Volume
3
|
Fall/Winter,
2014
|
www . P y r a m i d S o c i e t y . o r g
Coming soon! ArAbiAnHorseWorld
Look for The Pyramid Society’s inaugural YEARBOOK inside the December, 2014 issue of:
2014-2015
yearbook
ArAbiAnHorseWorld FEATURE DESTINATION: NEW MEXICO · 2014 YEAR IN REVIEW · EGYPTIAN ARABIAN INTERNATIONAL SHOW RING STARS · 2015 EBC & GSS STALLIONS · 2015 BREEDERS’ CONFERENCE PREVIEW· MORE!
Vo l u m e 1 S p r i n g, 2 0 1 4 w w w. P y r a m i d S o c i e t y. o r g
a
p u b l i c a t i o n
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Watch our website and The Chariot for information on ordering a limited, printed collection of select articles from Volumes 1-3 of THE SOURCE!
The complete founders series, including part 5: judith forbis · feature: “developing the breed,” a roundtable discussion · feature: my morning with dr. nagel · heritage horse profiles for all five founding MEMBER farms · 2014 egyptian event PHOTOS & coverage
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Table of Contents the source | volume 3 | FALL/WINTER, 2014
THE FOUNDER SERIES
27
Pa r t 4: Br a d fo rd H e ck
“Ser en i t y Fa r m s: No Sm a ll Dr e a ms, No Sm a ll Pla ns” by K e n t M ay f i e ld
3
FEATURE: MY MORNING WITH DR. NAGEL by Lisa Abraham
COVER: Thee Dominion (Scapa x Thee Desert Rose)
36
4t h Ed i t io n: S er en i t y Fa r m s *K hofo++, *ser en i t y son bola h, a n d *sf bi n t m a m lou k a by joe f e r r iss *ser en i t y lu f t i A by be cky ro ge r s
THE ABLE STABLE
19 PREMIER SPONSOR PROFILE: MISTY VALLEY ARABIANS
57
HERITAGE HORSE PROFILES
65
Volu m e 2: P r o bl em M a r e s
“Sh e’s Not I n Foa l! Now Wh at ? ” by becky ro ger s
THE PYRAMID SOCIETY’S 2015 MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
A publication of The Pyramid Society 4067 Iron Works Parkway, Suite 2 Lexington, Kentucky, U.S.A. 40511 Phone +1 859.231.0771 Fax +1 859.255.4810 info@pyramidsociety.org www.pyramidsociety.org
| FALL/WINTER, 2014 | 1
T he grounds at katharinenhof stud in germany
my Morning with Dr. Nagel te x t and p h o t o s b y L isa A b ra h a m
Katharinenhof Stud is home to the famous NK herd. It is located in Northern Germany, about 45 minutes from the city of Bremen, which is where Dr. Hans Joachim Nagel resides with his wife Nawal. The farm is comfortably situated in a serene country setting that has become an international destination of interest for Arabian horse breeders. When entering the peaceful, wooded drive, one would never know that visitors from all over the world have traveled that same path to see the horses that belong to one of the world’s most influential breeding programs...
FALL/WINTER, 2014 | 3
T
he farm is meticulously manicured and decorated, with ar t of many forms tastefully woven into the landscape’s tapestr y. Dr. Nagel refers to himself as a gardener and his love of nature is ref lected in the carefully placed plants and trees of various types. It was delightful to see the roses which were still in full bloom despite it being late September. His appreciation for detail was also evident as he told me stories about where he acquired cer tain decorative items. When he purchased the farm, it had only one building. Since then he has added several functional structures that have enhanced the beauty of the proper ty. Judith Forbis, of the internationally-famous Ansata Arabian Stud has shared not only a friendship with Dr. Nagel, but also a vastly inf luential breeding relationship. Judith shared:
top: a barn at katharinenhof ; middle : D r . N agel with secretary C laudia Janssen ; bottom : N K H afid Jamil ( I bn H e j dy X H elala ) , 1 9 9 6 stallion
| FALL/WINTER, 2014 | 4
“For many years I watched the development of Dr. Nagel’s charming and beautiful farm. The first time Don and I went there was to see the stallion Jamil in the early 1980s. It was snowing, and I will always remember that beautiful white horse stepping out of the red brick stallion barn into the glinting white--his big black eyes were a stark contrast to the silvery backdrop. The farm was still in its early stages of development, but one could feel the vision and purpose behind its construc tion. Over the years we became good friends and Don and I had many oppor tunities to watch the farm’s evolution--the colorful rose garden; the small lake he construc ted for his black swans and numerous water fowl; and the additional red brick barns built in the st yle of that region were warm and inviting within. I never tired of visiting as there was always something new— new foals; new flowers and trees; and horses running free while we sat on the terrace and enjoyed the show they put on for us. Over the years, Dr. Nagel has maintained his vision for breeding beautiful
Arabians and his eye for beaut y is reflec ted in all of his surroundings. During one of my visits we took a walk in the Bremen square where all t ypes of vendors were selling their wares. We always stopped for sausages topped with hot German mustard, and then went on to the flower stalls. I bought him a beautiful yellow rose bush as a small contribution to his garden, a token remembrance of the cooperation bet ween Ansata and his farm, and the beaut y reflec ted in the foals by Jamil and our Ansata Halim Shah during our joint lease agreements in the 1980s.”
My visit was on Monday, September 29th, 2014 — directly following the All Nations Cup in Aachen. If it isn’t ever y breeder’s dream to visit Katharinenhof Stud—it should be. There are not many programs in the world that contain the generational progress that one can witness in Dr. Nagel’s program. Fur thermore, the oppor tunity to obser ve horses whose relatives have created some of the most impor tant dynasties in our modern breeding environment is priceless, as well.
| FALL/WINTER, 2014 | 5
In 2012, Dr. Nagel published a book, “The Arabian Horse: Nature’s Creation and the Ar t of Breeding.” It is an impressive 540 pages with over 400 illustrations and is filled with priceless breed information. In the book Dr. Nagel shared:
The arabian horse: Nature’s creation and the art of breeding by dr. hans joachim nagel is available from the pyramid society marketplace today!
Member Price usd $115.00 Regular Price:
usd
$125.00
CLICK HERE TO ORDER *prices do not include applicable tax , shipping or processing fees .
“It took about 15 years of trial and error until a programme emerged with the limited number of horses of breeding age, always within the limitation of 20-25 stallions and mares. This was already an obvious contrast to so many of the other larger breeders and their approach. However, the smaller Katharinenhof programme allowed a close contact between myself and each of my horses, and therefore I had a precise knowledge of all of each horses’ strengths, weaknesses and characteristics.”
Then, some
later in the book, Nagel explains of his values as a breeder:
“To breed an original Arabian type, as a light, fine, noble horse, fully pigmented, and with specific features, being a slightly concave broad head with small, well-shaped ears, wide open flexible nostrils, a fine small muzzle, impressive dark round eyes, high tail carriage, a good happy temperament and a reliable disposition; in all, appealing and exotic anime which might be formed by a harsh environmental influence and which would again fit into the Arabian culture and environment: in addition, to improve its conformation to correspond with a correct, healthy horse and to increase the homocygocity of all these traits, whereby the typical look of each of the four female families on which this programme is based will be respected, and, in so far, a healthy variety will remain.”
| FALL/WINTER, 2014 | 6
A
fter our lovely tour around the farm, Dr. Nagel presented his horses, beginning with the stallions. It is ver y impor tant to note that the stallions were not presented as aggressive fighting machines. They weren’t fidgety; they weren’t anxious; and they showed absolutely no annoying behaviors—instead, they were allowed to be at peace. They stood comfor tably, without the demand to per form, and patiently allowed themselves to
be obser ved. He shared why each one was impor tant and what each contributed to his vision. He noted both their strengths and weaknesses. August 24, 2013, Dr. Nagel and Nawal hosted an open house at his farm to celebrate the release of his book. The video of this event, titled “50 Years of Breeding Histor y: Open Day on Katharinenhof Arabian Stud,” is one of the best farm N K N adeer ( N K H afid Jamil X N K N adirah ) , 2 0 0 5 stallion, with R emigius z S z ewc z yk
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N K N aeem ( N K N adeer X B int B int N ashua ) , C olt, observed by D r . N agel and guests
productions I have ever seen and
blood from outside anymore. I use
cer tainly wor th purchasing. At this
an old system—it’s not modern at
presentation, Dr. Nagel explained,
all. The modern system to breed is to
“A basic element of this farm is the
rely most heavily on the stallion—
mare families. Good mare families
the stallion is the most dynamic
are
are
par t of it—my way is different.”
working with a closed population—
As the presentation of horses went
when you don’t introduce any other
from the stallions to the mares,
a
necessity
when
you
this
was
critical
information.
After
obser ving
horses
horses move so harmoniously—it
while standing, we moved to the
was positively lyrical. Each one
presentation area to enjoy them
propelled
in action—and this, simply put,
and
was a spectacular experience. Dr.
par ticularly moved by what seemed
Nagel shared, “Arabians display
like
themselves best when they move,
extending from their tail bones to the
and
tips of their noses—it was balletic.
that’s
how
the
horses
should
deeply
stepped a
from
power fully.
f lowing
line
behind I
was
gracefully
be looked at.” In my personal experience, I have never quite seen FALL/WINTER, 2014 | 9
“For me, what comes through in photographs of Dr. Nagel’s horses is the
essence
of
Arabian character; their
spirit
comes
through, and it’s as though you can see their souls.” Christie Metz
N K N ina ( N K N adeer X B int B int N ashua ) , 2 0 1 2 mare FALL/WINTER, 2014 | 11
A
s a photographer, I was also struck by how amazingly photogenic the Katharinenhof horses were. Their bone structures photographed like fine china and, even with the younger ones, the extreme dr yness of their faces came through so accurately in the images—angles hardly mattered at all.
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When I returned home, I discussed this with Christie Metz of Silver Maple Farm. Christie, who has been to Dr. Nagel’s on two occasions, commented, “For me, what comes through in photographs of Dr. Nagel’s horses is the essence of Arabian character—their spirit comes through, and it’s as though you can see their souls.” O pposite top: N K H orus ( N K H afid Jamil X N K H ind ) , C olt, with L iesa T empelmann above : N K N aeema ( N K N adeer X N innifee ) , filly, with R afael P luskota L eft: rafael pluskota leading two relaxed mares
My visit to Katharinenhof was educational beyond my wildest dreams. In my shor t time there, I was touched by so many things that it would be difficult to list them all. I was par ticularly inspired by Dr. Nagel’s ver y close relationship with each one of his horses. The joy each one of them brought him was obvious as was the happy life they shared. He loves them--he genuinely loves each and ever y one of them.
| FALL/WINTER, 2014 | 13
Not that there is anything wrong with the term “broodmare,” but not once did I hear him refer to his mares as such. Instead, when referencing someone’s female parent, he affectionately used the term “mama.” He maintains a par ticular affection for his mares, and the pride he has in his foals is, again, clearly evident. On his open farm video, Dr. Nagel also shares, “My fascination with and why I decided to work with Arabians were two things that are still relevant today: one, they are the most pretty horse, and two, they are the most reliable and friendly horses. And for somebody who keeps horses, for pleasure and a hobby, the second is as impor tant as the first. Specifically we enjoyed these horses in the beginning as a family. My children were little and they were happy to move with the horses here and there —and this would not have been possible if these horses were not totally reliable.” This is also a critical sentiment to note as one obser ves his farm and the natural way in which his animals are allowed to live and how they were presented.
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N K N i z z am ( N K H afid Jamil X N adirah ) , colt
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T
o me, Dr. Nagel is more than just a great breeder, he is also a wonder ful example of an Arabian horse owner. His horses are not inventory, but rather family members. An example of the meticulous care his horses enjoy is the various lifestyle patterns they experience based on the time of year and weather. At this time in late September, his horses were stalled at night and pastured during the day. In the morning, when it’s time to go out, the horses are gathered together and are free to follow a
path that leads to their pastures. It’s a magnificent sight to witness the stampede of happy mares who take obvious joy in their natural environment and lifestyle. Then at night, the pattern is reversed. Dr. Nagel shared with me that these are his two favorite times of the day--and the pride that was evident in his expression revealed how much he loves his life with these horses.
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right: N K L ateef ( N K N adeer X N K L ubna ) , 2 0 1 2 mare below left and right: T he morning stampede of horses as they run to their pastures
FALL/WINTER, 2014 | 17
I would like to conclude this editorial with an impor tant sentiment expressed by Dr. Nagel. He directly addresses industr y frustrations and the current challenges facing both owners and breeders, which are likely the result of a weak economy. In his video, after the presentation of horses is completed, Dr. Nagel speaks directly into the camera and shares: “There is a German word ‘Liebhaberei.’ It means: you do something that you really like to do. I think this is the best answer for the person who wants to breed Arabians and for the Arabian horse as well—for both. This so call ‘Liebhaberei’ has lost its impor tance and went from ‘Liebhaberei’ to business. And business is definitely not something you do with your hear t—you do it with your brain. Then this whole method of breeding comes in a different categor y, which ends in marketing via showing or winning. Which really means to win, which means the monetar y aspect is there. I’m strongly advising to somebody who wants to enjoy Arabians horses—you should think which way you want to go.”
views from katharinenhof: young horses at liberty; an A ustralian B lack S wan on the lake ; a 2 5 0 -year - old door preserved by dr . nagel from a renaissance house in bremen
Lisa Abraham is an International Journalist and Photographer from the United States. She is also a member of The Pyramid Societ y and is a breeder of Straight Egyptian Arabians.
Misty Valley Arabians
r i g h t t o l e f t, Da n n y & C a r o ly n H e i t h o l d , C l ay a n d J e s s i e L o n g OWNERS: Dr. Daniel & Carolyn Heithold | FARM MANAGER: Mitch Crawford LOCATION: Chickamauga, Georgia, U.S.A., just outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee Ibn Al Sahrah MVA, Reserve Champion Gelding (clean sweep), 2013 Egyptian Event Breeding Excellence Award for the top five high scoring Yearling Futurity entries, 2012 Egyptian Event TRIUMPHS: Wardah Karimah MVA, Reserve Champion ATH Fillies 2 & Under & Yearling Futurity, 2012 Egyptian Event Thee Desert Rose, Champion ATH Fillies 2 & Under, 2006 Egyptian Event; Produce of Dam, 2012 Event PHILOSOPHY: To incorporate bloodlines near and far, breeding for genetic diversity in the traits we desire most.
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Th e e D e s e rt R o s e ( A l i x i r x N e l ly s R o s e )
In just under a decade, Misty Valley Arabians has become an
A
native of Atlanta, Georgia, and a practicing surgeon for over two decades, Dr. Danny Heithold satisfied his affinity for horses for many years as an owner and
exhibitor of Tennessee Walkers. Like so many, though, Danny would soon become captivated by the beauty of the Egyptian Arabian and the opportunity for a different kind of competition. In 2006, this combination took his interest in horses to the next level, and he jumped in wholeheartedly. He already had a beautiful farm just waiting to house them; now he just needed to fill his fields with the perfect Egyptian Arabians. A yearling filly changed everything for Danny: a little bay filly named Thee Desert Rose (Alixir x Nellys Rose by Thee Infidel). He purchased her, excited to try a
| FALL/WINTER, 2014 | 20
Wa r d a h K a r i m a h M VA ( S c a pa x Th e e D e s e rt R o s e )
internationally-known small breeder of Egyptian Arabians... different kind of showing--on the condition that he could enter the ring himself. At their very first show, the pair won Egyptian Event ATH Fillies 2 & Under, when “Rosebud” was still just a yearling, and the deal was sealed! Danny was hooked. Rosebud has been the most influential horse to Misty Valley’s breeding program and plans for the future. Her first filly, Wardah Karimah MVA (x Scapa), was a Reserve Champion at the Egyptian Event in both the Amateur classes (with Danny on the lead, of course!) and the highly-competitive 2 Year Old Futurity. Karimah is under saddle now and will be bred in 2015 for the first time, carrying the main bloodline of Misty Valley forward into the third generation. Meanwhile, Rosebud is expecting the very first foal of the Straight Egyptian stallion Al Fayed (Ansata Sinan x Zahir Kalila) in 2015.
| FALL/WINTER, 2014 | 21
D
anny’s detailed pedigree research over the years, along with his wife Carol’s aesthetic eye, has forged a determined choice to create rare crosses of
bloodlines to produce exceptional individuals. Today, Misty Valley has been blessed with three spectacular show colts, each offering something very different and special. Thee Desert Rose’s cross with Scapa has been the most successful cross on the farm to date. This year’s colt by Scapa, Thee Dominion, pictured on the
cover of this issue, is perhaps the best foal so far from the incredible cross. Thee Dominion is spectacularly exotic, stretchy, and tall. His quality is undeniable, and his presence is captivating, even to someone who sees him daily. “Coming home from surgery and watching the babies play in the evening light is the best part of my day, and this year’s colts just take my breath away,” Danny says. The second 2014 colt was the last gift from foundation mare Jameela Soraya (Thee Asil x Thee Asriel Salam). When bred to Thamer Al Khaled, she produced Moubarak, one of only 4 colts by the
Moubarak ( Th a m e r A l K h a l e d x Ja m e e l a S o r aya )
stallion before he returned to Egypt, and perhaps his best on U.S. soil. Jameela unexpectedly passed away from cancer before Moubarak was weaned, but the colt is now thriving under Farm Manager Mitch Crawford’s attentive care. The third up-and-coming colt is the first U.S.-born son of the black German stallion GR Madhin. Black yearling Phoenix Rising MVA is out of Thee Phoenix, a black champion producer who came to Misty Valley in her teens and has found her forever home. Phoenix Rising is a fantastic mover who is the only Misty Valley horse currently in show training; look for him in the ring soon. “He’s an interesting outcross colt who, with time, I’m confident will mature into special horse,” says Danny. His dam is in foal to EA Java for 2015, a selection Danny made because of his love for
S U Z A N N E P HOTO
Java’s sire, True Colours.
P h o e n i x R i s i n g M VA ( G R M a d h i n x Th e e P h o e n i x ) Th e e D o m i n i o n ( S c a pa x Th e e D e s e rt R o s e ) FALL/WINTER, 2014 | 23
W
hen asked about the future for the horses of Misty Valley, Danny’s
excitement is palpable. “My dream would be to keep these homebred colts here and stand them, to be able to offer their exceptional quality and rare pedigrees to breeders in the U.S.,” Danny says. “But that may or may not be possible--with their quality, they may be exported as soon as I’ll let them go!” Next year will bring a foal by A Illuminatus
(Ansata Nile Emir x Kuy Shaihnya), out of the leased mare A Samia (Simeon Sadran x Cedars Samedi), both owned by Athala Arabians. A Samia is a unique outcross mare with lines to the amazing Hanan and Simeon bloodlines. At this year’s Egyptian Event, Danny also purchased two EBC breedings to A Illuminatus and is carefully choosing the mares for these crosses. “I believe these bloodlines will cross very well with my current broodmare band, and I can’t wait to see the results,” says Danny. Also preparing for next year is the lovely 2007 grey mare, MGM Grande MVA (The Singleton x Minstrilsgreymist), an exotic-headed maiden who will begin her career as a Misty Valley broodmare. She will be bred to Scapa for her first foal. | FALL/WINTER, 2014 | 24
S
o how is the competitive amateur showman handling staying largely out of the ring? “As much as I love
to compete, we’ll show sparingly for a while,” muses Danny, “There’s plenty to do at home! I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished up to this point with the help of some wonderful breeders and trainers, and now I’m looking forward to focusing on Misty Valley’s own legacy: producing homebred horses to compete, standing the resulting colts to the outside public, as well as breeding them to our own mares.” Located at the foothills of Lookout Mountain, Misty
Valley Arabians is in Chickamauga, GA, just outside of Chattanooga, TN. New round pens and fencing accommodate the need for the young horses to grow up together and for under-saddle training to increase, as Danny and Carol share a goal of enjoying their horses under saddle more in the days to come. Each of the horses standing on the farm are known and loved by Misty Valley’s full-time manager, Mitch Crawford. The Heitholds consider themselves fortunate to have him overseeing the herd and taking wonderful care of every resident. “From breeding to foaling and all of the daily care in between, Mitch and his family are invaluable
S U Z A N N E P HOTO
to our horses, and they are unquestionably part of our family, too.” M G M G r a n d e M VA ( Th e S i n g l e t o n x M i n s t r i l s g r e y m i s t )
| FALL/WINTER, 2014 | 25
“We welcome visitors who may be in the Chattanooga area! Come discover why our little Misty Valley is such a peaceful, inspiring place for horse and human alike to dwell.�
M ist y Va l l ey A r a bi a ns 12160 H w y 193 C hick a m auga , GA, 30707
(423) 718-4116 dhei t hol d @ hot m a il . com mist y va l l e ya r a bi a ns . com
Special thanks to Danny & Carolyn Heithold of Misty Valley Arabians for their ongoing support of The Pyramid Society and for their generous sponsorship of THE SOURCE.
The Founder Series
AR C H I T E C T S O F T HE PYRAMI D S O CI E TY: PART 4
Bradford Heck by M. Kent Mayfield, PhD
F
ew individuals have had more impact on the American city than architect and planner Daniel Hudson Burnham. In the midst of late 19th century urban disorder, Burnham offered a powerful vision of what a civilized American city could look like. Following Goethe, he said: “Make no small plans for they have no magic to stir men’s blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work.” Bradford Heck took that advice seriously and, with his wife, the
In VOLUME 1
In VOLUME 2
Part 1 Douglas B. and Margaret Cullen Marshall
Part 2 James M. Kline
Part 3 Willis H. Flick
| FALL/WINTER, 2014 | 27
redoubtable Hanna Louise Heck, known to all as “Hansi,” created a master plan for Straight Egyptian breeding in North America whose magic still “moves the hearts” and stirs the blood of breeders around the world...
“Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
H anna L ouise “ H ansi ” H eck and B radford H eck , circa 1 9 6 9 . P hoto courtesy H ansi M elnyk
S erenit y F ar m s : N o S m all D rea m s , N o S m all P lans
B
radford DonEll Heck was born March 26, 1927 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He ser ved as a jet pilot during the Korean War and later worked as a pipeline construction super visor in the oil industr y. He and Hansi were married in 1967. A lifetime horsewoman, accomplished
in dressage, jumping and hunt, Hansi was also a trainer and competitor with warmbloods, Trakehners, Hanoverians and Holsteiners. Her grandfather, Dr. E. Lentz, had established Landesgestuet Rastenburg (an historic Trakhener stud farm) in Germany in 1877,
| FALL/WINTER, 2014 | 28
and Hansi brought his passion and love for the horse to her marriage. Then, one bright day in Spring, Texas, she entered the bold, new world of Egyptian Arabians! It happened this way. As Hansi recalls, soon after their wedding, she and Brad happened to travel past a grassy paddock at the entrance to Gleannloch Farms, where she glimpsed a magical young colt. She insisted Brad stop for her to watch. Entranced, she pressed her young husband to drive on into
the farm. There they met Douglas Marshall and were introduced to the magnificent Morafic. “I could only stare at him with tears running down my face,” she tells. But, her mind remained fixed on the 2-year old colt from the pasture – Khofo (Morafic x Nabilahh). Hansi begged Doug Marshall to sell the colt, but he refused. She insisted and insisted again. At last, Mr. Marshall agreed, thus establishing a friendship that endured until his death.
a young K hofo, Johnny j ohnston photo , courtesy j oe ferriss
| FALL/WINTER, 2014 | 29
E
arlier in 1967, Hansi had purchased a 165-year-old estate in Queensville, Ontario, Canada, building there new stables and indoor arenas needed to accommodate the horses for winter exercise. This was a peaceful place and beautiful; “Serenity” was the per fect name. In 1968, Serenity became the only privately-owned quarantine for the United States and Canada. It was the point-ofentr y for Egyptian Arabian horses impor ted over the next several years, hosting horses that were the foundation of Straight Egyptian breeding in the U.S. and Canada. In that year, with the special assistance of Doug Marshall, Serenity impor ted five special mares, including the 1971 unanimous U.S. National Champion mare Serenity Sonbolah (Sameh x Bint Om El Saad). [It is said that Serenity Sonbolah loved peppermints! A classy lady!] These mares were bred to Khofo, producing the next generation of multi-champions in halter and per formance. Khofo was also bred to Gleannloch’s Magidaa, whose daughter Bint Magidaa was the dam of Ruminaja Ali, Alidarr and many others. More mares joined the herd in 1970.
A B O V E : S erenity S onbolah , J O H N N Y J O H N S TO N P H OTO ( TO P ) , sparagowski photo ( B OT TO M ) R I G H T: T H E E A O S TA L L I O N B A R N, I N T H E 1 9 6 0 s or 1 9 7 0 s , from the archives of sara loken. photo by j im kline
| FALL/WINTER, 2014 | 30
At the center of Serenity’s dream was Khofo. “Khofo was my love affair, an incredible stallion, almost human, regal, fearless, honest and reliable,” Hansi says. “He produced 252 ‘children,’ and over half of them became international champions. No other Straight Egyptian stallion has ever accomplished this.” Khofo and Serenity Ibn Nazeer surely must be credited with creating an international profile for the Serenity horses, but beautiful proven athletes such as Serenity Mashalla, who produced 17 national champions in Brazil, and the accomplished dressage mount Serenity Habib, who stood as senior stallion at Weil-Marbach for three seasons, underscored the hallmark beauty and per formance qualities of Serenity horses. As historian Joe Ferriss noted in his celebration of the 45th anniversar y of the stud, the composition of the Serenity impor tations was fundamental to understanding Serenity and its horses. Although the stallion Nazeer was an impor tant component, the Inshass stallions Anter and Sameh were strongly represented
FALL/WINTER, 2014 | 31
as was the sole sur viving representative of the female line of Nafaa, who had been among the 1946 gifts of King Ibn Saud to Egypt’s King Farouk. Mashour and El Nasser were represented, as well as Galal by his daughter, Serenity Montaha, a ¾ sister to Hanan. Ferriss rightly sees in that early collection of mares a type of horse “quite compatible” with what General Tibor von PettkoSzandtner had in mind when he was hired to reorganize the Egyptian Agricultural Organization (EAO) in the post-war period. Von Szandtner wanted to breed a more functional horse, closer to the cavalr y horses that he managed at Babolna in Hungar y. In shor t: Excellent conformation, stamina, speed, and courage were driving motives for Serenity Farms from the outset. No small dream. No small plan.
O
n the occasion of the 1968 impor tation, Douglas and Margaret Marshall invited Hansi and Brad to dinner at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto. In the hotel elevator, Hansi remembers
saying to Doug, “What is going to happen to these horses if we have no children or they are not interested in carr ying on?” Doug replied, “I never thought of it, but I will now.” Some time later Doug sent Hansi a copy of his proposal to create an organization named “The P yramid Society.” “He asked, ‘What do you think?’ and I said, ‘Of course, I like it!”
| FALL/WINTER, 2014 | 32
Doug soon invited James Kline, Richard Pritzlaff, and Judith Forbis, who was out of the countr y at the time, along with William (Bill) Winter, to join the effor t. ‡ With major commitments to her business enterprises, the farm, and a young son, Hansi declined Marshall’s invitation, but Bradford stepped for ward as a founding director at the first meeting of the new organization in 1969. Brad resigned shor tly thereafter. However, Hansi remained an active advocate of The P yramid Society for many years. Bradford Heck and Hansi divorced in 1972. Brad relocated to Arizona and then to Colorado before his death in Februar y, 2012, at the age of 84.
H ansi M elnyk
As with any enduring movement, the genesis of The Pyramid Society took place only through the early involvement and support of many individuals. The five, recorded founding members listed on The Pyramid Society’s Articles of Incorporation include: Douglas B. Marshall, Willis H. Flick, James M. Kline, Judith E. Forbis, and Bradford Heck.
‡
A tireless champion of the authentic Deser t Arabian horse, Hansi has ser ved on the Board of Directors of the Asil Club, based in Germany, since 1996 and has played a commanding role in the conser vation/preser vation movement in the United States and abroad. Hansi was married to William (Bill) Melnyk in 1976. To escape the hard cold of Canadian winters, Hansi moved the herd to Florida’s Lake Region in 1976, from which the reputation of the Serenity Arabians has stretched around the world. The farm’s website says it clearly: “Serenit y” … means qualit y, beaut y, correctness, and ex treme athleticism. “Serenit y” and “perfor m ance” are synonymous.
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T
ime passes. Hype goes stale. Fads come and go. Still, over the years, the dedication of Serenity Farms to the preser vation of purity in the Arabian breed remains unchanged and the “inner-fire� (on which Samantha Winburn commented in a 2003 ar ticle in Khamsat) of Hansi Heck-Melnyk and Serenity Farms burns hot.
Realizing its big plan for Egyptian Arabians, Serenity has now placed its horses across the countr y and around the world, finding favor wherever breeding programs value beauty coupled with athleticism. This past spring, the balance of the herd remaining in Hawthorne, Florida was acquired by Mark and Dana Lamair, Pleasant Hope, Missouri, where Serenity’s magic continues to stir the blood to high hopes and good work.
L E F T: S erenity I bn K hofo ( K hofo x S F B int M amlouka ) R I G H T: S erenity ferial ( sf ibn na z eer x sf bint mamlouka ) P hotos courtesy Joe F erriss
Heritage Horse Profiles
FOURTH EDITION: *Khofo++, *Serenity Sonbolah, *SF Bint Mamlouka, and *Serenity Luftia
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*Khofo++ by Joe Ferriss
A
fter discovering the Arabian horse in 1970, I began subscribing to any Arabian magazines I could get my hands on and quickly became excited about the magnificent Egyptian horses featured in the magazines. One of the magazines in my subscription list was Canadian Arabian News (of interest to me since I was only three hours from the Canadian border). I remember in the early 1970s seeing those striking photos of the imported Egyptian horses that were a part of Serenity Farms Limited in Queensville, Ontario. I marveled at the pictures of the handsome stallion Khofo, a young “Adonis� with excellent proportions, good clean legs and loads of Arabian type. His proud
Name
Breeder
*Khofo++
EAO
Color & Gender
ImporteD
Grey Stallion
1965 by Douglas B. Marshall
Foaled
OwnerS
March 2, 1965
EAO Douglas Marshall Bradford & Hansi Heck Hansi Heck or Robert Allston Serenity Farms Limited Bill Melnyk or Serenity Farms Limited
Deceased
December 13, 1991 Sire
Morafic
[Egyptian Agricultural Organization]
Dam
Nabilahh
Sire of 204 foals, 64% used for breeding
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and noble body language seemed to speak out from those photos. Of course, he was even more magnificent to me since I had developed a fixation with Khofo’s sire, Morafic. I learned early on Serenity Farms Limited became an important quarantine station for many horses imported from Egypt by various breeders. I also learned that Khofo was imported as a foal at his dam’s side by Douglas B. Marshall of Gleannloch, and that he would reside in Canada at Serenity Farms Limited to become
the cornerstone of that worldrenowned stud. He was the heart and soul of Hanna Louise Heck [now Melnyk], also known as “Hansi,” a great horsewoman and breeder. Hansi took Khofo to the highest honors in a variety of disciplines, winning in halter, western, english, side-saddle, driving, dressage and, of course, Most Classic Head, all adding up to Khofo winning his Legion of Merit award. I had already been to visit Ranch Ruminaja where I saw Khofo’s full sister, Bint Nabilahh, the Morafic daughter out of the Anter daughter Nabilahh, whose dam line was the same as Russia’s famed Aswan. So, I was aware of the royal lineage of Khofo. Two of Khofo’s straight Egyptian sons had arrived in Michigan from Canada: the young Serenity El Bitan (Khofo x Serenity Sagda), already winning in Michigan shows, and Serenity Osiris (Khofo x SerenityBintNadia), a classic producer of athletes, on lease for one year in Michigan. But perhaps the most memorable of all Khofo get to arrive in Michigan was none other than his very first foal, Bint Magidaa, who I saw as a spectacular yearling. She became the cornerstone for Ranch Ruminaja, where another Morafic L E F T: H ansi ( heck ) M elnyk riding khofo
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son resided, the legendary Shaikh Al Badi. The mating of Shaikh Al Badi to the Khofo daughter Bint Magidaa would create a dynasty, forever immortalizing Khofo as a part of the story with such worldrenowned siblings as Ruminaja Ali, Ruminaja Fayez, Alidaar, Bint Bint Magidaa, and so on. But for all that legacy, it was only the beginning for Khofo, who would go on to produce many internationally sought-after get and descendants. While his first influences lay in Canada, South Americans quickly took note of Khofo, and one outcome was the very handsome Serenity Mashalla (Khofo x Serenity Shahra). This was a particularly interesting and closely related cross, since Serenity Shahra was a ¾ sister to Khofo’s dam, Nabilahh. Serenity Mashalla sired over 200 foals in Brazil. Another Khofo son, Serenity Mashour (x Serenity BintNoha), would follow Mashalla to Brazil. Several other Khofo get, both Straight Egyptian and Egyptian-related, continued a path to South America, where they were well received. Many of Khofo’s best sons were retained by Serenity for skilled use in the breeding program. They
did not stand idle when not being used as sires. Some went into race training, which included racers Serenity IbnKhofo as well as Khofo grandsons, Serenity Monzeer and SF Ibn Lateef. In fact, many of Khofo’s descendants bred at Serenity proved successful in racing and endurance. Serenity had moved to Florida in the U.S. in 1976, taking advantage of the great environment for developing racing Arabians there. Another magnificent son of Khofo to be exported was the handsome stallion Serenity Habib (x SF Bint Mamlouka), who became an important sire in Europe - producing many excellent athletes like himself - and was used by Marbach. Yet, for all the talk about the achievements of Khofo sons, he sired more mares than stallions. Khofo daughters became much-coveted in the way that was first created by the celebrated Bint Magidaa. There were more of them than can be featured in this short heritage profile. Suffice it to say that among those is Serenity Sonbolah’s look alike, SF Bint Sonbolah, dam of IES Sondusah, the foundation mare for Zichy Thyssen Arabians in Argentina and granddam of ZT Faa’iq. The
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left: above , bint magidaa ( khofo x magidaa ) , polly knoll photo ; below, serenity mashalla . right: khofo at 1 7 years old, j ohnny j ohnston photo .
Khofo daughter Serenity Kamila, produced two more foundation mares for Zichy Thyssen Arabians, ZT Hossinette and ZT Bint Hossny. The Khofo daughter SF BtBt Mamlouka is granddam of Moroccan sire and Salon Du Cheval winner Imperial ImTarib, and the list of renowned Khofo daughters goes on and on. Khofo proved to be a supreme influence of halter, performance, dressage, endurance and racing horses internationally. From his Bint Magidaa connection to all the Serenity-bred Khofo descent, his influence is now almost incalculable. Perhaps Khofo’s greatest appeal lay in the fact that
Khofo was the perfect balance of quality, type, nobility, trainability, athletic ability and that almost indescribable essence called soul that endears all of us to Arabian horses. Ironically, I never saw Khofo in person until he was 17 years old. He was a vision in white. In all his dignity and spectacular elegance he walked up to me and looked me directly in the eye, and at that point I knew what Morafic was all about and how the archetype of the true Arabian horse will live on forever.
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TOP: Serenity Sonbolah at Imperial, Johnny Johnston Photo. Below, left to right: ZT Faa’Iq (Anaza El Farid x ZT Jamdusah) legendary international sire from the dam line of Serenity Sonbolah, Gigi Grasso photo; Imperial Al Kamar (El Hilal x Imperial Sonbesjul), internationally-renowned sire of champions and grandson of Sonbolah, Javan photo; PVA Sonbali (Ruminaja Ali x Imperial Sonboleen out of Serenity Sonbolah), pictured as a yearling, now an important sire in Australia, Johnny Johnston photo.
*Serenity Sonbolah by Joe Ferriss
Name
*Serenity Sonbolah Color & Gender
Chestnut Mare Foaled
March 3, 1967 Deceased
Not Recorded Sire
Sameh Dam
Bint Om El Saad Breeder
EAO
[Egyptian Agricultural Organization]
imported 1968 by Bradford & Hansi Heck OwnerS
EAO Hansi Heck or Robert Allston Serenity Farms Limited Douglas or Barbara Griffith, Imperial Egyptian Stud Dam of 7 foals, 6 used for breeding
T
here was just nothing quite like her and probably never will be again. From the start, as a stunning, rich, chestnut yearling filly, Serenity Sonbolah would certainly imprint the essence of “Serenity” on many very highquality horses in the future. Among the very first of Serenity imports, Serenity Sonbolah was imported from Egypt to Canada in 1968. She was a prized daughter of the EAO’s Sameh, the great broodmare sire who also was known for horses of smooth and harmonious proportions, excellent temperaments, and superior athletic ability. She was out of the Nazeer daughter Bint Om El Saad, herself a granddaughter of Yashmak, who had produced Rashad Ibn Nazeer, the very first Nazeer son to come to America, and, in fact, Bint Om El Saad was a ¾ sister to Rashad.
I remember first hearing about Serenity Sonbolah from Dr. and Mrs. John Tarr. They had seen her at the U.S. Nationals in 1971, and watched her win the U.S. National Champion Mare class, a first for a Straight Egyptian mare at that time. The year before, 1970, Serenity Sonbolah had won U.S. Top Ten, missing the reserve by only 3 points. So, without question, 1971 would be her year. Mrs. Tarr said that Sonbolah was spectacular in the show ring. But they later wanted to see her in the stall, where | FALL/WINTER, 2014 | 41
so many horses - when relaxed after competition - don’t look all that special. But this mare looked better relaxed in the stall than any horse they had ever seen before. She was just magnificent from every angle: perfect proportions; a work of art; radiating quality and stealing hearts with her incredible expression. Upon completing her National show honors, Sonbolah became a broodmare at Serenity. She produced two fillies for Serenity, but such a great mare could not be contained to one farm. After her second filly, Serenity Sonbolah was sold to Imperial Egyptian Stud. Between Serenity and Imperial, she would produce a total of seven foals, six of which were used for breeding. Serenity Sonbolah produced her fist foal at age 6: SF Bint Sonbohla, a lovely chestnut filly sired by Khofo. A grand champion mare, SF Bint Sonbohla was hailed as a Sonbolah look alike. SF Bint Sonbohla produced Serenity Salilah (x Serenity Osiris), whose daughter Sameeh (x Ibn El Mareekh) was exported to Morocco. Then, Bint Sonbohla also went to Imperial, producing IES Sondusah (x Hossny), who became a foundation mare for renowned Zichy-Thyssen Arabians and establishing a large family there. Sondusah claims special fame by being the granddam of internationally-renowned stallion ZT Faa’Iq (Anaza El Farid x ZT Jamdusah), now in
Bahrain, a sire of many champions, including the legendary Phaaros (x Bint Atallah) in Saudi Arabia. The line from SF Bint Sonbolah has served other breeders as well, such as Somerset Farms, Kehilan Arabians and Hadaya Arabians. Serenity Sonbolah’s second filly was SF Sonbolah Tu (x SF Ibn Nazeer), registered as SF Bint Ibn Nazeer in Canada. I will never forget the first time I saw SF Sonbolah Tu peering out at me from her stall with her stunning head (with pronounced dish and very prominent jibbah) and kind, expressive eyes. She was a wonderfully-proportioned, beautiful mare. She produced two daughters before being sold to Zahara Arabians: Serenity Sonbolaa and Serenity Bt Khofo (both by Khofo). Both of these were retained by Serenity and would be a link to Serenity Sonbolah at Serenity after her sale to Imperial. Their descent would be exported to Germany, Switzerland, Italy and the U.A.E. At Zahara, SF Sonbolah Tu’s daughter by Ansata Omar Halim, Zahara Kiyara was an exquisite mare and later a great producer for Dara Meadows Farm. SF Sonbolah Tu was arguably the
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most adored of Serenity Sonbolah’s daughters, and there is a wonderful tribute to her in The Pyramid Society’s Reference Handbook, Volume XII. At Imperial Stud, Serenity Sonbolah’s daughters would prove internationally influential. Imperial Sonbesjul (x Hossny) will be remembered for her sons Imperial ImSirdar (x Ansata Imperial), owned by Cedar Ridge Farm and sire of Egyptian Event winners,
S F S onbolah T u, H ansi M elnyk photo
and Imperial Al Kamar (x El Hilal), sire of 188 foals with many international champions to his credit, including the celebrated Imperial Kamilll, multiinternational champion and sire of champions. Imperial Al Kamar also sired Imperial Kalatifa, dam of multi-
international champion Loubna. Another Serenity Sonbolah daughter, Imperial Sonboleen (x Moniet El Nafis) produced the important Australian sire PVA Sonbali (x Ruminaja Ali). Serenity Sonblolah’s last foal was Imperial Sonbolara (x Moniet El Nafis), who, unfortunately, died young, but not before producing two Class A champions. Sonbolah was only 14 when her last foal was born. Her broodmare career at Imperial was challenged because, remarkably, Sonbolah had survived a broken leg while 10 months in foal and had to deal with subsequent challenges. Incredibly, though, she survived her surgery, never lost her spirit, and entertained visitors for years. Sonbolah was able to still show off and trot as though on air. Long time manager and trainer for Imperial, Eileen Verdieck sums it up best: “Sonbolah moved with such grace and regal authority, even when crippled... She was truly a horse that could ‘fly without wings.’” Interestingly that phrase would become the title of a special movie created for Imperial which included spectacular, slow-motion footage of the unforgettable Serenity Sonbolah, a mare who remains immortal in the legacy of the Arabian horse.
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*sf Bint Mamlouka by Joe Ferriss
S
F Bint Mamlouka was another of Egypt’s treasures, imported by Serenity Farms Limited in 1970 when she was 11 years old. She had left one filly, Fooz (x Hassan), behind in Egypt that did not produce, so her production record began with Serenity as a mature mare. When I visited Hansi and Bill Melnyk in 1983, SF Bint Mamlouka was already 24 years old, and less than a month from foaling. She would end up producing 15 foals in her lifetime! She was spectacular -- a perfect picture of a desert war mare, flea-bitten grey with very noble expression. From her body language you could tell she was courageous and the queen of the farm. I marveled at her quality, her balance, depth, great legs and presence. She moved powerfully yet effortlessly, though heavy in foal. To see her noble face was unforgettable; it was never quite accurately captured in photos. Like a traditional war mare, her profile was nearly straight but pleasingly tapered with very expressive, large eyes that conveyed nobility, courage
and wisdom. This mare had incredible soul. She seemed to radiate a feeling that you were fortunate to be in her presence, much like I got when I first saw Bint Moniet El Nefous. SF Bint Mamlouka was a daughter of Mashhour, which already spiked my interest, as Mashhour daughters were very rare. North America managed to import most of the choice few available, four out of the seven that existed. This select group included Gleannloch’s unforgettable mares Ghazalahh (Mashhour x Bint Farida) and Hayam (Mashhour x Tahia), as well as Kline Arabians’ Noha (Mashhour x Samia) and Serenity’s SF Bint Mamlouka, who was actually a full sister in blood to Noha. In Egypt Mashhour’s only producing son retained by the EAO was Seef, best remembered as the sire of the legendary Ibn Safinaz. Hansi valued the Mashhour blood, having also imported the Mashhour granddaughter Serenity BintNoha. SF Bint Mamlouka’s first foal was Serenity Shahwa by Ibn Hafiza, who
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Name
Breeder
*SF Bint Mamlouka
EAO
Color & Gender
ImporteD
Grey Mare
1970 by Hansi Heck
Foaled
OwnerS
April 2, 1959
EAO Hansi Heck or Robert Allston Serenity Farms Limited Bill Melnyk or Serenity Farms Limited
Deceased
July 11, 1988 Sire
Mashhour
[Egyptian Agricultural Organization]
Dam of 15 foals, 11 used for breeding
Dam
Mamlouka S F B int M amlouka , Johnny Johnston P hoto
was noted as granddam of AERC endurance competitors Selket Simba and Selket Shadow. This was only a foreshadowing of the many excellent performance-quality competitors to claim ancestry to SF Bint Mamlouka. Her next mating was to Khofo, which would prove to be a repeated successful cross with SF Bint Mamlouka. The first result was appropriately named SF BtBt Mamlouka, a dam of numerous champions, including Serenity Tiamo (x SF Ibn Nazeer) [registered as Imperial Tiamo in the U.S.]. Tiamo was not only an excellent mare, winning U.S. Top Ten Futurity, and U.S. Top Ten Mare, but also producer of multi-champion Imperial ImTarib (x Ansata Imperial), who was exported to Morocco, becoming an important sire there. Other countries soon noticed the quality of SF Bint Mamlouka’s influence. Her next daughter was Serenity Ferial (x SF Ibn Nazeer) (see photo on page 35), who was granddam of the handsome, important Australian and New Zealand sire Imperial Maakir at Al Zayd/Holly Farm. Soon, a full sister to Serenity Ferial was born at Serenity, the beautiful Serenity Caramia, granddam of Sport Horse Champion Serenity Ibcar, who was double SF Bint Mamlouka. Ibcar’s
TO P: S F B t B t M amlouka ( x khofo, scott trees photo above : S erenity habib ( x khofo ) Toischel photo right: serenity mamlouk ( x sf benibn na z eer )
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sire was Serenity IbnKhofo (see photo on page 34), who was SF Bint Mamlouka’s son by Khofo. A handsome and powerful chestnut, Serenity IbnKhofo was a successful Arabian racehorse and became an integral part of the Serenity breeding program; a number of his get were exported to Brazil. SF Bint Mamlouka would follow IbnKhofo with another chestnut colt, appropriately named Serenity Mamlouk (x SF BenIbn Nazeer), also a successful racehorse on the tracks for the Serenity colors. He, too, became an important sire for Serenity, and some of his get went to South America, England, Europe and the U.A.E. The Serenity combination of Serenity IbnKhofo and Serenity Mamlouk, doubling SF Bint Mamlouka, would produce champions like the chestnut stallion Serenity Aruf, Sport Horse Champion and USEF Region Reserve Champion Horse of the Year, 2004. All of SF Bint Mamlouka’s remaining foals were sired by Khofo, and among those was the spectacular Serenity Habib, a handsome and charismatic grey stallion of exceptional quality that was exported to Europe, where he became a popular sire of classic performance horses and was also used by the Marbach State Stud in Germany. Habib was a Gold Medalist, Grand Champion and Best of Show in Europe at Aachen in 1995. Habib’s full sisters, Serenity Malika, Serenity Malekat, Serenity Makbula and Serenity
Malaka, all became important broodmares. Serenity Malika’s produce were exported to Chile and the U.A.E. Serenity Malekat was the dam line of black Arabian sire Amir Kamaal (double SF Bint Mamlouka). Serenity Makbula was exported to Swizerland and was dam of the Italian sire AP Makbul. Serenity Malaka established a family of Serenitybred horses which served a variety of other breeders and is now well represented in the program of new breeders Mark and Dana LaMair, recent purchasers of the remainder of the Serenity herd. Because SF Bint Mamlouka was such a great broodmare, she spent her entire producing life with Serenity. Without a doubt, this magnificent “war mare of the desert” has created a dynasty for Serenity and for other breeders internationally who value the beautiful, versatile Arabian horse -- an ideal blend of athletic prowess and classic Arabian beauty. It is no wonder that SF Bint Mamlouka was the deserved “Queen of Serenity.”
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*Serenity Luftia by Becky Rogers
S erenity luftia , Johnny Johnston P hoto , C ourtesy Joe F erriss
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I
Sudan (Ansata Ibn Halima x Ansata Bint Mabrouka), winning National Champion Stallion, and Serenity Sonbolah (Sameh x Bint Om El Saad), winning National Champion Mare.
t was 1971, and Egyptian Arabian horses had been appearing on the U.S. National show scene for only a few years. Already they were turning heads, winning Top Ten awards, despite the small number of Egyptian horses in the U.S. But that year, they had an unprecedented showing, with multiple Straight Egyptians taking Championships, Reser ves and Top Tens in halter and per formance and sweeping National Champion honors in Stallion Halter, Mare Halter, Futurity Colt, and Futurity Filly! Two of the most famous Straight Egyptian horses in histor y would be crowned National Champion that year: Ansata Ibn
What is often overlooked is just how many entries were in the classes at that time. And of those large number of entries, the Straight Egyptian Arabian was well-represented, even in the Top 20. Hansi [Heck] Melnyk, owner of Serenity Farms, recalls: “I took Serenity Sabra and Serenity Luftia along to place one in front and the other behind Sonbolah, so that she had the ‘proper room’ to show off. Both were nine months in foal. They were all in one
Name
Breeder
*Serenity Luftia
EAO
Color & Gender
ImporteD
Grey Mare
1970 by Hansi Heck
Foaled
OwnerS
September 24, 1967
EAO Hansi Heck or Robert Allston Richard and Margaret Knight Margaret Bergtold Dr. John and Georgette Coles Sho-Shana Arabians Janet Stevenson
Deceased
Not Recorded Sire
Nasralla Dam
Nazeera
[Egyptian Agricultural Organization]
Dam of 13 foals, 12 used for breeding
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class and all made the cut. That meant that Serenity had “three” mares in the top ten of the first cut, two being high in foal. I was prouder than a peacock! Luftia ended up on 13th spot out of 58 entries, while Serenity Sabra on 12th, and Serenity Sonbolah became National Champion Mare. It was quite a success.” Serenity Luftia made her trip to Canada at the tender age of 2½ years old. She was impor ted by Serenity Farms in their second impor tation of bloodstock from Egypt. Five horses made the trip with Luftia, completing the impor ts from Egypt for Serenity. Right away it was apparent that Luftia exhibited many of the qualities you would expect from her parents. Her sire, Nasralla (Shahriar), has been the subject of unfounded scrutiny due to a misunderstanding about his grandsire, El Nasser. El Nasser (Diane), born in 1938, has been confused with El Nasser, born in 1929, a par t-bred Anglo Arab also known as Tabib. Due to the painstaking research of The P yramid Society’s Founders, The P yramid Society has correctly
accepted the later-born El Nasser, a great-grandsire of Luftia, as a Straight Egyptian Arabian since the Society’s inception in 1969. A son of the famous racehorse Balance, Nasralla inherited his sire’s athletic ability, which was passed on in turn to his get. Hansi asser ts that: “Luftia was also very fast, with huge, long strides, and had a very sweet disposition. She stood about 15.1 to 15.2 with an immense girth and rear end. This very elegant, typey mare was a Kuhaylah Rodania.” And one of Luftia’s former owners, Janet Stevenson of Sho-Shana Arabians, tells us:
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brag about in Arab type. Some English visitors in the late 1930s were critical of Balance for his type and, because of his incredible speed, he was something of a controversial horse back then, even though his pedigree is sterling. Nasralla seems to have inherited nothing from his sire Balance other than his racing speed.“
S erenity luftia , photo C ourtesy j anet stevenson
“I remember when I bought her; I was mesmerized by her presence and movement. A powerful mover - she would blow like a stud and send chills through me.” But for all the athletic ability that Nasralla possessed, he was also a horse of beauty and quality. Joe Ferriss writes: “He was an excellent individual with good Arabian quality, as can be seen by the image that Fernando Saenz took of him at the EAO in 1966 when Nasralla was 10 going on 11 years old. He had excellent legs and conformation, and in other images it is clear that he has the big full jowls with good width underneath, similar to his grandsire El Nasser. Nasralla’s sire is the famous race horse bred by the RAS named Balance and we mainly have Balance blood from the famed Nefisa line; however, by all photographic accounts, Balance was a plain, angular horse, with little to
Lest we attribute all of Luftia’s elegance to her sire, we must not overlook her dam. Wise breeders know the dam is often the foundation for outstanding qualities, and this is no less true of Luftia’s dam, the legendar y Nazeer daughter – Nazeera. Luftia’s eleven maternal siblings include famous names such as Romanaa II, Omayma, Hebah, Amani, Manzoura and Bint Nazeera, all stellar producing mares in their own right, with Romanaa II and Omayma (see their profiles in THE SOURCE Volume I) achieving National Champion honors, as well. Luftia herself was shown to many championships, and Hansi remembers these: “She was tall and very elegant with very smooth conformation and excellent legs and movement… I showed Luftia myself at shows, where she was a Champion mare. She twice came in as a reserve to Serenity Sonbolah.”
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Janet Stevenson also remembers Luftia as a ver y balanced mare: “Not a big mare, but the classic ‘three ball mare’ - so balanced, with a short back and very arched neck and lots of tail. Excellent mother.” As a broodmare Luftia was prolific with 13 foals to her credit. Her first foal was Serenity Kamal (x Khofo), who was a champion himself. Today, his representatives are mostly Egyptian-bred horses, including his son Silverstone Shamal, a winner in halter and per formance and the sire of the National Morab Champion Arabian Mare, Allora SSF. Luftia had quite a list of owners in her lifetime, with the famed Cedardell Arabian Farms purchasing Luftia from Serenity and incorporating her into their Domestic/ Egyptian program. She foaled one Straight Egyptian stallion for Cedardell and five Egyptian-bred foals. Next in line was Dr. John Coles of Stonebridge Farms in Canada. There she produced Bo-Mars Legend, sired by Dalul, who was purchased by Dr. Buris Boshell in-utero. Legend sired several
offspring for El Masr Arabian Stud in Wisconsin. Among these is the lovely Dafina El Masr (x Mariah El Masr). Dafina is the dam of the Egyptian Event Top Ten Colt WWA Fahim Sihri (x Centur y Shah) and the halter winner WWA Bahiya (x WWA Kurafi), who, along with her daughter, was expor ted to Saudi Arabia. Dafina also is the dam of WWA Asil Bahar (x Centur y Shah), now owned by Christine Emmer t and competing in endurance. Bahar is the dam of The Egyptian Event Top Ten World Class Colt WWA Sahir (x WWA Kurafi). The second foal for Stonebridge was the halter and English Pleasure winning stallion Ibn Luftia (x Dalul). His black granddaughter, BKL Deser t Eclipse (Barakel Black Star x Tiaja by Ibn Luftia), was an Egyptian Event Top Ten mare for owner Carl Starr. His daughter Nazareena (x Danskin) was a multiple halter champion, including Reser ve Champion East Coast Canada Mare. At this point, Serenity Luftia would find her forever home with Janet Stevenson at Sho-Shana Arabians. She produced four excellent foals for Janet. The first was Dal Nazeer, a big, strapping chestnut stallion
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by Dalul. It is through Dal Nazeer that we find Luftia’s most international family. His granddaughter EAE Mu’jiza (The Profile x Aanisaah by Khai) proved to be a superior broodmare, with two daughters and a son (all sired by True Colors, making them double Dalul) with winning in the family. One daughter, True Sahara TDD, was expor ted to Said Khair Stables in Jordan, while the other, Zara TDD, was expor ted to El Fawaz Stud in Israel.
D A L N A Z E E R ( S E R E N I T Y L U F T I A x D alul ) , photo C ourtesy j anet stevenson
Sahara TDD has produced two National winning sons. Her eldest son, named Al Bourak, is sired by El Thay Mansour and was a Champion in his age group at the Jordan National Championship Show. Bourak’s son Wared Al Khair (x Spechall WLF) was the Bronze Junior Colt at the 2014 Jordan National Championship, and his daughter Bint Dalia (x Dalia) was the
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2012 Filly Foal Champion at the Jordan National Championship. The younger son of Sahara is the breathtakingly exotic Al Sa’eedi (x Kyro K A). Al Sa’eedi has been a ver y successful show stallion and has won numerous titles for Said Khair Stables. He is now owned and being campaigned by Al Zobair Stud from Sharjah. Al Sa’eedi was a familiar face at the Middle East Championships in Jordan; he holds the title of 2009 Gold Champion Colt as well as 2011 Gold Champion Stallion at this prestigious show. He is also the Gold Champion Stallion at the 2014 Sharjah Straight Egyptian Festival, as well as a Class Winner and four th in a ver y competitive stallion championship at the Egyptian Event Europe in 2014. His equally exotic daughter, Dalal Al Khair (x Dalia), was also named Bronze Junior Champion Filly at the Jordan Nationals, as well as Bronze Junior Champion Filly at the Emerald Trophy Cup, showing for Said Khair Stables.
Nader Al Jamal), was the Reser ve Champion Filly Foal at the Egyptian Event Israel. And true to this winning, multi-generational family, Dalaa’s daughter (thus a great, great, great, great granddaughter of Serenity Luftia), Hasna Al Fawaz (x Al Raheeb AA), is on a winning streak; she was crowned 2013 Palestine International Champion, Jericho Show Gold Champion Filly, S erenity luftia , P hoto C ourtesy j anet stevenson
Meanwhile, in Israel, Zara TDD is herself a Reser ve Class Champion at the Israeli Championship Show and the Egyptian Event Israel. Her daughter, Dalaa El Fawaz (x | FALL/WINTER, 2014 | 54
as well as Silver Champion Filly at the Galilee Arabian Horse Show 2014. The son of EAE Mu’jiza, True Legend TDD, was also a show ring winner here in the U.S. He garnered multiple Egyptian Event Top Ten wins in Adult Amateur Halter Stallions, Extended Specialty, World Class Stallions, and Liber ty. He also won Region 14 Top Five Stallion, as well as Class A Champion Stallion and Most Classic Head. Our Reader’s Choice Mare, Serenity Luftia, has made her mark for generations, even with relatively few Straight Egyptian offspring going for ward. One can imagine her traits of power, charisma and balance coming for ward through the generations. As her most ardent admirer and loving owner Janet Stevenson summarizes:
“My epitaph for Lufita is simple - Probably the greatest true desert mare I was ever blessed to take care of... One of a kind in quality, conformation, and heart!”
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members and guests gather for a horse presentation at sonrisa farms during the P yramid S ociety ’ s first regional workshop & social , held in new mexico in september , 2 0 1 4
2015
Membership Committee The Pyramid Society is honored to have a diverse, dedicated group of members serving on its Membership Committee for 2015. The Committee’s goals are to facilitate networking and outreach on a local and regional level through social & educational events, Straight Egyptian classes, online networking groups and regular communication with members. Do you have ideas for an event or project in your area? Have you been looking for a way to connect to other owners and breeders? On the following pages, please meet your Pyramid Society Membership Committee representative. We encourage you to contact them with your ideas and questions. Your support is needed to strengthen the camaraderie and expand the member activities held in your area. We’re “Living the Legacy ” in 2015... won’t you join us? >> w w w. p y r a m i d s o c i e t y. o r g / m e m b e r s h i p
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LISA CIFRESE, Committee Co-Chair Thornewood Farm, Stockton, NJ | Ph: (609) 577-1976 thornewoodfarm@gmail.com
“I guess you could say I grew up on the back of a horse,” states Lisa Cifrese, who started riding at a very young age. Her first mare, acquired at age 9, was a Mor-ab, and she purchased her first Arabian after graduate school. Lisa continues, “After attending my first Egyptian Event in 1982, the elegance of the Straight Egyptian Arabian ignited my passion. That passion inspired the establishment of Thornewood Farm. Being a part of The Pyramid Society is an incredible opportunity to be involved with like-minded, devoted breeders who share the passion for preservation of these rare and elegant horses. I am pleased to have the opportunity to give back to our members through my involvement on the Board of Directors and my position as Co-Chair of the Membership Committee.”
JALEEN HACKLANDER, Committee Co-Chair Hadaya Arabians, LLC, Janesville, WI | Ph: (608) 576-3332 info@hadayaarabians.com
Co-Representative, Serving: ND, SD, NE, MN, WI, IA “I was born into a horse family,” states Jaleen Hacklander. At the age of seven, Jaleen’s family’s horse hobby turned into a Straight Egyptian breeding program and Hadaya Arabians was founded. Today Jaleen carries that program forward and is firmly committed to the future of these horses and the Straight Egyptian community. To quote Jaleen, “One of the numerous gifts the horses have given me are the friendships I have gained worldwide. My involvement in The Pyramid Society has played a key role in our farm’s success as well as our unique lifestyle surrounding these treasured horses.”
MARK RUSTEBAKKE
Rustebakke Arabians, East Troy, WI | Ph: (404) 975-0001 Mrustebakke@yahoo.com Co-Representative, Serving: ND, SD, NE, MN, WI, IA “Arabian horses have always been present in my life. Growing up on a farm and working cattle ranch, my father believed the versatile Arabian to be the only horse worth owning,” says Mark Rustebakke. Rustebakke Arabians, in southeastern Wisconsin, now produces a few select foals a year. Their focus is to produce pretty and versatile black Arabian horses of high quality. Mark’s additional regional efforts with the Wisconsin Egyptian Arabian Breeder’s Alliance (WEAHA)
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not only help to introduce Straight Egyptian horses to many people who have not had the opportunity to know them, but also help to educate breeders at all levels of expertise. Mark aptly states, “Participation in The Pyramid Society has opened the doors to meeting people from all over the world, keeping the profile of this special horse very high internationally.”
AUGUSTA HAMMOCK
The Hadassah Reserve | Ph: (478) 952-6362 augusta@augustahammock.com Serving: South TX, OK, KS One of Augusta’s favorite ways of describing the Straight Egyptian horse is that “he is the finest example of God’s artistic ability.” Augusta goes on to say, “He awakens the soul, overwhelms the heart, and electrifies the imagination. It is a testament to the allure of this horse that The Pyramid Society’s community is so diverse, yet we find common ground in our admiration for him. May we continue to protect this treasure for future generations to cherish!”
JILL SPIZALE
J&J Arabians, Slidell, LA | Ph: (601) 736-7555 jspizale@bellsouth.net Serving: LA, AR, MS, MO Jill’s family first fell in love with the Straight Egyptian Arabian horse while they were living in Egypt over 25 years ago. They became breeders in 2007, and their new farm, located in Kokomo, Mississippi, is a family venture. Jill affirms, “I believe those of us who have the honor of owning these magnificent animals owe it to the breed to educate ourselves to preserve their history. As Pyramid Society members, we all share a passion for these horses; we support each other; we cheer for each other; and we teach each other. It is a privilege to be a Life Member of The Pyramid Society and to serve on the Membership Committee.”
MELINDA JEFFRIES
Lyday Farms, Honey Grove, TX | Ph: (903) 217-7743 melinda@lydayfarms.com Serving: North TX Melinda began working for Lyday Farms in 2002 and quickly fell in love with the disposition and beauty of Straight Egyptian Arabians. She especially enjoys working with the mares and foals! She has more than 25 years of experience in the equine industry,
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MELINDA JEFFRIES, continued including stallion and broodmare management; equine health and reproductive management; and marketing and sales. Melinda summarizes, “My goals as a member of the committee are to welcome and assist new and current members in any way I can and to maintain an easily-approachable demeanor so members feel comfortable contacting me at any time. I look forward to working with Pyramid Society members in the upcoming year!”
POLLY SCHAEFER
Eastern Star Arabians, Monroe Twp., PA | Ph: (570) 574-4999 pollyschaefr@aol.com Serving: PA, NY, OH, MI “Any committee is only as good as the most knowledgeable, hard-working, vigorous person on it, and The Pyramid Society is fortunate to have an abundance of individuals that want to make newcomers, old-timers and anyone in between feel welcome,” states Polly Schaefer. “I feel privileged to be a part of this team. Having been a member of The Pyramid Society for over 20 years is like being a part of a huge family that shares the love of Arabian horses,” affirms Polly, who has been breeding Straight Egyptians for two decades and loves showcasing her horses at The Egyptian Event.
JÉANNE ABERNATHY
Brookhill Farm, LLC, Franklin, TN | Ph: (615) 794-6283 jmb@brookhillfarm.com Serving: TN, KY, IN, IL An Arabian enthusiast all her life, Jéanne Abernathy, along with her husband John, is the owner of Brookhill Farm in Franklin, Tennessee. In 2013, Brookhill celebrated the ten-year anniversary of their Straight Egyptian Arabian breeding program. As a breeder, Jéanne’s focus is on producing beautiful, internationalquality Straight Egyptians, without sacrificing conformational quality or disposition. Jéanne enjoys public speaking to share the long and intriguing history of the breed through art with ancient and modern images. Her dedication to the committee is evident as she states, “I am pleased to have served for several years on The Pyramid Society’s Membership Committee and I love welcoming newcomers to the breed.” Outside of the farm, Jéanne serves on the Board of Trustees of Battle Ground Academy and the Middle Tennessee Arabian Horse Association.
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DR. DANIEL HEITHOLD
Misty Valley Arabians, Chickamauga, GA | Ph: (423) 718-4116 dheithold@hotmail.com Serving: SC, GA Danny Heithold and his wife, Carolyn, joined The Pyramid Society in 2006 and became Life Members in 2010. As an owner and exhibitor of Tennessee Walkers, Danny was captivated by the beauty of the Egyptian Arabian and the opportunity for a different kind of competition. And now, just under a decade since its establishment, Misty Valley Arabians has become an internationally-known small breeder of Egyptian Arabians. Danny now serves on several Pyramid Society committees, and just recently began his involvement in the Membership Committee as well. Danny states, “I look forward to becoming better acquainted with members while encouraging member interaction.”
BOB FISH
Takarr Arabians, Hanover, Ontario, Canada | Ph: (519) 364-5387 takarr@wightman.ca Serving: CANADA Bob states, “I first became interested in Straight Egyptian horses in 1985 when I visited a farm in Canada. Since then, it has been my horse of choice, and I have missed only one Egyptian Event in 30 years. As the Membership Committee Representative for all of Canada, it is often a daunting task to have activities for everyone across the country. Therefore, my main endeavors are to maintain contact between members during the year, keeping them informed on the nearby activities in other regions, as well as reminding everyone of the many benefits of their membership in The Pyramid Society.”
DENNIS FOURNIER
A & D Arabians, Penn Valley, CA | Ph: (530) 277-4693 dgfour@gmail.com Serving: CA Dennis Fournier began his involvement with Straight Egyptian horses in the late 1970s. With his partner Charles Grande, he purchased land in the California Sonoma Valley “wine country” and began Warm Springs Stud, with foundation stock purchased from Hadaya Egyptian Stud and NIAC Arabians. Dennis recalls, “By 1987 Sonoma County was beginning to feel crowded, and we moved to the beautiful foothills of the Sierra Nevada.” Warm Springs Stud eventually developed into a partnership between
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DENNIS FOURNIER, continued Dennis and Anne E. Wright named A & D Arabians, with emphasis on Ansata Halim Shah blood primarily through the stallions Ansata Hejazi and Al Adeed Al Shaqab. Their pride and joy is the stallion Kamal Ibn Adeed, who has been successful both in the show ring and in the breeding barn. Kamal is currently on lease to Arabians Ltd. in Waco, Texas, and is breeding to some outstanding mares. Dennis has been a member of The Pyramid Society for many years and has fond memories going all the way back to the first Egyptian Event.
MARY ELLEN CHAVEZ
Sonrisa Farms, Los Lunas, NM | Ph: (505) 991-1377 sonrisa@me.com Serving: NM, CO “I fell in love with horses as a young child and, as an adult, dreamed of starting my own Straight Egyptian breeding program,” states Mary Ellen Chavez. Her search for just the right stallion led her to Kehilan Arabians, where she found the bloodlines and support for the breeding program she was trying to create. Soon after, her dreams became reality through the establishment of Sonrisa Farms. “The Egyptian Event is the high point of my year and offers a chance to bring us all together in one place to display these amazing horses and enjoy the camaraderie of so many incredible people associated with them,” Mary Ellen proudly offers. Her horses have received several Championships and Top Ten awards at the Event, but, Mary Ellen goes on to state, “The greatest victory for any Pyramid Society member will always be the role they play in preserving, perpetuating, and promoting the Straight Egyptian horse. I enjoy being a part of The Pyramid Society because it is filled with people who love, cherish, and promote this unique animal with a passion equal to my own.”
EMILY SCHMIDT
Misty Star Arabians, Bridgewater, NJ | Ph: (908) 930-8798 emily@mistystararabians.com Serving: CT, MA, VT, ME, NH, NJ Emily Schmidt expounds on her involvement with The Pyramid Society as she states, “Misty Star Arabians was established in 2010 with the purchase of a 2009 mare of the Kuhaylah Rudaniyah strain named Misty Star MSA (Mishaal HP x Bint Bint Shahsria). She is a 2011 and 2012 Egyptian Event World Class Reserve Champion Filly and 2011 Champion Junior Filly in the North American Arabian Horse Show. Misty Star (aka ShaSha) is in residence at Thornewood Farm, Stockton, New Jersey, and is expecting a 2015 foal, her first.” Emily lives and works in Bridgewater, New Jersey, and is proud to be part of The Pyramid Society’s Membership Committee for the New England states.
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DEBRA GEISER
Dara Meadows Farm, Lexington, VA | Ph: (540) 348-6532 darameadowsfarm@embarqmail.com Serving: VA, MD, DE, DC, WV, NC Debra and her husband David established Dara Meadows Farm in 1985 and several years later were fortunate to purchase their herd sire, Akid Geshan, and then their first Straight Egyptian foundation mare, Zahara Kiyara. They have bred Straight Egyptian horses exclusively from that time on and have representatives of their breeding program all over the world. As Debra enthusiastically states, “Dara means ‘to tend and take care of,’ and preserving these living works of art is our highest calling. Each year, The Egyptian Event is the most important American show for us.” After breeding Pimlico RCA and having their beloved friends Bill and Pat Trapp lease Akid Geshan and breed Arabest Samir, the Geisers are very proud to say they now have the sire and the dam of two separate Egyptian Event Supreme Champion Stallions residing at Dara Meadows Farm. She continues, “The Pyramid Society has been instrumental in the worldwide success of Straight Egyptian horses, and we hope everyone who loves and honors these beautiful creatures will join us to ensure the continuation of their long and successful reign.”
TIM MANRING
Arabians at Egg & I, Chimacum, WA | Ph: (360) 302-1127 tamanring@hotmail.com Serving: WA, OR, MT, ID Sometime near the end of a 37-year career of teaching Law at the University of Singapore and University of Indonesia, and of practicing law in both Seattle, Washington, and Jakarta, Indonesia, Tim began to think seriously about a new career: raising Arabian horses. Tim expounds, “I decided to focus on Straight Egyptian Arabians, as it seemed they would bring me as close as possible to the original desertbred Arabians.” Tim joined The Pyramid Society in 2004 and has since produced several winning foals, including the 2008 Junior Champion Colt, Justynn, and his full sister and full brother, who were both Reserve Champions in their respective EBC classes. For Tim, The Pyramid Society has provided a wonderful opening into the world of the Arabian horse. He summarizes, “The educational programs of the Society – the Breeders’ Conferences and the programs at The Egyptian Event – are excellent, as are the conferences put on by members of The Pyramid Society. I continue to be amazed at the support, help and assistance provided to me and others by the breeders and other members of The Society.”
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VALERIE CLINKENBEARD
Bloodstone Farms, Lacey’s Spring, AL | Ph: (256) 261-2824 vclink@bloodstonefarms.com Serving: AL, FL Valerie joined The Pyramid Society in 2007 and recently declared her exceptional dedication and support through Life Membership. She began Bloodstone Farms’ Straight Egyptian breeding program in 2005 and, she says, “I have not looked back. In 2014, Bloodstone’s foundation mare, MB Pirouette, brought into the world an incredible foal by Etaya Sudan Amir. She is a double Imperial Mistilll filly with wonderful conformation, stunning looks and a magnetizing personality.” Valerie has served on the Membership Committee for two years and has been instrumental in the success of the Alabama All Arabian Show and the Straight Egyptian classes offered there each year.
Members GET
MORE!
PUBLISH YOUR NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS for FREE on The Pyramid Society website and also receive targeted distribution in our monthly e-newsletter, THE CHARIOT! Achieve greater recognition and promotion through The Pyramid Society’s online and printed Member Directories, and take advantage of advertising opportunities in our annual SHOW PROGRAM and Yearbook. Get exclusive MEMBER DISCOUNTS on books and items purchased in The Pyramid Society Marketplace and at The Egyptian Event, PLUS get access to special offers on products and services from our BUSINESS PARTNERS! Download complete issues of THE SOURCE and access other valuable educational resources and HISTORICAL articles for FREE from the Members Only section of The Pyramid Society website! These and many more great benefits are available starting at $15/month!
www.pyra midsociet y.or g/membership
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The Able Stable
YOUR DIGITAL HORSE HEALTH NOTEBOOK, Volume 2: Problem Mares
She’s Not In Foal! Now What? by Becky Rogers
A
s the leaves have turned red and gold and fallen, and foals from the spring become weanlings and soon yearlings, it is a time at our farm when we think about breeding plans for the next year. Beyond the enjoyable task of deciding what stallion to breed to which mare, equally as important is to determine if there are any mares who may be a problem to breed.
Most often, the term “barren mare” refers to those mares that were bred for three cycles without achieving a pregnancy. Of course, there are many factors at work here. Thus, the logical thing to do is establish what mares may be barren and why. It may seem fundamental, but the first thing on the list is a fall ultrasound of all pregnant mares to assess their status (hello – is she still in foal?) and the health of the pregnancy. Ask the vet to check the following on each mare: 1. Check the fetal heartbeat if possible. A very rapid heartbeat indicates fetal stress and needs to be further evaluated. No heartbeat (if it is at a stage to visualize or take off of the cord) could mean a dead fetus and serious problems for the mare. 2. Measure the fetal unit size – or if late term the size of the eye, spine or part of the fetus to make sure development is on time. A very small fetus warrants a further look. 3. Examine the amniotic fluid consistency and translucency – cloudy or speckled fluid can mean fetal stress or infection. 4. Measure the combined thickness of the uterine and placenta (or CTUP) to check for placentitis. Early diagnoses of placentitis prior to outward signs in the mare can prevent an abortion. Mares respond to treatment better in the early stages and often carry to term with careful treatment and monitoring.
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If the mare is pregnant but there is a problem visualized in any of those areas above, that mare will now move to your “high-risk pregnancy� list. This is a topic unto itself, but the key takeaway here is to check your mares now to avert any potential problems. Doing so allows you to be able to manage the mare that may have lost her pregnancy prior to the upcoming breeding season. As you focus on barren mares that either failed to conceive or are no longer pregnant, it is an excellent idea to enlist the help of a qualified reproductive veterinarian. Many farms have a local vet who will do routine ultrasounds and even transported semen inseminations, but whose practice is not primarily based on reproductive services. At this juncture, the importance of a vet that is an active participant in the annual reproductive conferences and seminars, who keeps up with the latest in reproductive techniques as well as advances in technology, cannot be overstated. You and your repro vet will work as a team to try and solve the puzzle that is the barren mare. If necessary, working with your local vet and transporting your mare to a regionallylocated reproductive center upon referral, is a solution for those who do not have a qualified repro specialist nearby.
R
ight off the bat, elements of the breeding year other than your mare’s physical status must be reviewed. Time to make a list:
A. Was the mare bred each cycle in a timely fashion? Our standard has been: semen in the uterus within 48 hours (preferably 24 hours with transported semen) of ovulation. B. Was the semen prepared correctly for the method of breeding (on farm, transported semen/frozen semen)? C. Is the stallion fertile with other pregnancies achieved in that breeding season?
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If the answer to any of the previous questions is “NO,” then chances are good the problem does not lie with your mare. Simply correcting the “NO” issues will usually lead to success in the next season. But, a repro exam, coupled with a culture and cytology to rule out any contamination, is still a good idea for your fall to-do list. If you answered “YES” to all of these questions, you probably want to know, “What now?” Now, your repro vet is likely to perform any and all of these diagnostic tests: 1. Gener al Physical Ex a m – to check for nutrition status, infection, laminitis or other physical problems. Any physical stressor can interfere with hormone production and suppress the immune system. Addressing these issues on a case-by-case basis is a must. 2. Ex a mine External Perineal Confor m ation – to look for abnormalities in the vulva and to determine the need for a Caslick’s procedure or modification of an existing Caslick. 3. Ultr asound ex a m of uterus – to note fluid, debris, cysts or other abnormalities in the uterus. Single small cysts rarely cause problems. Larger cysts or clusters of cysts, especially if preventing the embryo from migrating across the uterus prior to implantation, are often removed. Fluid and debris are indicators of infection and/or inflammation or less often, urine pooling. 4. Vaginal speculum ex a m – a visual and manual exam of the vagina and cervix. This may need to be done both, in estrus with a relaxed cervix, and also in diestrus with a (hopefully) closed cervix, to evaluate the patency or seal. Adhesions and tears are cervical problems that may need to be addressed with surgery, if the cervix cannot keep a seal. There are topical medications for the cervix such as misoprostol to relax the cervix in older maiden mares that will not dilate. While examining the vagina the vet will check for urine pooling and urethral function. Urine pooling absolutely can cause a lack of conception and may need to be surgically corrected. 5. Uterine Culture – which is a swab of the uterus to check for bacteria and fungus. Be sure to ask for a fungal check, as some clinics do not routinely check for fungal organisms. This should be performed in combination with the cytology below. In certain instances, a culture of a low volume flush will yield more useful information than a traditional swab. RESOURCE: Which method to use for detecting Endometritis? Read “Breeding the Problem Mare” - University of Florida Veterinary Extension https://vetmed-extension.sites.medinfo.ufl.edu/files/2013/05/Managing-the-subfertile-mare-healthy-horses-2013.pdf
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6. *Cytology – which is a smear of uterine cells on a slide used to assess the presence of inflammatory cells or neutrophils, indicative of infection *This is an important addition to the endometrial culture. However, a recent Internet poll carried out on the largest non-professional equine reproduction e-mail list indicated that only about 50% of veterinarians routinely perform a cytology smear in conjunction with an endometrial culture. This means that there are still a large number of breeders who are either operating under a mistaken belief that their mare is “clean,” when they are not, or treating a uterine infection that isn’t really there! RESOURCE: OUTCOMES OF USING A CULTURE AND CYTOLOGY Read “Why perform a cytology smear in conjunction with a uterine culture?” by Jos Mottershead - http://www.equine-reproduction.com/articles/cytology.shtml photo courtesy durango e q uine veterinary clinic , www. durangoe q uine . com
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7. Uterine Biopsy - samples are obtained of the endometrial tissue and sent to a lab for a pathology report to detect inflammation, fibrosis and glandular changes. Will yield useful information as to the extent of scar tissue, inflammation and general condition of the lining of the uterus. The tissue sample can be cultured for hard to diagnose infections. 8. Endoscopy – the use of a flexible fiber optic scope to visualize the uterus. Allows the vet to see clearly trouble spots found on ultrasound or to diagnose uterine issues that do not show up on ultrasound. Also used to guide the vet in cyst removal and to visualize the utero-tubal junction for blocked oviducts. 9. Blood Chemistry – to rule out metabolic and/or organ issues. 10. Thyroid Assay – a potential cause of poor cycling, as well as subfertility. A complete Thyroid Hormone profile is more informative than a single T4 reading. 11. Endocrine Assay – used in specific circumstances, to check for hormone abnormalities, such as estrogen/progesterone imbalances. 12. K aryotype – used to check maiden mares that never conceive for genetic/chromosomal abnormalities. 13. Microsphere Patency Test – done to check for blocked oviducts; a rare cause of infertility, this test is to avoid performing an invasive laparotomy. 14. Inhibin Test – a blood test to aid in diagnosis of a Granulosa Cell Tumor of the ovary, often visualized on ultrasound. 15. Cushings Test – any one of the many tests available to diagnose Equine Cushings Syndrome, which can interfere with conception and maintenance of pregnancy. Insulin and cortisol, AM & PM levels are most often used to diagnose Cushings, which can usually be treated with pergolide. 16. Phototropic Stimul ation – while not a necessary tool for the subfertile mare, if you wish to begin a program of exposure to artificial light designed to hasten the cycling of your mare earlier than normal, now is the time to discuss this with your veterinarian. Light Therapy programs are most effective when started 60-90 days prior to breeding.
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A
s part of a team, your input regarding your mare is invaluable to the specialists. As her caretaker, you are the one who will notice small things that may make a difference. Perhaps your mare was severely stressed traveling away from home to a stud farm? Or your mare never seems to conceive with a foal at her side? Your knowledge of your mare is invaluable. An evaluation of the breeding methods used on your mare should also be part of the discussion. There are many cases where simply switching the method of breeding from cooled/frozen to fresh semen on-site has made a difference. Anecdotally, there are also mares that seem to conceive better via natural service. Likewise, a change in stallions can result in a pregnancy for some mares. All of these factors should be reviewed together with your specialist. At a minimum, tests 1–5 listed previously should be performed in the initial Breeding Soundness Exam, or BSE, on any mare that is barren.
One of the most common scenarios we are faced with in the Straight Egyptian Arabian community is the aging problem mare. For these mares, the diagnostics may not be terribly definitive. She may have moderate changes on biopsy, but is still able to
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conceive and hopefully carry. She may have a superficial infection that is easily cleared but returns when bred again. Her cervix may be a bit more relaxed than ideal. And as she ages, her oocytes are not as healthy as they once were. A common problem with these mares will be retained fluid post-breeding. An optimum plan of minimizing the number of breedings and using an ecbolic (oxytocin or cloprostenol) aggressively, postbreeding, can work wonders. Each mare and each case is unique, and thus, the team approach is the best one we have found. And you are a valuable part of that team. You know your mare and must advocate for sensible changes in her best interest, such as a change in stallion for the next season, or sending her to the stallion farm to be bred with fresh semen, if needed, or keeping her at home, stress-free, while having the vet visit her on familiar turf. As the fall days have grown shorter and winter creeps in, it will be spring before we know it - a time of rejoicing for all breeders! As the foal from that mare I worked so hard to get pregnant lays wet in the stall with mom nuzzling her newborn bundle of joy, it is always clear to me why we struggle with these problem mares. To be sure you can rejoice over your favorite mare and her new filly once again, start now while you have time to make adjustments well before the next breeding season.
In her capacity as Breeding Manager at her family farm, Kehilan Arabians, Becky Rogers has nearly 35 years of experience breeding Straight Egyptian Arabian horses, at one time offering a full service breeding facility and standing the syndicated stallion Nabiel. A veterinary technician with a background in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M, Becky has worked closely with several reproductive specialists on subfertile mares. She offers her insight based on this experience and encourages everyone to broaden their own knowledge through study and to work closely with a qualified veterinarian.
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Additional Resources Examples of regional specialty clinics: Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital http://www.gvequine.com.au/reproduction/problem-mare
University of Florida Large Animal Hospital https://vetmed-extension.sites.medinfo.ufl.edu
Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center http://www.vetmed.vt.edu/emc/clinicalservices/repro.asp
Equine Feritilty Specialties PLLC http://equinefertilityspecialties.com/
Durango Equine Veterinary Clinic http://www.durangoequine.com/
Related to Diagnostic Procedures: ENDOSCOPIC EVALUATION OF THE UTERUS Patrick M. McCue, DVM, PhD, Diplomate American College of Theriogenologists http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/bms/erl/PDF/Learnmares37_reprodexam_endoscopy_apr09.pdf
HORSE K ARYOT YPING http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/horse/karyotyping.php
VETERINARY REPRODUCTIVE SERVICES http://www.vetreproservices.com/faqs.html
The Mare: Breeding Soundness - Examination & Reproductive Anatomy University of Kentucky College of Agriculture http://www.uky.edu/Ag/AnimalSciences/pubs/asc116.pdf
BREEDING SOUNDNESS EX A M Chris R. Smith, DVM, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute http://www.hagyard.com/custdocs/Breeding%20Soundness%20Exam%20-%20Smith.pdf
Inducing Early Cyclicity in Mare By Jos Mottershead http://www.equine-reproduction.com/articles/early.htm | FALL/WINTER, 2014 | 72
VIDEOS: 5 Things You need to Know: Mare Fertility Dr. Ed Squires http://www.thehorse.com/videos/31365/5-things-you-need-to-know-mare-fertility
Pre-Breeding to Foaling: Mare and Stallion Care Get ready for breeding season with one hour of healthcare information for broodmare and stallion owners http://www.thehorse.com/videos/32055/pre-breeding-to-foaling-mare-and-stallion-care
Mare Fertility (A AEP 2008) Dr. Michelle LeBlanc http://www.thehorse.com/videos/30644/mare-fertility-aaep-2008
Bring Mares into Season with Lights Dr. Ed Squires http://www.thehorse.com/videos/30523/bring-mares-into-season-with-lights
PYRAMID SOCIETY MEMBERS-ONLY Downloads My Mare is Pregnant... Now What? Dr. Phoebe Smith, presentation files from the 6th National Breeders’ Conference https://pyramidsociety.org/membership/members-only/members-only-6th-national-breeders-conference-files
Reproduction Forum Q& A Whit Byers, article reprint from the 2002 Pyramid Society Egyptian Stallion Guide https://pyramidsociety.org/membership/members-only/members-only-reproduction-forum-qa-whit-byers
| FALL/WINTER, 2014 | 73
Relevant topics for the Egyptian Arabian community
Volume 3: FALL/WINTER, 2014 Table of contents
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special feature: MY MORNING WITH DR. NAGEL, by Lisa Abraham
Premier Sponsor PROFILE: Misty Valley Arabians
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Heritage Horse Profiles: SERENITY FARMS
THE PYRAMID SOCIETY’s 2015 MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
THE ABLE STABLE HORSE HEALTH NOTEBOOK: PROBLEM MARES
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