Al Shaqab

Al Shaqab

Member of Qatar Foundation

b y D e n i s e P. H e a r s t

Pre v i o u s p a g e a n d a b o v e : Wo r l d C h a m p i o n S t a l l i o n Ga z a l A l S h a q a b ( A n a z a E l Fa r i d x K a j o r a ) , 1 9 9 5 b a y s t a l l i o n , h a s s i re d m u l t i p l e i n t e r n a t i o n a l c h a m p i o n s w o r l d w i d e .

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hen HH The Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani founded Al Shaqab in 1992, he was passionate about Arabian horses and understood their decisive role in Qatar’s history and in achieving his country’s liberty. He determined that Al Shaqab should inspire Qatari citizens, and the world.

Indeed, Al Shaqab sparked a renaissance for the Arabian horse in the Gulf. To assure continuity of Arabian horse breeding in Qatar, at the beginning of the new millennium he placed Al Shaqab under the umbrella of the Qatar Foundation and undertook construction of a spectacular

new equine facility. Today Al Shaqab’s board of directors is chaired by his son HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad Al Thani, an enthusiastic horseman and avid competitor. HH the Emir’s daughter, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, a graduate of Duke University, serves as a member of Al Shaqab’s board of directors and takes an active interest in the show program. She is also chair of the Qatar Museums Authority and is encouraging the development of equine artists through Al Shaqab’s atelier project. Other members of the royal family are also owners, riders, and active participants in various equine activities.

L e f t : A m i r A l S h a q a b ( Ga z a l A l S h a q a b x A m i r a M a d r o n a ) 2 0 0 7 g re y s t a l l i o n , w a s 2 0 0 8 Q a t a r Na t i o n a l Champion, 2009 Qatar International R e s e r v e C h a m p i o n , a n d t h e 2 0 1 0 We l l s International Champion.

Bottom left: Saiaf Al Shaqab, a 2010 b a y c o l t b y Ga z a l A l S h a q a b o u t o f t w o t i m e Wo r l d R e s e r v e C h a m p i o n Ve n e t z i a ( Ve r s a c e x G i a v a n n a ) .

B o t t o m r i g h t : Fa d i l a h A l S h a q a b , a 2 0 0 9 b a y f i l l y b y Ga z a l A l S h a q a b o u t o f Q R A n n a h Fe r r a r i ( E n z o x K o u re a m d e Ment).

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In contemporary Arabian horse breeding, there is perhaps no program that has had the same global impact on the breed as Al Shaqab. After nearly 20 years, not only has Al Shaqab bred their own major show champions in nearly all of the world’s great showrings, but the stud has bred the sires of those winners as well.

Their trio of respected stallions, Gazal Al Shaqab (Anaza El Farid x Kajora), his son Marwan Al Shaqab (x Little Liza Fame), and the straight Egyptian Al Adeed Al Shaqab (Ansata Halim Shah x Sundar Alisayyah) have helped build the Al Shaqab name and define the stud’s commitment to excellence. Each of them is a champion at the highest levels of competition, and each has in turn sired international champions. Gazal and Marwan in particular are routinely found at the top of leading sire charts. “They represent our 4 b AL SHAQAB b WORLD

Dirar Al Shaqab (x HB Bessolea), a 2009 grey stallion and f u l l b r o t h e r t o Wo r l d C h a m p i o n B a a n d e r o s a n d S c o t t s d a l e and Region 9 Champion Baahir El Marwan, will begin his s h o w r i n g c a r e e r n e x t y e a r.

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T h e 2 0 0 0 b a y s t a l l i o n M a r w a n A l S h a q a b ( Ga z a l A l S h a q a b x L i t t l e L i z a Fa m e ) w a s Wo r l d C h a m p i o n S e n i o r S t a l l i o n , t w i c e U . S . Na t i o n a l C h a m p i o n Ju n i o r S t a l l i o n , t w i c e Wo r l d C h a m p i o n C o l t , Eu r o p e a n C h a m p i o n C o l t , A l l Na t i o n s C u p Champion Colt, and is the sire of multiple international champions.

Kahil Al Shaqab (Mar wan Al Shaqab x OFW Mishaahl), a 2008 bay stallion, w a s 2 0 0 9 We l s International Champion Colt and 2010 Qatar International Champion Colt.

B o t t o m r i g h t : Fa r a a A l S h a q a b ( x G W Na t o r i o u s S t a r ) , a 2 0 0 7 b a y s t a l l i o n , w i l l c o m p e t e a t t h e 2 0 1 0 U . S . Na t i o n a l s i n Ju n i o r S t a l l i o n s . T h e n h e w i l l t r a v e l t o t h e w o r l d r e n o w n e d Ha r a s M a y e d o f A r g e n t i n a w h e r e h e w i l l b e g i n h i s b r e e d i n g  c a r e e r.

L e f t : Ta j A l S h a q a b ( x W N B l u e My s t r y b y B l u e s p r u c e Ha z e e r ) , a 2 0 0 9 c o l t b y M a r w a n A l S h a q a b .

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current level of success and their influence will further define and improve future generations of Al Shaqab horses,” notes Al Shaqab breeding and show manager Mohammed Al Sulaiti, a graduate of Georgetown University. “These stallions have truly changed the Arabian breed and further enhanced its excellence throughout the world.”

Now, Al Shaqab is beginning to identify successors to these great sires. “There is dynamic potential in the sons and grandsons of Al Adeed Al Shaqab, Gazal Al Shaqab, Marwan Al Shaqab, and WN Star Of Antigua (Monogramm x WN Antigua),” says Mohammed. “Because of their conformation, type, and overall quality we have selected a number of them for trial as sires in Al Shaqab’s breeding program. They include: the straight Egyptian Farhoud Al Shaqab (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x Johara Al Shaqab), who was named 2010 U.S. Egyptian Event Supreme Champion Male. We are eagerly

To p r i g h t : A d h a b a A l S h a q a b ( M a r w a n A l S h a q a b x G W Na t o r i o u s S t a r b y L B A L o d e S t a r ) , a 2 0 0 6 c h e s t n u t m a r e .

Bottom left: Shamah Al Shaqab (Mar wan Al Shaqab x SWF D e s e r t R o s e b y M a g n u m Ps y c h e ) , a 2 0 0 8 b a y m a r e .

Bottom right: Khansa Al Shaqab (Mar wan Al Shaqab x EAMT Marihuana), a 2008 chestnut filly.

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Mar wan Al Shaqab

Ghalia Al Shaqab (Mar wan Al Shaqab x Aliaa Al Shaqab by Besson Carol), a 2006 bay mare.

Ghanaj Al Shaqab (Mar wan Al Shaqab x C P Va n i t i e Fa i r b y M i l l e n n u i m LOA ) , a 2009 bay filly.

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Left: Zaafarana Al Shaqab (Mar wan Al Shaqab x WN Star Dynasty by WN D ynasty), a 2009 filly.

awaiting his first offspring next year from Al Shaqab’s mares located in Qatar, Italy, and the United States.

Another son, Maher Al Shaqab, out of OFW Honimoon Sweet (RSD Dark Victory x GA Honisuckl Rose) shows ideal conformation, type, and genuine promise. He will be shown lightly next year.

“WN Star of Antigua has three promising sons that we expect to contribute well to the program.

They are: Rayyan Al Shaqab (x WN Sixofhearts), the Emir’s Cup Champion Colt; Nader Al Shaqab (x Aliaa Al Shaqab); and an extraordinary colt, Kabor Al Shaqab, out of Olivia Rose JCA (Brandon Bey JCA x Fforeever Rose), who will travel to Qatar.

“Amir Al Shaqab (x Amira Madrona) is a tall and very correct Gazal Al Shaqab son who was 2008 Qatar National Champion, 2009 Qatar Reserve International Champion and 2010 Wels International Champion,” continues Mohammed. “He bred his first mares this year in Qatar and Italy and is scheduled to cover some 8 b AL SHAQAB b WORLD

Karima Al Shaqab (Mar wan Al Shaqab x Wa j b a A l S h a q a b ) , a 2 0 0 9 g re y f i l l y.

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Ab o v e : N j u d A l S h a q a b ( M a r w a n A l Shaqab x WN Showgirl by WN Ibn Ali), a 2009 filly.

Ab o v e : Fa d i A l S h a q a b ( B e s s o n C a r o l x Ab h a My r a ) , 2 0 1 0 Qatar 19th International Arabian Horse Show Bronz e C h a m p i o n Ju n i o r C o l t a n d A l K h a l e d i a h H o r s e Fe s t i v a l G o l d C h a m p i o n Ju n i o r C o l t . H i s d a m , Ab h a My r a ( M a r w a n A l S h a q a b x ZT Ludjkalba by Ludjin El Ja m a a l ) , p i c t u r e d a t r i g h t , w a s U . S . Na t i o n a l R e s e r v e C h a m p i o n Ju n i o r M a r e a n d S c o t t s d a l e R e s e r v e C h a m p i o n Ju n i o r F i l l y .

of our best and finest producing mares located worldwide next year. And we are extremely excited by two other promising Gazal Al Shaqab sons that were foaled this year. Saiaf Al Shaqab, a bay from the two-time Reserve World Champion Venetzia (Versace x Giavanna) is her first foal; and a grey from Thourayah Al Shaqab (Ashhal Al Rayyan x Shahirat Al Shaqab) that represents four generations of Al Shaqab breeding.

“The Marwan Al Shaqab sons are represented by 2010 U.S. National Champion Junior Stallion contender Faraa Al Shaqab (x GW Natorious Star).

Following the competition Faraa will travel to the world-renowned Haras Mayed of Argentina where he will commence his breeding career.

“Kahil Al Shaqab (x OFW Mishaahl) is a typey and exuberant champion son of Marwan. In limited outings he has claimed the title of 2009 Wels International Champion Colt and 2010 Qatar International Champion Colt. And Dirar Al Shaqab (Marwan Al

WN Star Of Antigua (Monogramm x WN Antigua by GG Samir), a 2002 grey stallion, has been leased to Mrs. S h i r l e y Wa t t s o f Ha l s d o n A r a b i a n s , Great Britain.

L e f t : Na d e r A l S h a q a b ( W N S t a r O f A n t i g u a x A l i a a A l Shaqab by Besson Carol), a 2007 grey stallion.

Bottom right: Rayyan Al Shaqab (WN Star Of Antigua x WN Sixofhearts by WN Ibn Ali), a 2007 grey stallion.

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Shaqab x HB Bessolea) — a full brother to World Champion Baanderos and Scottsdale and Region Nine Champion Baahir El Marwan — will begin his showring career next year.

“The Marwan Al Shaqab grandson Fadi Al Shaqab (Besson Carol x Abha Myra by Marwan Al Shaqab), earned such titles as 2010 Al Khalediah Champion Colt and 2010

Menton Champion Colt, and is a contender for 2010 World Champion Colt title. He is scheduled to begin his breeding career next year.”

The Al Shaqab broodmare collection is breathtaking, with individuals astutely hand-picked from every corner of the globe. The foundation mares Kajora (Kaborr x Edjora), dam of Gazal Al Shaqab, and Little Liza Fame (Fame VF x Katahza), dam of Marwan, are well known, and their names will forever be etched upon the history of the breed. “They have left a lasting legacy at Al Shaqab as well as around the world,” says Mohammed. “We have similar expectations for Johara Al Shaqab (Imperial Mahzeer x Sahaba), the dam of Farhoud Al Shaqab, and of an outstanding collection of straight Egyptian daughters and granddaughters. Abha Myra (Marwan Al Shaqab x ZT Ludjkalba) is a U.S. National Reserve Champion Junior Mare, Towerlands Champion, Sharjah International and All Nations Cup Reserve Champion and has also produced a champion and future sire in Fadi Al Shaqab. Venetzia (Versace x Giavanna), in producing just her first foal, has proven capable of passing along her most desirable characteristics. Malvina (Balaton x Mirnaia),

To p l e f t : Jo h a r a A l S h a q a b ( I m p e r i a l M a h z e e r x S a h a b a ) , a 1 9 9 8 g r e y m a re , i s t h e d a m o f Fa rh o u d A l S h a q a b a n d i s o n e o f a n o u t s t a n d i n g c o l l e c t i o n o f s t r a i g h t Eg y p t i a n m a r e s a t A l S h a q a b .

To p r i g h t : Fa rh o u d A l S h a q a b b y A l A d e e d A l S h a q a b o u t o f Jo h a r a A l S h a q a b , a 2 0 0 8 s t r a i g h t Eg y p t i a n g r e y s t a l l i o n .

L e f t : D i n a r y A l S h a q a b ( A n a z a E l Ni z r x I m p e r i a l S h a r a h b y A n s a t a I m p e r i a l ) , a 1 9 9 8 s t r a i g h t Eg y p t i a n g r e y s t a l l i o n .

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Right: Al Adeed Al Shaqab (Ansata Ha l i m S h a h x S u n d a r A l i s a y y a h b y R u m i n a j a A l i ) , a 1 9 9 5 s t r a i g h t Eg y p t i a n g re y s t a l l i o n , h e a d s u p t h e s t r a i g h t Eg y p t i a n p r o g r a m a t A l S h a q a b .

Middle left: Aadel Al Shaqab (Miad Al Shaqab x Shouk Al S h a q a b b y A l A d e e d A l S h a q a b ) , a 2 0 0 7 s t r a i g h t Eg y p t i a n chestnut stallion, will carr y for ward the influence of his grandsire Al Adeed Al Shaqab.

M i d d l e r i g h t : Ha b d a n A l S h a q a b ( A s h h a l A l R a y y a n x S u n d a r A l i s a y y a h ) , a 2 0 0 1 s t r a i g h t Eg y p t i a n g r e y s t a l l i o n , t o b e l e a s e d b y D r. Jo d y C r u z , R a n c h o B u l a k e n y o , C a l i f o r n i a , i n 2 0 1 1 .

L e f t : T h e s t r a i g h t Eg y p t i a n s t a l l i o n A l i d a a r ( S h a i k h A l B a d i x Bint Magidaa), is still breeding at 27 years of age.

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an early Al Shaqab purchase from the Tersk Stud of Russia, has made a significant contribution. Like Kajora and Little Liza Fame, a noteworthy male heir has been born to Malvina’s family. A son of Gazal Al Shaqab, this yet to be named colt, will perpetuate the legacy of Malvina’s family to international status.”

For Al Shaqab, showring competition is valued as a showcase for the results of the breeding program, and horses from the stud are among the star attractions at the most prestigious and competitive international events.

“The anticipation is always great as these events allow us to measure the quality of our horses against the highest standards in the world,” Mohammed says.

Ab o v e : R e c e n t l y p u r c h a s e d b y A l S h a q a b , P i l a r ( Fa w o r x P i p i b y B a n a t ) , a 1 9 9 6 g r e y m a r e a n d h i g h s e l l e r a t t h e 2 0 1 0 Pr i d e o f Po l a n d A u c t i o n , i s t h e d a m o f 2 0 1 0 Po l i s h Na t i o n a l C h a m p i o n M a r e a n d B e s t i n S h o w P i n g a ( b y Ga z a l A l S h a q a b ) .

P i c t u r e d h e r e f r o m l e f t t o r i g h t a r e A l i Ab d u l l a A l M i s n a d , a d v i s e r t o A l S h a q a b ; M o h a m m e d A l S u l a i t i , b r e e d i n g a n d s h o w m a n a g e r f o r A l S h a q a b ; a n d Ab d u l l a h A l Ku w a i r i , a d v i s e r t o A l S h a q a b . “ We a r e v e r y e x c i t e d a b o u t t h e a d d i t i o n o f t h i s b e a u t i f u l m a r e t o o u r b re e d i n g p r o g r a m ,” s a y s M o h a m m e d . “ We a r e i n t h e p r o c e s s o f r e v i s i n g t h e o v e r a l l b re e d i n g program to incorporate more outside bloodlines that will further enhance and improve the Arabian breed when combined with our champion stallions and e m e r g i n g n e w s t a l l i o n s . We a r e s t a r t i n g t o a c q u i r e m o r e m a r e s t h a t h a v e s i m i l a r impressive bloodlines as Pilar to take our breeding program to the next level and continue giving back to the Arabian horse w o r l d . P i l a r’s purchase in Po l a n d w a s j u s t one step in our efforts to make our breeding program stronger and ever i m p r o v i n g .”

L e f t : M i s s E l Po w e r J Q ( Po w e r Wo r l d JQ x Elkada Sahibi

by Sahibi), a 2007 g r e y m a re .

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In terms of bloodlines, Al Shaqab maintains parallel programs — straight Egyptian and contemporary blended pedigrees. “We strive to preserve the straight Egyptian and all Arabian bloodlines through an ever improving breeding program,” says Mohammed. “The straight Egyptian program is headed by the stallion Al Adeed Al Shaqab (Ansata Halim Shah x Sundar Alisayyah), whose young sons mentioned above will carry his legacy forward, along with his grandson Aadel Al Shaqab (Miad Al Shaqab x Shouk Al Shaqab by Al Adeed Al Shaqab) and his maternal brother Hadban Al Shaqab (Ashhal Al Rayyan x Sundar Alisayyah). Al Adeed’s influence is complemented by Dinary Al Shaqab (Anaza El Nizr x Imperial Sharah) and the ever amazing elder statesman Alidaar (Shaikh Al Badi x Bint Magidaa), who is still breeding at 27 years of age.”

The reputations of the Shaqab stallions have been burnished by their seasons standing on lease at other highly regarded stud farms. The first was Gazal Al Shaqab, who made immeasurable contributions to the Polish state studs in 2002-2003, siring, among others, World, European, U.S. National, and Polish National Champion Mare Emandoria; twotime Polish National Champion and Scottsdale and U.S. Reserve National Champion Pinga, and U.S. National, two-time Polish National, All Nations Cup, European and World Champion Mare Pianissima.

This year, at the Pride of Poland sale, Al Shaqab was the high bidder on the great daughter of Pipi, Pilar (by Fawor), a mare who has produced well

by Gazal. She is the dam of Pinga (by

To p : Ve n e t z i a ( Ve r s a c e x G i a v a n n a b y N V B e a u B e y ) , a 2 0 0 4 c h e s t n u t m a re , t w o - t i m e Wo r l d R e s e r v e C h a m p i o n , t w o - t i m e Qatar International Champion Senior Mare, Mediterranean Champion Senior Mare, Dubai Reser ve Champion Senior M a re , a n d U . K . R e s e r v e C h a m p i o n S e n i o r M a r e .

M i d d l e : Eg y p t i a n Ev e n t S u p r e m e C h a m p i o n M a r e Ne g m a A l S h a q a b b y S a f i r, a 1 9 9 6 g r e y m a r e o u t o f o n e o f A l S h a q a b’s f o u n d a t i o n m a re s , K a j o r a .

B o t t o m : M a l v i n a ( B a l a t o n x M i r n a i a b y Na s l e d n i k ) , a 1 9 9 1 c h e s t n u t m a re , w a s a n e a r l y A l S h a q a b p u r c h a s e f r o m t h e Te r s k Stud, Russia, and her descendants have made a significant contribution to the Al Shaqab program.

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Gazal), mentioned above, as well as Pieta (by Gazal), highseller at the 2007 Pride of Poland auction. “She is ‘married’ to Gazal,” says Mohammed, “she just hasn’t met him yet!

“Leasing Gazal Al Shaqab to Poland enabled him to exhibit his ability as a sire and that led to international acclaim,” he adds. “As a result of that success, we have agreed to lease WN Star Of Antigua to Mrs. Shirley Watts of Halsdon Arabians, Great Britain; Faraa Al Shaqab to Mr. Fernando and Mr. Joaquin de Santibanes, of Haras Mayed, Argentina; Hadban Al Shaqab to Dr. Jody Cruz of Rancho Bulakenyo in Los Osos, California, and we are in negotiations to lease another.”

Meanwhile, Al Shaqab is poised to move into its new facilities in the coming year. “This will allow us to provide the greatest level of care for our horses,” says Mohammed.

“When completed Al Shaqab will serve as the region’s first state-of-the-art equestrian facilities and a center for equine excellence.” The complex — which will include a breeding and show center, veterinarian clinic, riding academy, endurance facilities, equestrian club, administration center, visitors center, atelier for artists, and equine library — will be spread over an area of 980,000 square meters. “It is hoped that it will serve to connect the Qatari people to their tradition of the Arabian horse and equestrian heritage,” adds Mohammed.

“This will be a wonderful facility to further develop and

showcase our cultural treasure — the Arabian horse. Our highly qualified and dedicated staff will complement the stunning new facilities. I am proud of being a part of Al Shaqab’s contribution to the Arabian horse all over the world.

By sharing ideas and bloodlines with other breeders around the globe, we are in the fortunate position of being able to help enhance the Arabian breed internationally. As one Arabian horse family, we all are here to see the same goal carried out — the breed continually progressing and constantly reaching new standards of excellence. I am honored and proud to be a part of this experience that strengthens the Arabian horse, which has always been my passion in life.”

The underlying philosophy that has led Al Shaqab to become one of the foremost breeding programs in the world is anchored in a belief that success is not only defined by show victories, but is best represented by the health and well-being of each and every horse. The goal for Al Shaqab was perhaps best explained by His Highness The Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani as he stated at the beginning of the new millennium — “Progress and development of modern-day Qatar will reflect, in particular, efforts to maintain the heritage of our forefathers through the noble Arabian horse.” To that end, HH The Emir ensures not only the continuing legacy of the Arabian horse in Qatar, but in the world — a treasure for which we can all be grateful.

Sultana Al Shaqab (Imperial Pharouk x A n s a t a Pr i m a R o s e ) , a 1 9 9 7 g re y mare with her 2007 chestnut filly Thiba Al Shaqab ( b y Ha b d a n A l Shaqab).

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Ab o v e : D a u g h t e r s of Al Adeed Al Shaqab, from left to right: straight Eg y p t i a n Ha z m i a Al Shaqab, Mayyasa Al Shaqab, straight Eg y p t i a n S e l m a Al Shaqab, and s t r a i g h t Eg y p t i a n No u f A l S h a q a b .

Right: The straight Eg y p t i a n m a re I n r a A l S h a q a b ( Wa h a j A l S h a q a b x Jo h a r a Al Shaqab).

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Ve n e t z i a ( Ve r s a c e x G i a v a n n a ) .

www.alshaqab.com