FA El Rasheem by Arabian Horse World

The 2011 colt FA El Rasheem (FA El Shawan [by *Marwan Al Shaqab] x Virtuosa [by Versace]).

by denise hearst

After a long day indoors watching the Las Vegas World Cup last April, it was wonderful to be outside enjoying the beautiful desert evening. As the sun slipped behind the Spring Mountains, turning everything golden, guests sipped champagne and nibbled hors d’oeuvres poolside as they waited for the guest of honor, the lovely bay colt FA El Rasheem (FA El Shawan x Virtuosa MLR by Versace). It was a classy event. Turns out the horse was classy, too. His new owners — Neil and Jeanne Braverman and Jeff and Rich Sloan — were introduced, and at last El Rasheem made his entrance. By the time he’d made a few passes on the palm-lined runway, he had a few more part owners, a full book of mares for 2013, and his 2014 book is nearly sold out. So just where did this colt come from, and how did he show up on the Bravermans’ and Sloans’ radar? Neil Braverman sets the stage: “A few years ago I bought Black Rock Ranch, a famous Quarter Horse breeding and training facility near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, as a real estate investment, never thinking I’d be in the horse business. I don’t have a history of being a horseman, but after I bought the ranch I discovered what horses — and ranching — was all about. And I liked it. I was thinking of it as a hobby, but when I looked at the infrastructure of the ranch and considered its fine reputation as a world-class equine reproductive center, I considered the possibilities. “I wanted to move to a higher level, so I decided to get into the Arabian side of the horse business,” Neil continues. “That’s when I met Rich Sloan. He recommended I meet his brother Jeff, so the three of us got together in January in Naples, Florida, to see if we shared a common vision. We had a meeting of the minds. Jeff really captured my attention with his bold thinking.” It was then that the concept of Black Rock Arabians was forged and a partnership among the three came to life. A key tenet of their plan was to find a young Arabian colt who could be the cornerstone breeding stallion of the program. “I knew this wouldn’t be an easy find,” says Jeff. “And so I set out on a worldwide quest. I had certain criteria in mind. A colt of this magnitude had to have the style that is in vogue today — a focus on type, in particular a beautiful head. His phenotype must reflect his genotype, and he must have something special that distinguishes him in a dramatic and undeniable way. “In early February 2013, I received a call from trainer Steve Heathcott, who informed me that he had a special colt coming in to his barn that night. I asked him to call me no matter what time it was and tell me what he thought of the colt. After hearing Steve’s impressions I was convinced that I needed to jump on a plane. I phoned Rich and the two of us met in Phoenix the next morning, and went to meet El Rasheem. We were bowled over. I phoned Neil and told him that we had found the one … the colt that met all three fundamental criteria. We committed to the purchase, with Neil buying half and Rich and me buying the other half. Even though the purchase price was a substantial sum, I had a cool calm sense about our new colt. I knew we had the one we wanted.”

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hen I first saw El Rasheem I lost my mind for a while! The only thing I could do was observe and try to register what I was looking at. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a colt with such refinement and dryness in my entire life, certainly not at his age. His face is absolute perfection … what we all dream of. A stallion needs to have something that is unique, something exceptional he can bring to the breed. El Rasheem’s face makes him stand out to such a degree that I know the standard will be changed from now on. Besides his exceptional face, El Rasheem has the kind of pedigree Aljassimya’s owner, Sheikh Jassim, absolutely adores: *Marwan Al Shaqab, *ZT Shakfantasy, Versace, and Ali Jamaal. And we haven’t even discussed the mare side yet! Aljassimya Farm already has two mares in foal to him, and we’re glad to have the opportunity to breed over 20 mares to El Rasheem next year. That will be a real test for a young stallion, but we believe he deserves it. Bart Van Buggenhout, manager Aljassimya Farm, Doha, Qatar, and Santa Ynez, California

he world for all its vastness is really a small place. For super colt El Rasheem to be the product of the same program that produced super stallion FA El Shawan is not luck but the result of careful blending of pedigrees and knowledge. I have great

ut the El Rasheem story starts much earlier. At the 2006 Brazilian Nationals, a quiet bay yearling colt stood out for his refinement and correctness. A closer view revealed his fine skin and dry facial features. He was named 2006 Brazilian National Champion Junior Colt. Turns out, we’d be hearing a lot more from him. This was FA El Shawan (Marwan Al Shaqab x Foxbriar Shakita), sire of El Rasheem, both bred by Marlene and George Rieder of Grovespring, Missouri, and exported to Brazil in 2006. Shawan went on to win several more titles in Brazil, including Brazilian FA El Rasheem, facing page and above. National Champion Stallion. In 2011, his Brazilian owners shipped him back to the U.S. to compete, netting U.S. National Champion Stallion 6-7 Years Old, and Arabian Breeders World Cup Gold Supreme Champion Stallion and High Score of Show. With El Shawan back in the States, Marlene and George were eager to use him, and bred three mares. Marlene speaks of the cross that produced El Rasheem. “FA El Shawan passed on his extreme head, delicate muzzle, expressive eyes, and correct legs and body. We thought that breeding him to Virtuosa MLR (Versace x Alishahmaal by Ali Jamaal) would be a great outcross. Virtuosa is a tall, beautiful mare that possesses the type and beauty of her pedigree. Her famous sire, Versace, added to the elegance and refinement. Alishahmaal, Virtuosa’s dam, also contributed the bloodlines of the stellar sires Ali Jamaal and Bey Shah. “We had been hoping for a filly after having colts for the last two years, so for a brief moment we were disappointed that it was a colt. But of course, the second we saw that chiseled head and those expressive eyes, we were elated. “We feel more than blessed to have bred two incredible stallions, especially considering we are small, hands-on breeders,” continues Marlene. “Our goal is to breed for foals that are not only beautiful but possess excellent minds and sweet dispositions. FA El Shawan and his son FA El Rasheem are great examples.”

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ust as every great horse has great breeders behind him, he also benefits from promoters who recognize quality and ensure he achieves his potential. *Pianissima, *Emandoria, LD Pistol, Aria Impressario … these are but a few of the great horses that have carried the Sloans’ Aria Arabians banner into the Nationals winners circle. Not only does Jeff have the uncanny knack of finding the great ones, but of acquiring or leasing horses that are thought to be “ungettable.” We asked him about the things that speak to his soul when assessing bloodstock. “I think it simply starts with my deep passion for the Arabian horse,” Jeff says. “I consume information about the Arabian horse. I am constantly ‘on it.’ When I get that feeling that drives me to check out an opportunity, I lock on and focus until the job is done. I know what I’m looking for, and I know it when I see it. First, a horse’s conformation and pedigree must be rock solid. One of the most important *Marwan Al Shaqab characteristics that sets a horse apart is an FA El Shawan inner beauty that shines through and makes Foxbriar Shakita you smile when you gaze upon the horse. The second is a single characteristic that is extreme FA EL RASHEEM — a feature that raises the bar. In Rasheem Versace I saw a horse that exudes Arabian type in Virtuosa MLR every feature of his being. That absolutely sets Alishahmaal him apart.

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*Gazal Al Shaqab Little Liza Fame *ZT Shakfantasy Selket Mirror Fame VF Precious As Gold Ali Jamaal NV Alieshah

admiration for his breeders Marlene and George Rieder of Foxbriar Farms. In February of this year I was hearing the drumbeat about a super colt by my one of my favorite stallions, FA El Shawan. Before I had a chance to see him, Marlene told me that he had been sold. Early during our week at the Scottsdale show I crossed paths with Jeff and Rich Sloan and Neil Braverman. As the new co-owners of El Rasheem they asked if I would be interested in seeing him in person and to perhaps be a part of “Team Rasheem.” My wife Nancy and I took one look at him and without even making eye contact we each uttered, “Wow!” El Rasheem is the most refined and beautiful male horse I have seen. His head structure along with his degree of type makes him extremely rare. In the cookie-cutter world of transported semen so many of our horses look alike, with the same strengths and same weaknesses. El Rasheem is a truly rare and elite colt who will win the world over. With his American length of leg and his European type and style, he is capturing attention and an enviable book of mares. We are honored to be a part of El Rasheem’s future. I know that Rasheem will go places few others have gone. Our goals are huge with Rasheem — then again, so is his quality. Greg Gallún, Gallún Farms, Santa Ynez, California

t Scottsdale this year, “El Rasheem” was the name of the colt every trainer and breeder wanted to catch a glimpse of. I was one of those lucky enough to be invited to see him.

FA El Rasheem was “unveiled” at the 2013 Las Vegas World Cup Show to an admiring crowd. He was presented there by Greg Gallún.

“With Rasheem, our goal was to bring in new people as partners. We closed it quickly with 15 people joining the three of us,” adds Jeff. “Among the partners are newcomers, as well as great stewards of the Arabian breed, like Larry Jerome and Kim Jarvis. It’s a who’s who group behind this horse. Each member gets four breedings a year to use or sell.” Rich and Jeff Sloan are avid promoters of the breed. Rich credits his brother for “lighting the fire for these beautiful animals for the entire Sloan family.” Together they have been especially adept at attracting newcomers. “We have invited a number of new folks to the breed who have become involved in a way that maximizes their odds of success while giving them the extraordinary lifestyle opportunities that come with a horse that has international pull and potential,” says Rich. To that end, El Rasheem, as young as he is, brings together all of the romance of what’s best about Arabian stallions. He has ignited the passion of many who wish to contribute in a significant way to the storied lineage of the Arabian breed. We’re in this to make an impact and be part of history. It is incredibly exciting to be with my brother and this great group of partners as we move the breed forward.” 4 ▪ EL RASHEEM ▪ WORLD

A few of the mares assembled by the Black Rock Arabians partnership. Clockwise from top left: *WSR Chocolat Blanc (Gris El Jamaal x Godiva RMC by *Almaden II), in foal to FA El Rasheem. Geminis Fanntacee (Versace x Auntie Fame by Fame VF), in foal to FA El Rasheem. Honeys Delight RB (JJ Senor Magnum x Honeymoon FHP by NV Sure Fire), 2012 Brazilian National Champion Junior Mare, Champion Produce of Dam, and dam of 2012 Brazilian National Reserve Champion Junior Junior Filly Delights Diva RB (by Ajman Moniscione), in foal to FA El Rasheem. Star of Ajman (Ajman Moniscione x S Rhapsody by *Marwan Al Shaqab), a 2011 filly who will make her showring debut at the Scottsdale Arabian Breeders Finals in October 2013. 5 ▪ EL RASHEEM ▪ WORLD

As we pulled up in the driveway, there he was — a balanced, beautiful, and statuesque colt with a group of onlookers following him. I felt my excitement grow and my hope to see something truly unique and wonderful abounded. I felt confident that he was not only unique in type and quality but outstanding. The angles of his face are all beautiful — whenever I have known a great horse, this is more often than not the case. Along with his extraordinary facial structure he has beautiful legs, feet, short back, and a smooth body. El Rasheem optimizes the very best of his grandsire Versace’s timeless beauty, along with the inherent qualities of *Marwan El Shaqab, Ali Jamaal, and *El Shaklan. I knew immediately I wished to use him in my breeding program. In my opinion he is the ultimate son of his sire, the late FA El Shawan — he’s like a gift in his memory, especially since they were both bred by Marlene Rieder. Instead of sacrificing beauty for correctness or vice versa, I believe El Rasheem could potentially lend both to his offspring. Only time will tell, and I couldn’t be more anxious to see my foals by him. Erin Naas, Dolce Cavallo, Scottsdale, Arizona

was looking for a special stallion for my beautiful Jake Jamaal JCA daughter Fellada JCA. Greg Gallún suggested I look at a young two-yearold colt that was in his barn. I was instantly impressed by his charisma and the exotic head, but most of all, it was his temperament and structure that convinced me this was the stallion

The Black Rock Arabians partnership has begun assembling a group of mares, many of whom have already been bred to El Rasheem. The mares will soon be moving to the Bravermans’ Black Rock Ranch in Idaho. “We’ve been doing a lot of outside breeding with Quarter Horses at the ranch, and we started doing some Arabian breeding this year,” says Neil. “We are concentrating our efforts on making Black Rock Ranch a world-class Arabian horse breeding and marketing facility. We’re working on teaming up with Washington State University on some projects, so that’s a big plus. We will welcome outside clients and are planning to host promotional events geared toward people new to the breed.” While El Rasheem’s look and potential transcend international boundaries, Jeff believes he may be exactly the kind of horse that needs to stay in America. “So many horses with this kind of extreme type end up getting purchased and

Thank you to the owners of these notable mares bred to El Rasheem for 2014 foals: Top left: Multi-international champion *Najdah Al Zobair (*Marwan Al Shaqab x *JFN Bint Ludhan by AB Magnum), owned by Al Zobair Stud, UAE. Top right: NW Siena Psyche (Padrons Psyche x NV Shanteuse by Bay Shah), three-time U.S. National Champion and dam of National Champions, owned by Nicasio Winds Arabians, California. Bottom: *SA Misha Apal (A.S. Natsir-Apal x Nyara JC by Nadir I), 2009 All-Nations Cup Gold Champion Mare, owned by Al Zobair Stud, UAE. 6 ▪ EL RASHEEM ▪ WORLD

going overseas, and American breeders don’t get to use them. One of our primary goals is to make El Rasheem a significant breeding stallion here in this country. We know he has an amazing pedigree and a phenotype that aligns with his pedigree, so we have every reason to believe we’re going to have a very important breeding horse on our hands. That’s the way we’re looking at him.” For the Bravermans, El Rasheem is just the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. “My wife Jeanne is really taken by the whole Arabian breed. She loves the look of them, their beautiful heads … they’ve certainly sparked her interest,” says Neil. “I have found that the Arabian horse world is a bit more sophisticated than the Quarter Horse world, and I enjoy the social aspects — meeting great people and the international appeal are also draws. My friends are excited about getting involved, and we’re getting unbelievable interest from non-horse people.

FA El Rasheem

for Fellada JCA. Jade Creek has always bred for beautiful, well-conformed, and versatile horses, and I am quite sure El Rasheem will carry on this tradition. El Rasheem in my opinion is the next super horse! Congratulations to the owners and good luck! Manny Lawrence, Jade Creek Arabians, Santa Ynez, California

first saw El Rasheem in Vegas, but I had already committed to an ownership share in the partnership prior to the show, based on the advice of certain special people whose knowledge I respect. I admired El Rasheem’s sire FA El Shawan, as well as his Brazilian owners who I consider to be great horsemen. I also love many other FA El

Shawan get. The breeder of both stallions, Marlene Rieder, is an incredible woman, and she’s bred more than one great horse. As a breeder, I respect that. I don’t align myself with a stallion very often. Something really hit me about this colt. I was introduced to Neil Braverman by Jeff Sloan at Scottsdale prior to any of this happening. I’m always excited for new people who are entering into the industry. I think Neil is a good new owner and a fine man. I’m excited about the El Rasheem partners who are new to the Arabian breed. What a great way to get your feet wet with such a classic Arabian horse. My program is based on crossing the daughters of my two stallions Giovanni and Khadraj, back to the other stallion. I wanted a third stallion that

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would give me a little more without taking anything away. I combed the world for a horse that combined Ali Jamaal blood with many of the other great horses that I wanted. Rasheem fit the bill. He looks like how he is bred. The phenotype matches the genotype. He’s an incredible example of beauty and type. At the end of the day we all have to be excited about what we breed, and I am truly excited about this next step in our breeding program. I already have a mare in foal to El Rasheem; she’s by Giovanni and out of a Khadraj daughter. She’s a beautiful mare, and I think the foal will be very exciting. I really love my horses … and this horse adds more fireworks to my life! Larry Jerome, Jerland Farms, Barron, Wisconsin

“At the presentation of El Rasheem in Vegas, several guests came up to me and said, ‘People wait 20 years for a horse like this. You’re brand-new and you hit it out of the park on the first shot. Do you realize how fortunate you are?’ Well, it’s starting to sink in! What do I think of our involvement now? I love it! I’m fortunate to have gotten my start with the Sloan brothers and together we have big plans.” Such is the power of great people converging with great horses at the center of a great breed.

A El Rasheem is one of those horses that you have imagined, but never quite seen. His pedigree is full of horses that I have loved and bred to before. It is with great anticipation that I look forward to seeing the foals from the Day Dream breeding program combined with the magical beauty of this young superstar! Carol Steppe, Day Dream Arabians, Santa Ynez, California

The Black Rock Ranch facility near Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, is state-of-the-art and plans are in the works to make it a world-class Arabian horse breeding and marketing facility. The ranch welcomes outside clients and plans include hosting promotional events geared toward people new to the breed.

ElRasheem.com The El Rasheem Group, LLC Black Rock Arabians Jeff Sloan 248.766.2903 jeff@blackrockarabians.com

380 N. Old Woodward Avenue · Suite 290 · Birmingham, MI 48009 · USA 22456 S. Anderson Lake Road · Harrison, ID, 83833 · USA Neil Braverman 239.821.5454 neil@blackrockarabians.com

Rich Sloan 248.766.2905 rich@blackrockarabians.com

FA El Shawan x Virtuosa MLR, by Versace Owned by The El Rasheem Group, LLC

Multi-National Champion Marwan Al Shaqab x Foxbriar Shakita, by ZT Shakfantasy

National Champion

Marwan Al Shaqab x Foxbriar Parysel Owned by Paul & Bianca Clark Westbury Park Arabians, Australia

George & Marlene Ann Rieder Grovespring, MO Mrieder@wildblue.net â&#x20AC;˘ (417) 462-0001

the El Rasheem adventure! We got our start in Arabians just under a year ago when we met Jeff Sloan and partnered with him on a filly we purchased from Mulawa Arabian Stud. That filly is the Aria Impresario daughter Impressa MI. Our start in this business has been thrilling. We have shown Impressa twice with Andy Sellman at the lead — and she has been Champion both times — Scottsdale Champion Junior TwoYear-Old Filly and Region 10 Champion Two-Year-Old Filly. Now she’s on to the Canadian and U.S. Nationals and in 2014, we eagerly anticipate breeding her to El Rasheem. We’ve joined the El Rasheem Group as partners and we’ve purchased a beautiful Psymadre daughter and halfinterest with Jeff in a daughter of the legendary *Padron. We are so proud to be part of this beautiful breed and look forward to many exciting times ahead!

Joanne and Ram Gunabalan

J . R .’ S

D R E A M

A R A B I A N S ,

4320 Newcastle Drive Clarkston, MI 48348

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L L C

MI Aria Impresario x Mulawa Alexa

JCA

Jake Jamaal JCA++// x Fallada Bred to FA El Rasheem for 2014

“I am proud to have been one of the first breeders to breed to Jullyen El Jamaal after I saw him 14 years ago, and I hold the same confidence in FA El Rasheem as a cross on our beautiful daughter of Jake Jamaal JCA.” ~ Manny Lawrence Manny Lawrence • 3675 Baseline Ave., Santa Ynez, CA 93460 • 805.693.1400 • manny@jadecreek.com • www.jadecreek.com

Celebrating 20 years of successful breeding decisions

Ever After NA x Jacline Jamal JCA

JCA

2013 filly out of Ruffiane JCA (Jake Jamaal JCA++// x FS Carose [Padrons Psyche x WN By Design by Arn-Ett Perlane])

Day Dream Arabians is thrilled to be a part of the first foal crop sired by the exciting, young stallion FA El Rasheem through our beloved Jullane!

WR Sired by *Jullyen El Jamaal

Out of Likely To Strike, by Strike

Congratulations to Al Zobair Stud Sheikh Abdulla Bin Mohamed Al Thani on their embryo by FA El Rasheem

Owner Carol Steppe Santa Ynez, California cell 510.599.9843 â&#x20AC;˘ farm 805.325.9190

Inc. Trainer Paul Keenan www.DayDreamArabians.com Find us on Facebook!

FA El Rasheem

The El Rasheem Group, LLC 380 N. Old Woodward Avenue · Suite 290 · Birmingham, MI 48009 · USA Black Rock Arabians 22456 S. Anderson Lake Road · Harrison, ID 83833 · USA

Jeff Sloan 248.766.2903 jeff@blackrockarabians.com

Neil Braverman 239.821.5454 neil@blackrockarabians.com

Rich Sloan 248.766.2905 rich@blackrockarabians.com

ElRasheem.com

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