*Mishaal HP by Arabian Horse World

Mishaal

by Carol Maginn

“D

o all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, for all the people you can, for as long as

you can.” I read these words on a handwritten note, “From the Desk of Jim Sirbasku,” found in the front of my folder during the Arabians Ltd. seminar welcome breakfast, October 9-10, 2010. I must say that it stopped me in my tracks for a few seconds, as I was not expecting a note from Jim. I learned later that evening from Judy Sirbasku that Jim kept this note on his desk to read as he started each day. I reflected on the amazing weekend of education and celebration put together by the team at Arabians Ltd., and I realized that these words are truly the core principles of one of the most successful and influential Egyptian Arabian breeding programs in the world. Jim’s note set the tone for a wonderful weekend of fun, education, and camaraderie for the more than 140 clients in attendance. Shawn Crews began the weekend by welcoming all the guests along with a host of special speakers from across the country. The first speaker was Bob Boggs, who shared the story of his time with Thee Desperado and the two-year National campaign. Thee Desperado’s National win was the realization of years of careful planning, breeding, and goal setting, and was the high point of the Arabians Ltd. program up until then. Most Arabian breeders would have been satisfied with such an outstanding accomplishment, given the impact he made on the industry. This was, however, not the case for Judy and Jim Sirbasku. After proving that a straight Egyptian horse could win against all comers at the U.S. Nationals and Scottsdale shows, Arabians Ltd. set their sights on a new goal — continuing to produce the highest quality straight Egyptian horses, as well as taking top honors on all continents. The story that follows, recounted by Arabians Ltd.’s longtime trainer Shawn Crews, is the saga of this ongoing quest.

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Preceding page, facing page, and above: The 1996 stallion *Mishaal HP (Ansata Sinan x Mesoudah M).

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Above: Thee Desperado (The Minstril x AK Amiri Asmarr), at 20 years old. Left: Arabians Ltd. owner Judy Sirbasku, her granddaughter Zoë, and handler Luis Paniagua. Facing page top: Judy Sirbasku and Arabians Ltd. general manager and trainer Shawn Crews.

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Facing page bottom: *Mishaal HP.

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“It was the hottest summer on record in Europe the year that I judged the Italian Egyptian Event,” Shawn began. “On recommendation from Thomas Mayer, I decided to change my travel plans and head to Frank Spönle’s in Germany in hopes of finding that stallion that Judy had wanted for her program for so long. It was a July morning when Frank handed me the pedigrees for the group we would see. There were about ten, ranging from two-year-olds up and including several noted Egyptian stallions. In the middle of the pack, Frank showed me a big, steel-grey stallion. He was imposing and seemed to just take up all the space around you. When I glanced at the pedigree, I hoped the horse could live up to his illustrious lineage. His were just the bloodlines that Judy had asked me to find. He was *Mishaal HP, sired by Ansata Sinan (who was a World Reserve Champion Stallion) out of Mesoudah M, a full sister to *Imperial Madheen, and I hoped I’d see

all the attributes from these two families. They turned the horse loose, although I’d been told he doesn’t always put on a show. It must have been my day, or his day, however you want to look at it, but put on a show he did and we captured it on video. “After that, I got busy looking at all the points of horse that were on Judy’s ‘must have’ list: tiny ears, large eye, substance, size, straight, high tail carriage and strong limbs with a preference toward short cannon bones. Wow, everything on the checklist was ticked off and double confirmed on his amazing pedigree. “That afternoon, I telephoned home and told Judy of my experience with *Mishaal HP. We had looked for so long that I hoped this was the one, but half of our evaluation team had not seen the horse. I flew home the next morning, video in hand, and went straight to Judy’s house. Judy immediately confirmed my intuition and asked me to talk to Frank and make a deal. “Frank came through with flying colors and I’m totally convinced that without his professional diligence, we would not have *Mishaal HP today. Judy is especially thankful to Frank and Elisa Grassi for their perseverance in seeing this project through for Arabians Ltd. “There were only 12 foals in Mishaal’s first foal crop and at first only a few were shown. When 5 ▪ Arabians Ltd. ▪ World

the foals first started coming, we didn’t quite know what to think. They were big, bold, substantial, and friendly beyond belief. They also had all the traits that Judy had desired: beautiful little typey ears, large dark eyes, short faces, strong legs, and tail-over-the-back exuberant movement. At the first Egyptian Event where the foals were shown, Grace Of Sinan (x Sammars Gift) won her World Class Championship, while AA Couture (x Bint Bint Aminaa) won Reserve in his Futurity, and Paladium (x Amiri Jolie)

also went Reserve in his Futurity. A promising two-year-old son of *Mishaal HP, Thee Fyresteed (x Thee Crystabelle RTM) captured the Most Classic Head title in the stallion division, and Scapa (x Erie Anna) rounded out the credits for the year with a Reserve Championship in his Futurity. “As the foals began to arrive in more abundance, we saw Mishaal’s trademark qualities consistently appear, and now comfortable with Mishaal’s ability as a sire, Judy decided to offer 12 Lifetime Breedings to the stallion. Each of these twelve breeders has the luxury of breeding one mare a year for the life of the horse and can use a bonus breeding in any one season they choose. They are an integral part of

Left: Pimlico RCA (Thee Desperado x *Bint Bint Jamil by Mohafez), 2004 Egyptian Event Supreme Champion Stallion, Region 9 Champion Stallion, Scottsdale Top Ten Stallion, and Las Vegas World Cup Top Four Senior Stallion, bred by Debra and David Geiser, owned by Arabians Ltd. Bottom row, pictured from the left: Bellagio RCA (Alixir x Rhapsody In Black by Thee Desperado), 2005 Egyptian Event Junior Champion Colt and Scottsdale Top Ten Colt, owned by Arabians Ltd. Alixir (The Elixir x The Prevue by The Minstril) is an outcross stallion for Arabians Ltd.

Thee Infidel (Thee Desperado x Bint Magidaa by *Khofo), U.S. National Top Ten Furturity Colt and Top Ten Stallion, Egyptian Event Reserve Champion Junior Colt, owned by Arabians Ltd. and Thee Infidel Group.

Thee Asil (Thee Desperado x Alia Barakaa by Ruminaja Ali), Egyptian Event World Class Champion Stallion and Region 9 Reserve Champion Stallion, owned by Arabians Ltd. and Maiden Chase Arabians.

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Above: The Sequel RCA (Thee Desperado x La Marsala by The Minstril), 2005 Egyptian Event Reserve Supreme Champion Stallion, owned by Arabians Ltd.

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Four *Mishaal HP daughters, from the top:

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Madinah Moniet (x Preciouss Secret by Thee Asil), owned by Merryman Arabians, Waco Texas. Thee Scarlet Rose RCA (x Thee Scarlet Lady by Thee Desperado), a 2009 filly bred by Judy Sirbasku and owned by Mr. Osman Linjawi, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Bint Bint Felicia TF (x Skyy by Thee Desperado), owned by Lisa Cifrese and Richard Geha.

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Lola SIG (x Thee Phoenixx by Thee Infidel), a 2008 filly owned by Eric and Stacey Mlak, pictured here at the 2010 Egyptian Event with Greg Knowles.

Mishaal’s success as a Leading Sire as the foals produced from these loyal patrons were the first to put him solidly on the map as a sire. We at Arabians Ltd. are sincerely grateful for the foresight and commitment of these breeders. “Gradually, a strange phenomenon began to unfold. Our foals had always done well in the overseas markets and had enjoyed a consistent popularity, but all of a sudden, there was a great interest internationally in Mishaal’s foals. The first to be exported was selected by Chen Kedar of Ariela Arabians. It was Saniyyah RCA (x My Shooting Star), who earned the Junior National Champion Filly title in Israel for Ariela Arabians. Friend and trainer Greg Knowles, who recently returned from Israel, summed up his impression of Saniyyah’s beautiful filly, sired by Laheeb, in a single word: ‘Amazing.’” “Greg, one of Arabians Ltd.’s greatest supporters, says, ‘I recommended my own father breed his Magic

*Mishaal HP

Dream daughter to *Mishaal HP. When Shawn called me last February speaking of a beautiful Mishaal filly that she was afraid would be sold overseas before she had a chance to show, I bought her on the spot.’ “Bred by Dan and Louise DeRusseau of LD Arabians, Noor Magidaa LDA, won her futurity class at the Egyptian Event and Greg was presented with a check for $6,800. By the time the show was over, on the recommendation of Frank Spönle, Noor Magidaa LDA was sold to a new owner, Nayla Hayek of Hanaya Arabian Stud, in Switzerland. Just three weeks later, she received the Bronze Medal at the European Egyptian Event Championships, with Frank at the lead. “At the 2010 Egyptian Event, *Mishaal HP foals proved they were certainly a force to be reckoned with. In the Saturday night championships, first in the Junior Colts, IV Ever Sinan took the Reserve title for owners Laura Cronin and Diane Taylor. In the Senior Champion division, AA Couture was named Reserve Senior Champion Stallion for Pamela Onusko, and a short moment later the crowd roared as Paladium wore the Senior Champion garland. Champion and Reserve Senior stallions were both sired by *Mishaal HP. Paladium went on to be named the unanimous

Alia Valentino (Thee Desperado x Ali Maarlia by Ali Valentino), Region 9 Reserve Champion Mare, Egyptian Event Reserve Supreme Champion Mare, ET foal due in 2011 by Bellagio RCA, owned by Wayne and Keitha Adams..

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Reserve Supreme Champion Stallion and at the time of this writing, he should be arriving in his new home at the King Abdul Aziz Arabian Horse Centre under the direction of Mr. Sami Al Nohait in Saudi Arabia. At this show, Mishaal fillies were also extremely successful in the futurity divisions. Thee Scarlet Rose RCA (x Thee Scarlet Lady) won the younger yearling futurity for breeder Judy Sirbasku and new owner Mr. Osman Linjawi; Noor Magidaa LDA would win her futurity for Greg Knowles and now owner, Nayla

Two daughters of Thee Asil: Asila RCA (x MB Pirouette), top right, owned by Arabians Ltd., had a promising 2010 colt sired by *Mishaal HP and is a favorite mare of Judy Sirbasku’s, and II DI IV (x My Shooting Star), below, owned by OGM Arabians.

Top left: Rhapsody In Black (Thee Desperado x Aliashahm RA by Ruminaja Ali), is the dam of Bellagio RCA and is Judy Sirbasku’s “best buddy.”

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Bottom left: Thee Scarlet Lady (Thee Desperado x Reckless Woman by The Minstril), owned by Arabians Ltd., has produced extremely well with *Mishaal HP. She is pictured here in 2009 with Thee Scarlet Rose RCA (by *Mishaal HP). Bottom right: Isis Nadia (Pimlico RCA x Thee Kajaree by The Minstril), a 2009 filly owned by Dr. Dennis and Roxanne Parks.

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Hayek (as mentioned above); and Amal Magidaa LDA (x Il Bint Magidaa), also bred by LD Arabians and owned by the Pope family, became the Three-Year-Old Extended Futurity Champion Filly. Also, Lola SIG (x Thee Phoenixx), owned by Eric and Stacey Mlak, who was Top Ten at Scottsdale in February, was Reserve Champion of the twoyear-old World Class fillies.” John Neyer, marketing director for Arabians Ltd., has a close relationship with the horse. “Mishaal is loud and boisterous, and as big as he is, that is a lot of horse to have on the end of the lead. He is really just a big pet! Having a stallion with such a great, easygoing personality is a real plus. His foals are the same way from birth. It is like no one told them they are supposed to be afraid of people! We have been told that in photos or on video it is hard to get a feel for Mishaal’s imposing size … the babies are the same way: tall and substantial. They are like gentle giants!” Breeding manager Stephane Robillard has the difficult task of managing the breeding careers of some pretty busy stallions. He notes that Mishaal is a gentleman in the breeding shed. “This year is the first we have handled the embryo transfer process from start to finish here on the farm. Many of those embryos were Mishaal’s. We are excited to be able to offer this service and to have been so successful with this process, and the ‘big white horse’ this season.” “There’s no greater thrill than watching the culmination of success for our clients come together,” says Judy Sirbasku. “For the breeders who chose their very best to breed to Mishaal, to watch those I have mentored and guided, breed the best and to watch our team of professionals, Greg Knowles, Frank Spönle, Luis Paniagua, and Shawn Crews sink their heart, soul, and passion into every horse, that’s what makes a show string great. I want to thank all of our Event team members, all of the breeders, and all of the owners. Also, our pre-show team, David Reissig, Vincent Young, Mike Cimino, Mike Danos, Kimberly Shutts, and Chris Bloodgood, who roll into Kentucky a good week before anyone else, make sure that the Arabians Ltd. stall area is safe and comfortable for each and every horse and create an enjoyable spot for the Arabians Ltd. family that gathers

together in the magical setting at the Kentucky Horse Park every year.” Judy adds, “In large part, what makes Arabians Ltd. successful is this extended family. There are no greater supporters of *Mishaal HP, Arabians Ltd., and the Arabians Ltd. team than those breeders and owners from the home farm and the Arabians Ltd. affiliate farms. Mike Cimino and the whole clan from Colthill Crescent Arabians in Folsom, Louisiana, are loyal beyond description. The foals they’ve produced over the last two seasons by Mishaal and the Arabians Ltd. stallions are becoming noted worldwide. From Buchanan, Virginia, Amethyst Acres

Right: Gameelah LDA (Thee Desperado x Magidaat Al Gamal LDA by *Mishaal HP), a 2010 filly bred and owned by Dan and Louise DeRusseau. Dan and Louise own two lifetime breedings to *Mishaal HP and are also Thee Desperado lifetime breeding patrons.

Left: KBF Starlight (Thee Desperado x MC Alexsis by The Elixir), 2010 Egyptian Event Champion Mare ATH, was bred by Karl and Jacki Breckon and is owned by Carolyn Busch.

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7 1. AA Couture (*Mishaal HP x Bint Bint Aminaa by Thee Asil) with Frank Spönle at the 2010 Egyptian Event where they won Reserve Champion Senior Stallion. Couture is owned by Pamela Onusku.

2. Bint Bint Felicia TF (*Mishaal HP x Skyy by Thee Desperado) and affiliate farm owners Richard Geha and Lisa Cifrese of Thornewood Farm. 3. Judy Sirbasku with good friend and trainer Greg Knowles. 4. Jessi Wherland, Arabians Ltd. veterinary technician. 5. The Shutts family of Magnolia, Texas. 6. Arabians Ltd. resident trainer Luis Paniagua. 7. From left to right: Karl Breckon, Mike Cimino of affiliate farm Colthill Crescent Arabians, Dottie Peralta, Mike Danos, and Vicki Duzac. 8. Mark and Debra Burke of Arabians Ltd. affiliate farm Amethyst Acres Equine Center, Buchanan, Virginia.

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Equine Center, Inc., and Mark and Deb Burke (aka the ‘Purple Gang’) have assembled a beautiful group of Egyptian fillies and mares and an enthusiastic group of people. Mark and Deb have helped take our program to the next level on the East coast — they are the kind of people that make us all better at what we do. “And in New Jersey, the buzz is about what’s going on in Hunterdon County at Thornewood Farm, owned by Lisa Cifrese and Richard Geha, who have some of the most amazing straight Egyptian fillies and broodmares to be found anywhere. The news media has taken an interest in Thornewood Farm as well. Lisa and Richard recently received a visit from reporters at CNBC who videotaped their magnificent Egyptian Arabians and

6 1. Friends, pictured from left to right: Sharon Redman, Judy’s niece Jill O’Rourke, photographer Polly Knoll, Judy Sirbasku, and Carolyn Busch. 2. Arabians Ltd. amateur handler David Reissig. 3. Arabians Ltd. breeding and farm manager Stephane Robillard, with his wife Mellisa who is the stud book and office manager.

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Arabian horse. It has been a great joy to see the realization of our dreams. At Arabians Ltd., our hope is that we can share the dream with others and bring them as much joy as we have experienced through this labor of love.”

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4. Pictured from left to right: Arabians Ltd. media manager Chris Bloodgood, accountant Amanda Waits, and client services director Tara Maus. 5. Noor Magidaa LDA (*Mishaal HP x Illa Magidaa LDA by Thee Desperado), 2010 Egyptian Event First Place Futurity Finals Straight Egyptian Two-Year-Old Filly. Pictured from left to right: previous owners of Noor Magidaa’s grandam Bint Bint Magidaa, Mark and Nancy Ness, breeders Dan and Louise DeRusseau, Luis Paniagua, Greg Knowles, and Judy Sirbasku, accepting the award. 6. Arabians Ltd. marketing director John Neyer with the 2010 filly by Thee Infidel and out of Mishaals Prevue RCA. 7. Trainer Frank Spönle with daughter Virginia.

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interviewed Lisa about financial advantages of investing in Arabian horses. We are also happy to welcome the Shutts family of Lone Star Arabians, LLC Inc. to represent our program and family in the Houston area,” Judy concludes. Not surprisingly, Judy Sirbasku’s vision for the future of Arabians Ltd. incorporates the philosophy that has made the program so successful throughout its history. “We have always strived to produce the best horses we possibly can and to make sure we offer our top quality stallions to our clients, to whom we credit much of our success,” Judy says. “Jim and I always felt that doing all you can for as many people as you can as often as possible is key to success in the Arabian horse business. That’s something my husband was always very proud of. This is an important principle that we’re committed to and that we’re all excited about continuing. If we have been able to cultivate some new dreams or goals, new friendships, and deeper commitments to this breed, then we feel we have perhaps made an impact on the future. We would like to invite everyone to come to the farm to see what we’re doing. Our program is the result of a lifelong love affair with the straight Egyptian

ARABIANS LTD. AFFILIATE FARMS Colthill Crescent Arabians Mike Cimino 84403 N. Factory Rd. Folsom, LA 70437 985-264-3250 colthill@msn.com www.colthillcrescent.com

Thornewood Farm, LLC. Lisa Cifrese & Richard Geha 50 Dunkard Church Rd. Stockton, NJ 08559 609-577-1976 thornewoodfarm@gmail.com www.thornewoodfarm.com

Amethyst Acres Equine Center, LLC. Mark & Deb Burke 9195 Springwood Rd. Buchanan, VA 24066 540-254-1017 deb@amethystacres.com www.amethystacres.com

Lone Star Arabians, LLC. Ken & Karen Shutts 38144 Spur 149 Magnolia, TX 77354 281-705-9400 karenshutts@lonestararabians.com

*MISHAAL HP LIFETIME BREEDERS John and Jeri Merryman Merryman Arabians Louise and Dan DeRusseau LD Arabians (2 Shares) Marion and Christina Murphy Phoenix Rising Egyptians Pete Gotsis and Brandie Payne Ferox Arabians Lyn Rogers Lynlee Arabians Ann Marie Keri Trinity Arabians Lisa Cifrese & Richard Geha Thornewood Farm Dash and Louise Crofts Crofts Haven Arabians Dr. Dennis & Roxanne Parks Isis Arabians Zane & Eunice Stigall San Gabriel Arabians Thomas & Stefani Annett Reverence Spring Arabians

Shawn Crews crews@arabiansltd.com 254-744-0118 cell John Neyer neyer@arabiansltd.com 254-717-0683 cell Stephane Robillard stephane@arabiansltd.com 254-723-1074 cell

Amanda Waits waits@arabiansltd.com Luis Paniagua panivelly@yahoo.com Jill Hayes marecare@arabiansltd.com 254-752-3725 office

Mellisa Robillard robillard@arabiansltd.com

Jessi Wherland veterinary.technician@ arabiansltd.com

Chris Bloodgood bloodgood@arabiansltd.com

Tara Maus maus@arabiansltd.com

ARABIANS LTD. INC. Judy Sirbasku, owner

8549 Rock Creek Road Waco, TX 76708 254.714.1803

254.752.6056 fax

info@arabiansltd.com