of Arabian
by Genie Stewart-Spears
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he 24th Annual Biltmore Challenge Endurance Rides were held May 5-6 in Asheville, North Carolina, with a total of 281 horse/rider teams starting in the 25-, 30-, 50-, 55-, 75-, and 100-mile events. The temperature was cooler than normal for this time of the year — 50 degrees was the high, which was great for the horses but not so much for the crews and volunteers. On Saturday, Bonni Hannah, riding FinderZkeepers (*Nivour De Cardonne x Dream Keeper), won the Biltmore Challenge AERC 100Mile competition with a course time of 13 hours 30 minutes. One hour and 52 minutes later, Kelsey Russell on Dude Free Gold (Padrons Destiny x Saizahra) crossed the finish line in second place but winning the FEI 3* division (160 km). FinderZkeepers, better known as Z, is an 11-year-old gelding bred by Cre-Run Arabians,
for these horses so we are working on making them tougher and stronger.” Trail Master Stagg Newman, whose wife Cheryl is the ride manager, talked about the trail conditions. “Going into the pre-ride preparations on Thursday, I was really pleased with the condition of the trails and with the selection of trails for the six distances over the next two days. Then Mother Nature provided us with three inches of rain between 3:00 p.m. Thursday and 3:00 a.m. Friday! Friday morning, we quickly rerouted about 1.5 miles of the first loop to move what would have been a deep muddy section to dirt road instead. On Saturday, I rerouted a few hundred yards of trail that is used both going and
Kelsey Russell on Dude Free Gold (Padrons Destiny x Saizahra) won the FEI 3* 160 km (100 miles) in 15 hours and 22 minutes and earned the FEI Best Condition Award. They were second place in the AERC senior division.
coming on the last loop for the 55-, 75-, and 100-milers. In general, riders told me the trails held up well except for short stretches and the rerouting eliminated the major issues. “My compliments to the riders who paced appropriately for the conditions,” added Stagg. “Bonni Hannah, who won the 100-miler, finished at 11:00 p.m. With good dry footing, the 100-mile winner typically finishes around 9:00 p.m. Bonni and others rode smart. Never hurry, never tarry.” Full results can be found on https:// aerc.org under competition and then results. Detailed information about the annual event can be found on: http://www.biltmoreendurance.com.
Divyn Inspiriation and Betsy Kelley by Kristi Hopp
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hen the Half-Arabian mare Divyn Inspiriation (Stonewalls Hy-Inspiration x KA Tapestry by *Madrygal) was three years old she was entered at her first Regional Championship show and earned a Top Five in halter. It would be 25 years later when the mare would compete at her second Regional show, this time earning a Championship in USDF Intro Dressage ATR with her proud owner, Betsy Kelley. “Diva” was a 16th birthday present 105 b ARABIAN HORSE WORLD b JULY 2017
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Bonni Hannah, riding FinderZkeepers (*Nivour De Cardonne x Dream Keeper), won the Biltmore 100-mile AERC division and earned the Best Condition Award. Bonni, whose course time was 13 hours and 30 minutes, says, “I overcame the odds to win because I was conservative at the start and I knew the trails well. I knew where it would be sloppy and I knew where I could move out. When I went out on the last loop alone, I knew the course and so did Z.”
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The vet check at the Biltmore Challenge Endurance Ride.
Doswell, Virginia. Fifty-three-year-old Bonni said, “Z was too small to race and they used him as a babysitter on breezes for the racehorses. He is brave and fun to ride. If he needs to stop to drink or snatch a bite to eat, he does not care if someone leaves him because he knows he’ll catch up to them.” Z also won the AERC Best Condition Award. “His BC score was the highest he has ever had,” Bonni added. “That makes me happy because it is always a fine line between going fast and taking care of your horse.” Twenty-one-year old Kelsey Russell and 10-year-old Dude Free Gold had a course time of 15 hours and 22 minutes and earned the FEI Best Condition Award. The gelding is called Dude (pronounced duty) and is owned by Kim Orr and Valerie Kanavy (two-time World Champion). Kanavy, who with her husband Larry owns Gold Medal Farms in Virginia, said, “Kim bred him and gave him to me a few years ago. He has not been registered because as a gelding it has no purpose compared to the fees charged to do so.” “This was his third 100,” Kelsey said. “I rode with Mr. Hirofumi Ono from Japan who rode Valerie’s AM Mysterious Mopsa (*Bremervale Andronicus x AM Miss Missile). Our goal for the day was to get a completion and take care of our horses. The trail was slippery so we rode extra cautiously as to not take any chances. We have plans
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BECKY PEARMAN PHOTO
horses
Biltmore Challenge Endurance Rides
BECKY PEARMAN PHOTO
What’s happening in the world
BECKY PEARMAN PHOTO
AT THE WATERHOLE
AT THE WATERHOLE What’s happening in the world of Arabian
by Genie Stewart-Spears
T
he 24th Annual Biltmore Challenge Endurance Rides were held May 5-6 in Asheville, North Carolina, with a total of 281 horse/rider teams starting in the 25-, 30-, 50-, 55-, 75-, and 100-mile events. The temperature was cooler than normal for this time of the year — 50 degrees was the high, which was great for the horses but not so much for the crews and volunteers. On Saturday, Bonni Hannah, riding FinderZkeepers (*Nivour De Cardonne x Dream Keeper), won the Biltmore Challenge AERC 100Mile competition with a course time of 13 hours 30 minutes. One hour and 52 minutes later, Kelsey Russell on Dude Free Gold (Padrons Destiny x Saizahra) crossed the finish line in second place but winning the FEI 3* division (160 km). FinderZkeepers, better known as Z, is an 11-year-old gelding bred by Cre-Run Arabians,
BECKY PEARMAN PHOTO
horses
Biltmore Challenge Endurance Rides
The vet check at the Biltmore Challenge Endurance Ride.
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Doswell, Virginia. Fifty-three-year-old Bonni said, “Z was too small to race and they used him as a babysitter on breezes for the racehorses. He is brave and fun to ride. If he needs to stop to drink or snatch a bite to eat, he does not care if someone leaves him because he knows he’ll catch up to them.” Z also won the AERC Best Condition Award. “His BC score was the highest he has ever had,” Bonni added. “That makes me happy because it is always a fine line between going fast and taking care of your horse.” Twenty-one-year old Kelsey Russell and 10-year-old Dude Free Gold had a course time of 15 hours and 22 minutes and earned the FEI Best Condition Award. The gelding is called Dude (pronounced duty) and is owned by Kim Orr and Valerie Kanavy (two-time World Champion). Kanavy, who with her husband Larry owns Gold Medal Farms in Virginia, said, “Kim bred him and gave him to me a few years ago. He has not been registered because as a gelding it has no purpose compared to the fees charged to do so.” “This was his third 100,” Kelsey said. “I rode with Mr. Hirofumi Ono from Japan who rode Valerie’s AM Mysterious Mopsa (*Bremervale Andronicus x AM Miss Missile). Our goal for the day was to get a completion and take care of our horses. The trail was slippery so we rode extra cautiously as to not take any chances. We have plans
Kelsey Russell on Dude Free Gold (Padrons Destiny x Saizahra) won the FEI 3* 160 km (100 miles) in 15 hours and 22 minutes and earned the FEI Best Condition Award. They were second place in the AERC senior division.
Divyn Inspiriation and Betsy Kelley by Kristi Hopp
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105 b ARABIAN HORSE WORLD b JULY 2017
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hen the Half-Arabian mare Divyn Inspiriation (Stonewalls Hy-Inspiration x KA Tapestry by *Madrygal) was three years old she was entered at her first Regional Championship show and earned a Top Five in halter. It would be 25 years later when the mare would compete at her second Regional show, this time earning a Championship in USDF Intro Dressage ATR with her proud owner, Betsy Kelley. “Diva” was a 16th birthday present
T H E
coming on the last loop for the 55-, 75-, and 100-milers. In general, riders told me the trails held up well except for short stretches and the rerouting eliminated the major issues. “My compliments to the riders who paced appropriately for the conditions,” added Stagg. “Bonni Hannah, who won the 100-miler, finished at 11:00 p.m. With good dry footing, the 100-mile winner typically finishes around 9:00 p.m. Bonni and others rode smart. Never hurry, never tarry.” Full results can be found on https:// aerc.org under competition and then results. Detailed information about the annual event can be found on: http://www.biltmoreendurance.com.
AT
for these horses so we are working on making them tougher and stronger.” Trail Master Stagg Newman, whose wife Cheryl is the ride manager, talked about the trail conditions. “Going into the pre-ride preparations on Thursday, I was really pleased with the condition of the trails and with the selection of trails for the six distances over the next two days. Then Mother Nature provided us with three inches of rain between 3:00 p.m. Thursday and 3:00 a.m. Friday! Friday morning, we quickly rerouted about 1.5 miles of the first loop to move what would have been a deep muddy section to dirt road instead. On Saturday, I rerouted a few hundred yards of trail that is used both going and
BECKY PEARMAN PHOTO
BECKY PEARMAN PHOTO
Bonni Hannah, riding FinderZkeepers (*Nivour De Cardonne x Dream Keeper), won the Biltmore 100-mile AERC division and earned the Best Condition Award. Bonni, whose course time was 13 hours and 30 minutes, says, “I overcame the odds to win because I was conservative at the start and I knew the trails well. I knew where it would be sloppy and I knew where I could move out. When I went out on the last loop alone, I knew the course and so did Z.”
AT THE WATERHOLE
in the cards for us. In the past, she had been a main ring hunter pleasure and halter mare, but the style changed significantly over the past twenty plus years, and she was not quite the right look anymore. “She has always been a beautiful mover, and last year I asked my trainer if she thought Diva and I could be competitive in Sport Horse Under Saddle and maybe a little dressage.” With endless determination, a borrowed saddle, and with steady guidance Divyn Inspiration (Stonewalls Hy-Inspiriation x KA Tapestry from trainer Joyce by *Madrygal) and Betsy Kelley. Thomas, Diva and Betsy realized that for Betsy, who fondly remembers childhood dream. “It was a once-in-ameeting the mare for the first time: “She lifetime experience. I was so happy just seemed impossibly large at the time, to be there with my friends and family, this big, beautiful, showy mare. She having an experience that not everyone was almost ethereal with her giant kind is lucky enough to achieve. Even with a brown eyes and bright bay coat. To this few hiccups, I was so proud of what we day, I haven’t had the same reaction to accomplished and loved the atmosphere meeting a horse, it was definitely love at of the show. The Arabian sport horse first sight!” community has really come together But college, marriage, career to create an incredibly welcoming choices and financial obligations took environment.” The Championship in precedence, so there were a number Dressage was one of three Regional titles of years that Betsy and her mare were earned that weekend, with Top Fives in separated. When the pair were reunited, Sport Horse Under Saddle as well. Quite casual trail rides and occasional a showing for the pair. schooling shows reignited Betsy’s Diva is now officially retired from competitive drive. the showring, and will spend her days “My childhood dream was to show on lazy trail rides, pasture time, and at Regionals and win a Top Five with enjoying lots of pampering. Diva, a goal which was just never quite 106 b ARABIAN HORSE WORLD b JULY 2017
HARC Newcomer Countries Get Ready to Race
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he Heritage Arabian Racing Club (HARC) is growing at a good pace now with 19 member countries, the latest being Spain, Italy, Romania, and Uruguay. Barbara de Mieulle from the Spanish Jockey Club, one of the most recent supporters says, “Spain is one of the most important countries for Arabian horses in Europe, with important traditions and champions in many disciplines such as showing, endurance, and even eventing. The purebred Arabian horse forms part of the heritage and culture of the Spanish horse, and is one of the reasons the Arabian horse is still very popular in Spain. “The unique sport with Arabian horses that Spain has not already developed is Arabian horse racing,” continues Barbara. “So from 2016 we started organizing international Arabian races to show Spanish owners and breeders that Arabian horse racing is fun and growing in Europe. Spain’s racing industry also needs more horses in order to organize more races, so Arabian racing it is a good option for the future! “Spain has huge potential, and many owners will enjoy the possibility of being part of the exciting world of racing — they are proud of their Spanish Arabians’ lineage so HARC is very important in providing a chance to be part of this new project and give them the opportunity to create the first pure Arabian horse race for national horses. “One of HARC’s main aims is to protect pure bloodlines and the Spanish blood is no exception. It also offers healthy competition in Heritage Arabian
racing across Europe thanks to HARC’s races and championships in the U.K., Belgium, Italy, Sweden, and Russia.”
Origins of Arabian Horse Racing in Spain
Racing potential. Purebred Arabian horses are one of the most important breeds and the most numerous in Romania. The Romanian National Stud of Mangalia is one of the biggest in the country and continues to produce numerous foals every year.” The fourth newcomer to HARC is Uruguay, which has a healthy stock of pure Arabian horses, however, they are still making plans for the coming season.
Greener Pastures by Nakashen Valaitham
A Polish Rose Plucked by Heaven *El Dorada PASB (*Sanadik El Shaklan x Emigrantka by *Eukaliptus) 1998 – 2016
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white rose is something that symbolizes purity, elegance, and perfection. The arrangement of its petals when in full bloom creates an image of sheer beauty, and the fragrance that it emits is one that lingers in the mind and soul for quite some time. The Polish State Studs have been known for their gardens of gorgeous white (and occasionally bay and chestnut) roses. Last year the Michalow State Stud said goodbye as one of their finest was plucked by heaven. El Dorada was one of the most beautiful and successful descendants of Michalow’s esteemed E-line. Her story began when the Polish State Studs decided to utilize her sire, the Om El Arab-bred *Sanadik El Shaklan via frozen semen in 1997. The beautiful *Eukaliptus daughter, Emigrantka, was
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Seville, the capital city of Andalusia, had an essential role in the Al-Andalusia Arabic History (711 to 1492). The governor of the city-state of Seville and the Emir of Cordoba fought for supremacy during the Al-Andalus reign. (Arabic name for today’s Andalusia). The Arabian horse, most often referred to as “the most beautiful horse in the world,” is the ancestor of the majority of today’s horse breeds, including the Thoroughbred and the Hispano-Arabic. In 780 AD, there were so many horses in Andalusia that Abd al-Rhamán I signed a peace treaty with Granada’s Arabic rulers, which comprised an annual payment of 10,000 ounces of gold, 10,000 tenner of silver and 10,000 good horses. During Cordoba’s Caliphate, the Omeyas’ herds and the Almanzor herds became very famous, and later Cordoba’s reign became particularly renowned for its horses. Horse racing was imported from the Maghreb, and soon became one of the favorite occupations of the Nazarie dynasty and Mohammed V of Cordoue. Al-Andalus was an Arabic domain that included Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities. They all celebrated their own festivities, Muslim as well as Christian, like Granada’s Mozarabes celebrating Christmas and New Year. Among their favorite celebrations were jousting, dueling, and horse riding competitions. Equestrian art and horse races appeared after the 10th century, at the end of the Omeyas’ reign. Italy is yet another European
country that is proud to have recently joined HARC and has great plans for 2017 and beyond. Annalisa Landucci who is the new HARC representative explains, “We would like to use our sponsorship during the Italian Show Championships being held in September in Rome at the Capannelle Racecourse. This will be a global event with racing, shows in-hand, and endurance races. It also offers a good opportunity to present HARC to our members, especially the breeders of show and endurance Arabians.” As there are not many pure Arabians currently racing in Italy they will hold bonus races offering prize money for the best Heritage horse participating in each of the two Capannelle races, one for three-years-olds and the other for four years and older. They are also very excited to travel with their best horses to take part in HARC’s European Championship and Nations Cup in October. For 2017, the Romanian Arab Horse Racing Association (A.R.A.C.) has the aim to send three of its best horses in Belgium to represent Heritage purebred Arabian horses at the European HARC race in October. A first official race is being prepared, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ploiesti Hippodrome which will take place at the end of 2017, after the Belgian race. For 2018 plans are already being discussed to hold their own HARC championship and a further eight to 10 races — all very exciting. Frenchman Mr. Guillaume Fillet is delighted to be part of the Heritage Arabian Racing Club and says that “due to the fact that all purebred Arabian horses from the Romanian National Stud are Heritage, there is strong Heritage
AT THE WATERHOLE
*El Dorada PASB
one of the mares chosen to be bred to Sanadik and in 1998 she gave the stud and the entire breed a rose that would take our breath away on every occasion. What we aficionados loved about El Dorada was how equally matched her show and breeding record was. As a filly, she was the talk of the town and took home the Champion Junior Filly titles at the Polish Nationals, European Championships, and All Nations Cup. As she matured, she blossomed into a gorgeous being and went on to become European Champion, U.S. National Champion, and Scottsdale Reserve Champion Mare. El Dorada was leased twice to two different continents. The first was to Valley Oak Arabians in the United States. There she captured prestigious titles and produced the international champion El Palacio VO (by Al Lahab), 108 b ARABIAN HORSE WORLD b JULY 2017
and the outstanding broodmare Elle Dorada (by Enzo). It was in 2012 that she was leased by Athbah Stud in Saudi Arabia. She was named Silver Senior Mare at the PSAIAHF, All Nations Cup and ended her lease by being named Bronze World Champion Mare. She produced a beautiful colt by EKS Alihandro for Athbah Stud. Back home in Poland, she leaves behind daughters like El Medina (by *Gazal Al Shaqab) and El Denaba (by Esparto), among others. For many, El Dorada was the quintessential Arabian mare; she was feminine but athletic, powerful but soft, a
showring queen and broodmare supreme. So why did I compare her to a rose? El Dorada has had an impact on so many lives and her fragrance will continue to linger through the memories and progeny she has left on this earth. We send our deepest condolences to Michalow Stud and to each and every person who was involved in her life. Rest in peace El Dorada, may your fragrance and beauty linger in our minds forever.
An Egyptian King Laid To Rest Ansata Nile Echo (Ansata Hejazi x Ansata White Nile by Prince Fa Moniet) 1996 – 2016
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im Rohn once said that all good men and women must create legacies that will take the next generation to a level we could only imagine. On the day Ansata Nile Echo was foaled, Donald and Judith Forbis probably knew that this special colt would be one that would influence the Arabian breed on a global scale, taking it to greater heights of beauty and success. Sheikh Abdulla bin Nasser Al Ahmed Al Thani of Al Naif Stud in Qatar also saw what Donald and Judith saw; he recognized this colt’s potential and Ansata Nile Echo made his way to the stud as a weanling. Like Ansata Nile Echo
live on forever. We send our deepest condolences to Sheikh Abdulla bin Nasser Al Ahmed Al Thani and everyone at Al Naif Stud — rest in peace Ansata Nile Echo.
The Embodiment of Excellency *Emanor (*Wojslaw x Emanacja by *Eukaliptus) 1993 – 2016
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hen Dr. Ignacy Jaworowski directed the esteemed Michalow Stud, his meticulous and out-of-the-box breeding decisions gave rise to an era of unparalleled beauty and quality in Poland. The Eukaliptus daughters Emigrantka (x Emigracja) and Emanacja (x Emigracja) were just two of many fine mares that Dr. Ignacy Jaworowski bred and are to date, some of the most important mares in the breed. Polish National Champion Emanacja produced the powerful, charismatic moving machine *Emanor, who was sired by Polish National Champion *Wojslaw
(Tallin x *Wilejka by *El Paso). *Emanor inherited his sire and dam’s winning ways and conquered the west. After being named Polish National Champion in 1998, he was imported to the U.S. by Jerzy “George Z” Zbyszewski for Ron and Mila Hart. In 1999, *Emanor and Michael Byatt took the U.S. by storm — his charisma, presence, and powerful, high-stepping movement had him in the winner’s circle on every occasion. Together they won Scottsdale Champion Stallion, Reserve Champion Stallion at the Canadian Nationals and U.S. National Champion Stallion. *Emanor was more than just a pretty stand-up horse; he was functional, athletic, well balanced and engaged. That, coupled with his phenomenal movement, made him the perfect English pleasure horse. In 2000, he was named Scottsdale Champion English Pleasure and in 2002, he captured the Canadian National Champion Park title. Dr. Jaworowski brought to life the epitome of versatility and excellence in the form of *Emanor. We send our deepest condolences to Ron and Mila Hart and everyone who was involved with *Emanor.
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most straight Egyptian horses, with each passing year his beauty and quality were heightened to jaw-dropping levels. What made him stand out though, was his powerful trot; it was the combination of athleticism, beauty, nobility, and all things the Bedouins treasured about the Arabian. Whether you saw him in person or on the screen of your laptop, you’d be covered in goosebumps. Thus he earned the name, “King of Trot.” Apart from his gorgeous and athletic exterior, his pedigree was a huge part of what made him such an attractive stallion. Ansata Nile Echo was an amalgamation of some of the finest Ansata bloodlines. He is by far one of the most influential sons of the Egyptian Event Reserve Champion Ansata Hejazi, who in turn was a son of the legendary Ansata Halim Shah. His dam, Ansata White Nile, was a daughter of the McCracken-bred Prince Fa Moniet. Ansata White Nile blessed her son with a tail female line to the Babson-bred cornerstone of Ansata Stud, Falima, also known as the foundress of Ansata’s Nile line. What Ansata Nile Echo did as a breeding horse is testament to the greatness that lies within his pedigree. He crossed well with a plethora of mares, enhancing their beauty, strengthening bodies, and passing on his amazing movement. He has left behind a multitude of sons and daughters for Al Naif Stud and other studs around the world. Ansata Nile Echo created his own legacy. One that took the new generation to levels none of us had ever imagined, one that filled barns around the world with beauty, and one that will certainly *Emanor
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