a filly broke free after her handler, a young inexperienced one… The handler had made the lead get snagged under one of the filly hooves. When he had caught her up again, he hit the poor filly brutally. I got furious with rage and gave him a red card straight away!

It has been the first time, and hopefully the last, in the course of my career. My policy is never to punish but to strive to teach and make the less experienced grow professionally. Ringmasters must have practical experience working with horses, know their behaviour, and recognize the signals of horses to prevent dangerous situations. It is imperative that you know how to interact with other officials and, above all, establish a healthy relationship with DC members. Needless to say, it is of utmost importance to be familiar with the Blue Book to make the right decision quickly.

I think Arabian horses have a noble spirit and have a great disposition to interact with us humans. If properly managed, especially in the stables, they will never behave badly or attack us. Unfortunately, cases of this kind occur more and more often, but the problem is certainly caused by poor management at home by unqualified personnel, especially grooms, or by pseudo trainers who are convinced that a strong submission of the horse makes it perform better in front of the jud- ges… which is totally wrong! Who is your all-time favourite Arabian horse? Why?

I have been in direct contact with numerous stunning Arabian horses over all these years, but if I have to name one, surely Piruet was the one who won my heart. I was lucky enough to have him on my farm for a few weeks and his combination of fire and sweetness made me fall in love with this breed. Even more, you could put a child on him and he wouldn’t be any rude, after a few minutes you could also give him a caress… but when it came his turn to perform, he would enter the arena like a lion!

I think this is precisely the essence of these horses who are capable of performing at the highest level in all disciplines, they know how to always give us thrills in everyday life.

This industry is facing a lot of concerns about its future, and some well-known personalities are taking action against the way things are going at today’s shows. Do you have any thoughts on it?

It is not an easy period for our industry. For sure... The crisis of the European market and the organization of shows outside Europe with jaw-dropping prize money make many people believe this is a world full of corruption... or where people are easily corrupted. In my opinion, it is certainly not moving away from this world that will solve the problem. In my view, we are better off working together all the time, with honesty and full dedication. This is the only way we can fully enjoy our passion for these amazing animals again.

Is there anything else you would like to accomplish at this stage in your career? Where do you see yourself, say, ten years from now? A few years ago, I also embarked on a career as a judge, passing the course for national judges organized by ANICA. I successfully completed my assistantships and participated in various events in this role. In the coming years, I am going to devote myself a little more to this new experience by participating in courses to enter the ECAHO lists of judges.

I hope that in ten years’ time, I will still be working in this industry, to be an official and a breeder with a solid knowledge, and be able to pass this knowledge onto all the people who have the same passion as me. However, I will never give up on my DC role. It will always be my favourite one in this kind of events.

Roberto, will you please leave a final message for the readers?

First of all, I want to warmly thank AHM for this interview. My message to all readers is simple, but serious. The world of shows cannot only be experienced as a business. Our passion must always remain the greatest source of wealth. Passion for our industry is by all means the engine to continue breeding successfully…

Roberto, we will treasure your words and would like to wish you the best of luck in your future endeavours as an ECAHO judge!

“Erbil Stud is an established Arabian horse breeder with a long history of success. Its horses have earned numerous honors and accolades, and it has earned itself a reputation as one of the best breeders in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.” nology & Maritime Transport University, Egypt. I have been married since 2012, and have two daughters, Saja and Sila. Both are in equestrian sport.

“Don Diego is an esteemed horse breeder, having bred four champions in the same year. eir rst champion, Zilzal, won the Somo Championship among ten competitors and was awarded the golden trophy. e second champion, Carizma Erbil, won the Championship among eight competitors and earned the bronze trophy. e third champion, Kay Khan, won their class with a silver trophy. Lastly, Blue Sky earned the champion second in its class title among other competitors. Don Diego’s breeding program has brought them many honors and accolades, and their horses are highly sought a er for their agility and grace”.

AMechanical engineer, an avid photographer and an Arabian horse lover. This is the portrait of Mohab Magdy Elshayat. He was born in Alexandria, Egypt, and settled in Dubai with his lovely family. While managing a well-known Arabian horse show company, Mohab also works as a private photographer for several studs within and outside the UAE.

Who is Mohab Elshayat exactly?

How did you become a photographer? What made you choose the Arabian Horse as a favourite subject of your photography? Since I was a child my favourite hobby has been photography because I’ve always loved animals especially horses,

My full name is Mohab Magdy El Shayat. I’m 38 years old, and I was born in Alexandria, Egypt. In addition to that, I’m also a Mechanical engineer graduating from Arab Academy for Science, Tech- dogs, and ornamental birds. But my interest increased in the Arabian horses, because they are like a piece of art or paintings with a lot of fine details. The Arabian horse is magical, majestic and every detail is different, for example: a) when it moves, it draws a beautiful panel of energy, activity, and agility; b) when he stands at his stall and neighs that a show of power; c) details of the horse’s body from its neck, head, high tail carriage, and agility paint many beautiful images.

These beautiful moments made me want to capture them and treasure it and show everyone how great Arabian horses can be.

Which Arabian horse has won your heart as a photographer? Why?

All the Arabian horses… I love them all. What I certainly love the most, or I expect to find in an Arabian horse, it is a strong presence and beautiful details.

What are your current commitments as a photographer? Are you working for any stud (s) or show organizations? In which country?

I work as general manager for Arsan Fersan based in the UAE, which specializes in photographing and covering the events of shows in the UAE in particular and the Arab world in general.

Arsan Fersan covers all the Arabian Horse Shows in the UAE We also covered other overseas shows like the Erbil show in Iraq, Kahaila in Saudi Arabia, and heritage in Egypt.

I also work as a private photographer for a lot of studs in and outside the UAE.

Mohab, how would you describe your photography style in 5 words?

I would describe my photography style as detail photography which Arabian horses has lots of and I use those details to make a connection whether it is from its fine features, strong reflections, movement, type and great body figure.

Which is your favourite lens? Why?

The selection of lenses differs from one place to another but the lens I use the most is Nikkor 70-200, then choosing the right place and focusing on the horse as the main subject makes the photos more distinctive.

What makes the best picture stand out from the average?

A lot of elements come together to make a good image such as lighting, colour, the rule of thirds, lens and the most important element is the location which makes all of them play an important role in horse photography.

How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

I educate myself through online courses, reading a lot books and apprenticing with experienced photographers, and always practicing.

Which tools do you use for post/ processing?

I use a variety of tools but my main app or program is Adobe Photoshop.

Mohab, what is the least enjoyable part of being a photographer? And the most rewarding part? Very little downside but if I must say its time consuming routine trying to find the best place to capture the best photo and upside is knowing that the client will treasure your work forever. What are your hopes and dreams or future goals? Where do you see yourself in the next five years? mohabelshayat@gmail.com arsan.fersan@gmail.com

I’m very happy with where I am, but I hope in the future to get known worldwide.

Mohab, the New Year has just started. What is your message to our international community?

I wish the success of every horse breeder in the world, and I wish part of the success of every stud I’ve ever dealt with. Of course, I thank Arabian Horse Magazine Italy for the opportunity to show my art of photography to your worldwide community!

Thanks a lot, Mohab. Best wishes for an exciting and prosperous year in 2023. May all of your dreams come true...

In Morocco, the development of purebred Arabian horse breeding has been widely acknowledged for some time. Local breeders have invested, rightly or wrongly, in breeding Arabian horses descending from international champion horses. This does not always imply that all the imported specimens with fashionable bloodlines are of equal quality to create a high-potential national genetic pool.

The purpose of these investments in Arabian horses can be identified by analysing the classements that form at regional competitions, previously governed by the Royal Moroccan Association of Breeders (Armecpsa). Regional competitions are today established by a Central Office with strong controls in many areas of horse breeding. Local breeders generally claim that these shows are not large enough to open up domestic and foreign trade, and have a very little general public audience.

Sometimes, importing horses at great expense, for an activity restricted to three annual show competitions - the Regional, the Breeders’ Cup, and possibly the National

Championship - not always pays you off, there should be at least one B and one C National competition to energize the Moroccan sector and a Competition at the National Stud of Oujda. The holding and the maintenance of horse breeding have gotten more expensive now than ever. It is often the same horses that we can find in the various competitions of the following year. International judges may sometimes be asked to make an evaluation by preference, or some retired veterinary judges will not always have shone for their fairness. During the 2022 Championship the three members of the Disciplinary Commission, Mr Zaccaria, Mr Segrouchni, Mr Zejjari as well as Mr Jorio Abdelhaq - were the guarantors of the smooth running of the competition.

Below is an exhaustive table of participation in the last five years, female horses are increasingly present in competitions. However, we should not give importance to the number of entries to the detriment of the health of the female reproducers. As we could observe in several competitions this year, pregnant mares in an advanced state, between 7 and 10 months, have been given regulatory attention by the Central Office. This body cannot ignore well-being and animal protection... That’s a fact, not allowed in Europe nor elsewhere, involving also mixed breeds.

Reflecting on the national interest, I’d like to offer an idea that might be considered legitimately. Why not hold a competition at the National Stud of Meknes during the summer of 2023? It once had an interesting mares stable, only open to mares of 4 years and over, covered in 2022, with or without foals. It would be a great showcase for Moroccan herds.

STATISTICS: REGIONAL C SHOWS

2018 National Stud of Bouznika 63 females – 39 males = 102 horses 2019 - - 70 females _ 41 males = 111 horses 2020 - - 67 females – 42 males = 109 horses 2021 - - 79 females – 51 males = 130 horses 2022 - - 81 females – 48 males = 129 horses

2018 National Stud of El Jadida 70 females – 34 males = 104 horses 2019 - - 67 females – 33 males = 100 horses 2020 - - 53 females – 35 males = 88 horses 2021 - - 61 females – 34 males = 95 horses 2022 - - 82 females – 47 males = 129 horses

2018

National Stud of Marrakech 48 females – 25 males = 73 horses 2019 - - 59 females – 30 males = 89 horses 2020 - - 45 females – 30 males = 75 horses 2021 - - 59 females – 46 males = 105 horses 2022 - - 49 females – 33 males = 82 horses

2018

National Stud of Meknès 74 females – 45 males = 119 horses 2019 - - 65 females – 41 males = 106 horses 2020 - - 65 females – 52 males = 117 horses 2021 - - 70 females – 43 males = 113 horses 2022 - - 76 females – 44 males = 120 horses

The former Regional Stud Farm of El Jadida had an extraordinary history in the Kingdom of Morocco. In a land full of heritage and ancient knowledge, the new setting and facilities of the National Stud Farm of El Jadida by the sea, are the ideal place for hosting purebred Arabian horse competitions. Their new and sympathetic Director has a busy schedule on a daily basis.

The reception is quite pleasant and relaxed with the owners-breeders and their companions who represent most of the public. On the whole, among the large number of horses who came here to compete in the different classes, two-yearold individuals appeared a bit hyper. It is not surprising that many do not work on farms or stud farms benefiting from abundant food, hence a slight plethora for these purebred ‘desert’ individuals.

It looks like the country lacks trained personnel to train horses for any competition: regional, national or international. In addition to that, Moroccan women who wouldn’t lack courage are completely absent from purebred Arabian horses shows. While, it still happens to see groomers with plastic bags exciting the horses so that they go back to their gaits. Everyone needs to be aware that horses’ well-being is negatively affected when their nerve impulses are being forced into such ways. It is, however, a fashion destined to fade away...

MAHS.1- STRAIGHT EGYPTIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

SPECIFIC ORIGIN SHOW

3th & 4th September 2022

Statistics

2018 65 females – 46 males = 111 horses 2019 73 females – 54 males = 127 horses 2020 ……….none……………………… 2021 67 females – 35 males = 102 horses 2022 57 females – 31 males = 88 horses

CHAMPIONSHIPS 2022 | FINAL RESULTS:

JUNIOR FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP

Gold Issan Fayrouz, 2019 by Al Fayed & Am Merin bint bint Munira – Issan Stud

Silver Issan Rajaa, 2020 by Rafahag & Hyblea Malika – Issan Stud

Bronze Issan Razika, 2019 by Rayyan al-Naif & Issan Fawziyah & – Haja Alal

SENIOR MARES CHAMPIONSHIP

Gold Rabha Mb, 2017 by Rayyan al-Naif & Issan Jalila – Issan Stud

Silver Issan Malacha, 2016 by Rayyan al-Naif & SLRashida _ Issan Stud

Bronze Issan Rahsa, 2015 by Rafahag & Angelina Ka _ Issan Stud

JUNIOR COLTS CHAMPIONSHIP

Gold Issan Malik, 2020 by Rayyan al-Naif & Malik by Walkir – Issan Stud

Silver Issan Safir, 2020 by Rayyan al-Naif & Malik By Walkir – Issan Stud

Bronze Issan Junaid, 2019 by Rayyan al-Naif & Jumana – Issan Stud

SENIOR STALLIONS CHAMPIONSHIP

Gold Issan Rayhan, 2015 by Rayyan al-Naif & Frasera Rania – Issan Stud

Silver Azzim al-Boraq, 2016 by Maghribi & Jouihra al-Boraq – Haras Al Boraq

Bronze Issan Sokar – 2006 by Al Adeed al-Shaqab & Insha Shabilah – Issan Stud

MAHS.2 – COUPE NATIONALE DES ELEVEURS WITH THE ASSOCIATION ROYALE MAROCAINE DES ELEVEURS

10th & 11th September 2022 2022 *96 females – *59 males = Total 155 horses

CHAMPIONSHIPS 2022

BREEDERS CUP JUNIOR FEMALES

GOLD | Nabila Bouznika, 2020 by Marsal al-Shaqab & Malidah bin Eternity-D – Haras Royal

SILVER | Farascha BM, 2019 by Fuerte & Natascha bint Bengali – Haras Menara

BRONZE | Rakiyah al-Boraq, 2020 by Rfi Farid & Oud Nouar al-Boraq – Haras al-Boraq

BREEDERS CUP SENIOR FEMALES

GOLD | Doujaa al-Boraq, 2017 by Eka Alihandro & Anai al-Boraq – Haras al-Boraq

SILVER | Etqane Bouznika, 2013 by Ts Apolo & Miss Navarrone D – Haras Royal Bouznika

BRONZE | Issan Malacha, 2016 by Rayyan al-Naif & Sl Rashida – Issan Stud

BREEDERS CUP JUNIOR

Males

GOLD | Jamil Bm, 2019 by Fa el-Rasheem & GW Shabessa – Haras Menara

SILVER | Osman Mb, 2020 by Kahilal-Shaqab & Oulaya – Issan Stud

BRONZE | Kanze Elektra, 2021 by Emagnum Moniscione & Elektra Laman – Salah el-Houari

BREEDERS CUP SENIOR MALES

GOLD | Walil Inès, 2016 by Bs Specific & Jenufa de Nautiac – Haras Inès

SILVER | Ezzaim Bouznika, 2013 by Ts Apolo & EE Auras Echo – Haras Royal Bouznika

BRONZE | Qadamous al-Boraq, 2015 by Nahar al-Bidayer & Lilia al-Boraq – Haras al-Boraq

MAHS.3 – CHAMPIONNAT NATIONAL DU MAROC WITH ASSOCIATION ROYALE MAROCAINE DES ELEVEURS

17th & 18th September 2022

Statistics

2018 65 females – 46 males = 111 horses

2019 87 females – 55 males = 142 horses

2020 74 females – 55 males = 129 horses

2021 61 females – 39 males = 100 horses

2022 99 females – 50 males = 149 horses

It would be advisable for the decision-makers to address, for next year and for several years, the absence of classes reserved for gelding horses and ridden competitions in Morocco. Arabian horses are considered an important asset in all events in Europe, as they are elsewhere in the world. Nevertheless, it isn’t just the horses at the end of a lead and the races that make breeders’ work evident.

Private breeders-owners are all direct players in the industry, when it comes to their herds, they do not hide their willingness to follow the current trends of the breed.

To distinguish themselves from other competitors, handlers should wear a total white suit, as it would add a bit of decor to this Championship. For fans of horses with Moroccan heritage, the Arabian-Barb and Barb Horse Competitions are a wonderful example of the perfect organization; the professionals wear white, without whips, and the horses move forward naturally.

Championships 2022

National Junior Females Championship

Gold Adila Bodure, 2021 by Rfi Farid & Adila Moniscione – Salah El Ouari

Silver Marrakesh, 2020 by Shiraz de Lafon & Merida J – Youssef Darim

Bronze Amira Me, 2019 by Es Harir & D Effat – Mohammed el-Atouani

National Senior Females Championship

Gold Doujaa al-Boraq, 2017 by Eks Alihandro & Ania al-Boraq – Al Boraq Stud

Silver Wienna EA, 2016 by Excalibur & Wilandra Ea – Mohamed el-Atouani

Bronze Jenufa de Nautiac, 2012 by Shanghai Ea & Jalicia de Nautiac -Haras Inès

National Junior Males Championship

Gold Jamil BM, 2019 by Fa el-Rasheem & GW Shabessa – Haras Menara

Silver Borj al-Arab Me, 2021 by Summum Marc & D Wadha – Mohammed el-Atouani

Bronze Jaouhar HD, 2020 by Absolut De Djoon & Athena Salmane – Hassan Darim

National Stallions Championship

Gold Walil Inès, 2016 by Bs Specific & Jenufa de Nautiac – Haras Inès

Silver Summum Marc Ka, 2013 by Qr Marc & L Serenella – Mohamed el-Atouani

With the Salon d’El Jadida, the Arabian Horse Organization is making a dramatic comeback, thus continuing to serve Moroccan breeders of purebred Arabian horses. The program may seem like a double show for the breeders who have already participated in a special “Breeders” competition during the summer. But, as they say, «an abundance of goods does no harm anyone...».

In 2022, the concept of the AHO maintains the complexity of its system grouping together five judgment criteria that are far too ‘heavy’, and the total of the scores ultimately determines a qualification ranging from Excellent to Insufficient. In order to judge the seventy registered, 38 females and 32 males, it would be desirable for expert judges to have more simplicity. Despite the good skills we can recognize in them, they don’t have a calculator in their brains.

Local breeders offer good specimens for the show, and the competition takes place in an overly quiet environment, to my mind a program that should be reviewed next year in a more appropriate location.