photos by Gigi Grasso
Amir Al Shaqab daughters MS Amira (x Om El Marieka by *Sanadik El Shaklan), top, and MS Njood (x Rosemary FHP by Don El Chall).
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is type, presence, and quality evoke the essence of Ruminaja Ali!” observed David Boggs upon first encountering Amir Al Shaqab. And, in fact, Amir’s sire and dam are both grandget of the legendary straight Egyptian U.S. National Reserve Champion Stallion and international sire of significance. Those who knew Ruminaja Ali confirm the two stallions share more than coat color and that legendary Egyptian type. It seems, in particular, to be that “it” factor that draws gasps of “WOW!” But hints of Amir’s star-studded pedigree are also apparent. Amir exhibits his sire *Gazal Al Shaqab’s athleticism, Ali Jamaal’s silhouette, Kajora’s silken coat, Anaza El Farid’s long, flowing mane and forelock, and that proven, breedy, structure of Brandie Alexandra (*SR Nadom x Brandie). Amir was born in America and commenced his show and breeding career in Europe before moving to Qatar, where he captured the most prestigious titles in the country. From Qatar, he returned to the United States where he spent a leisurely year and a half presiding over his own fifteen-acre pasture, knee-deep in that famous Kentucky bluegrass at Mark Wharton and Quentin Naylor’s Peregrine Arabians, where he bred daughters of the 1997 U.S. National Champion Stallion *Fairview Klassique. Sultan Al Shaqab (x Abha Al Shaqab by Abha Fadil), a 2011 colt, is Amir’s first foal and already a highly accomplished show horse after just two seasons and limited outings: 2012 Menton Gold Champion Yearling Colt and European Championship Silver Champion Colt before being named 2013 Bronze World Champion Colt.
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photos by Gigi Grasso
Amir Al Shaqab daughters MS Amira (x Om El Marieka by *Sanadik El Shaklan), top, and MS Njood (x Rosemary FHP by Don El Chall).
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And Sultan is just the beginning. Daniah Al Shaqab (x Shahirat Al Shaqab by Al Adeed Al Shaqab) is among the finest Al Shaqab-bred 2013 fillies along with two spectacular fillies bred by Mohammed Al Sulaiti, MS Njood (x Rosemary FHP by Don El Chall) and MS Amira (x Om El Marieka by *Sanadik El Shaklan). The first foals have begun arriving at Peregrine Arabians this season with rave reviews, and Al Shaqab is honored that Haras Mayed has bred their jewel, the breathtaking JJ Argentina (Faraa Al Shaqab x Diva Girl by Versace) for 2015. As Amir’s offspring begin to generate favorable opinion, perhaps the biggest impression Amir made upon anyone — an encounter that actually left everyone present with goose bumps — was on the day he returned to Qatar from abroad. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al-Thani, the chairman of Al Shaqab’s board, was walking the stables with Al Shaqab breeding and show manager Mohammed Al Sulaiti, as Amir entered the barn. Amidst the bustle of Amir announcing his arrival at the stables, he suddenly stopped and focused his gaze upon Sheikh Mohammed, and for just a short moment the barn fell silent. Then, ever so gently, Amir reached out to Sheikh Mohammed, accepting a hearty scratch on the forehead. It was an elegant and touching indication of Amir’s true character and appreciation for the warmth and affection for people. Since that day Amir has held a special fascination for Sheikh Mohammed, who has proclaimed Amir to be his stallion. Certainly, those who know him have all relayed moving testaments of admiration for Amir’s gentlemanly demeanor. However, it’s just as fulfilling to be present and look on as visitors are swept up by his presence and the exhilarating sensation of meeting Amir Al Shaqab for the first time. Amir will be presented throughout Europe by Giacomo Capacci, and he and Al Shaqab are eager to share that first-time experience of meeting Amir with the rest of the world. 32 ▪ ARABIAN HORSE WORLD ▪ JUNE 2014
Ruminaja Ali Anaza El Farid Bint Deenaa *Gazal Al Shaqab Kaborr Kajora *Edjora
AMIR AL SHAQAB Ali Jamaal *Parys El Jamaal FF Pavielle Amira Madrona Front Page SF Chanel SF
Shaikh Al Badi Bint Magidaa *Ansata Ibn Halima *Deenaa *Naborr Bint Kholameh *Excelsjor Edessa Ruminaja Ali Heritage Memory Gdansk FF Azuree Fan Tastik Cameo Bey *SR Nadom Brandie Alexandra Brandie