Arabian Studs and Stallions • 2024 • Vol 50

PC: Javan, Lisa Gordon, Amy-Sue Alston, Jennifer Ogden, Dana

PC: Javan, Lisa Gordon, Amy-Sue Alston, Jennifer Ogden, Dana

theFromeditor

Arabian Studs and Stallions magazine was the brainchild of Judy Vink of Tarong Arabians, who wanted to produce a directory for Arabian Stallions in Australia.

In 1974 she fulfilled her wish, and since that time Arabian Studs and Stallions magazine has managed to publish at least once every year, for 50 years, which is a testament to its popularity and longevity.

It’s amazing to think about how much has changed in Arabian breeding in Australia over the past five decades, and how Arabian Studs and Stallions magazine has been there to document and celebrate those changes.

In this issue, the fiftieth volume of this beloved publication, we take the opportunity to look back at all that Judy Vink created, and carry the torch forward so that perhaps one day, in another fifty years from now,

the magazine will be celebrating a centenary edition.

In the journey of life, there are moments of mystery and uncertainty. Each individual must find their own path and face their own challenges. However, amidst the complexities, there are moments of connection and familiarity. For me, and I am sure for many others reading right now, Arabian Studs and Stallions gives us opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, our friends, offering a sense of belonging and comfort, as if we have returned home.

In this edition we examine what makes the Arabian horse so unique, pay tribute to breeders past and present, and offer glimpses of Arabian horses around the world. We take a look back at the very first edition of the magazine, and each of the 58 covers that have featured over the past fifty volumes of Arabian Studs and Stallions

I was thrilled two previous editors of Arabian Studs and Stallions whom I hold in the highest regard, Sharon Meyers and Sarah Barrie, agreed to write for this year’s magazine. Offering their insight and expertise, their contributions to myself and to the magazine, both on and off the page can never adequately be explained in mere words. Thank you.

I hope you enjoy this edition of Arabian Studs and Stallions and that it finds a special place in your library, and in your heart.

David Gillett Editor

Above: David Gillett pictured with Giselle V (Ghazal bn Estopa x Adana Al Nadira) during the 2023 Kiwarrak Endurance Ride. PC Jo Arblaster

The vision of breeding a few high quality classic Arabian horses to preserve the standards of the breed, to perpetuate the bloodlines of the purebred Arabian Horse, is now being fulfilled with descendants of the foundation mare NAADIRAH (by Aswan). Her five daughters are today represented with over 40 living tail female descendants:

NARA (Hadban Enzahi)

Shala Al Nadira

Neytiri, Nejilah, Netifa Al Maas

Naakirah TK

Fazenda Za’jarne, Nahlouria, Nalaya Al Maas, Nah’Tessa SS

Nira, Fara Bint Nira, Naavanah

Nourah, Naajmi

Nahlanah, Nahlia, Nahlenah Ma’tarah, Na’akira

Gallandeer Ridge Zafirah

TAANI BINT NAADIRAH (Mustafa)

Zuhra Zafiira, Zuhra Zalaanah, Tunamara Nadhaan, Nahliah

Victoria Park Taani

NAAZIRAH (Mustafa)

Allanooka Ray of Sunshain; Allanooka Alimah

Byrnlea Park Naajwah, A’Naaji SSA

Neshirah

Djamila Nadira, Nidah Al Maas

NAADYA (El Shareef)

Victoria Park Bint Naamira, Azabella VPA

Adana Al Nadira, Giselle V Victoria Park Adara, Nehara VPA

Naarelle BGA, Bella Park Illusion,

NAADELLA (Nile) Negirah, Abigalla

TANYA HAWLEY 0499 896 386. tanyahawley@mac.com

The youngest Naadirah tail female descendant Netifa Al Maas by Abha Omani. From Neytiri, to Cli on Park Nefisa, to Nazelle, to Nazli, to Nara, to Naadirah. Bred, owned & photo by David Gillett.

Myth Haven Arabian Farm

We welcome the opportunity to show you our beautiful Egyptian Arabian Horses, visitors always welcome by appointment, occasionally youngstock available for purchase.

S ma MH

(Simeon Shadan x Stavs Simbel)

Straight Egyptian Filly

ABOVE: Ghazaal M (Laheeb Al Nasser x Ghazala Al Saba) Lavender Park Arabians | Image courtesy of Sharon Meyers

COVER PHOTO: Klass (TS Al Malik x Karmaa) Owned by Mulawa | Image courtesy of Stuart Vesty Photography

DEDICATION: This issue of Arabian Studs & Stallions is dedicated to the memory of its founders, JUDITH AND HERMAN VINK

PO Box 8369, Woolloongabba Q 4102 Australia | 07 3334 8000

Publisher: Michael Vink INTERACTIVINK | michael@interactivink.com.au

Editor: DAVID GILLETT david@redmgmt.com.au

Production: Lauren Lavin, Richard Locke & Abigail van Bockel

The advertising content is the responsibility of the advertisers. The price of $15.00 is a recommended price only. No part of this magazine may be reproduced by any means without the written consent of the publishers. Whilst every care is taken in the publication and preparation of the advertisements, the publishers cannot be held responsible for errors or their subsequent effects.

Tinker Bell

BYRNLEA PARK

A GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY ARABIAN STUDS & STALLIONS

Looking at these covers, it is interesting to see how the magazine itself has evolved over time, from its initial incarnation as a stallion directory to the comprehensive publication it is today. Arabian Studs and Stallions Magazine has managed to publish every year for 50 years, which is a testament to its popularity and longevity.

1975 | Vol 2 E: Judy Vink

Attila (Count Manilla (GB) x Atalanta) P: Unknown

1974 | Vol 1 E: Judy Vink Shiekie (Royal Domino x Melissa) P: Unknown

1976 | Vol 3 E: Judy Vink

T: El Calif (Amadi x Dara) P: Mrs. S. Stump

B: Tristram Selam (Desert Pride x Abelya) P: G. McDonald

1977 | Vol 4 E: Judy Vink Royaljan (Royal Domino x Mutrif) P: Peter Pond

1978 | Vol 5 E: Judy Vink Tristram Selam (Desert Pride x Abelya) P: Peter Pond

1979 | Vol 6 (1) E: Judy Vink Seabreeze El Toro P: Tim Aickin

1980 | Vol 7 (1) E: Judy Vink Bansora (Bandom x Oxford Gem) P: Jeff Martens

1979 | Vol 6 (2) E: Judy Vink Mustafa (DE) (Hadban Enzahi x Masarrah) P: Pat Slater

1980 | Vol 7 (2) E: Judy Vink Hansan (US) (El Hilal x Hamamaa) P: Peter Pond

1984 | Vol 11 (1)

1984/5 | Vol 12 (2)

1986 | Vol 13 (1)

E: H.C. Vink

Shahmira (Ansata El Shahwan x Omayma) and filly Talika

Shahlima by Al Karim Sirhalima

1984 | Vol 11 (2)

1986 | Vol 13 (2)

E: H.C. Vink

Simeon Sanegor (Simeon Sa’ar x Simeon Shirli) P: Quentin Naylor

1987 | Vol 14

1984/5 Vol 12 (1)

|

P: Sharon Ruskey

1981 | Vol 8 (2) E: Judy Vink Nile (Mustafa (DE) x Nara) P: Frances Adam

1981 | Vol 8 (1) E: Judy Vink Rommel (The Puritain x Royal Murra) & Kathy Sharman P: Coralie Gordon

1982 | Vol 9 (1) E: Pat Slater Estrella (NL) (Dynamit x Azila Melissa) P: Unknown

1982 Vol 9 (2) E: Pat Slater Hamil (Al Karim Sirhalima x Nasula) P: Pat Slater

1992 | Vol 19 E: Pat Slater Gai General (US) (Gay Count x Gai Moonbeam) P: Ray Budden

1989 | Vol 16 E: Pat Slater Edykt (PL) (Eukaliptus x Elana) P: Rosthwaite Arabians

1990 | Vol 17 E: Pat Slater

Warranty (US) (Aladdinn x Wizja) ridden by Michael Greene P: Pat Slater

1991 | Vol 18 E: Pat Slater

Chip Chase Nile Consort (Sinbad (DE) x Cherokee Nile Queen) P: Pat Slater

1983 | Vol 10 (1)

E: Pat Slater Unnamed black colt (Campbelltown Harmonia x Ralvon Omen)

1983 | Vol 10 (2)

E: Pat Slater Gloaming Sindh (GB) x Glint Of Silver) P: Pat Slater

E: H.C. Vink Three Pyramids of Giza P: Unknown

Editors: H.C. Vink & Pat Slater

Judy Vink’s Photo is top left P: Pat Slater (no horse names)

1988

Vol 15 E: Pat Slater Mustafa (DE) (Hadban Enzahi x Masarrtah) P: Pat Slater

E: H.C. Vink Naazim (Mustafa x Naadirah) P: Quentin Naylor

E: H.C. Vink Vision (DE) (Jamill x Euni) P: Unknown

E: H.C. Vink Boomerang Muskateer (Mustafa x Deirdre) P: Quentin Naylor

1993 | Vol 20

E: Pat Slater

Bremervale Excalibur (Oxford Decimus x Polaca)

P: Pat Slater

1994 | Vol 21

E: Catherine Witham

Imperial Maakir (US) (Imperial Madheen x Imperial Na Fatia) P: Michael Vink

1998/99 | Vol 25

E: Bev Hayes Asfour (DE) (Malik x Hanan EAO)

P: Michael Vink

2000/01 | Vol 27

E: Sharon Meyers

Espano Estopa (Om El Abadan x Malikah Estopa) P: Jenni May

1995/96 | Vol 22

E: Bev Hayes

Simeon Sadik (Asfour x Simeon Safanad)

P: Michael Vink

1999/00 | Vol 26

E: Bev Hayes

TS Al Malik (BR) (Hello Barich ELS x BF Tiffany Select) with Brook Izzard P: Michael Vink

2001/02 | Vol 28

E: Sharon Meyers

Ramadan Arabian Hafiid (Amir El Shaklan x Tristram Purette) P: Michael Vink

|

1996/97 | Vol 23

E: Bev Hayes

Tallangatta Tsar (Arabian Prk Faraz x Tallangatta Hanifa)

P: Michael Vink

1997/98 | Vol 24

P:

2003 | Vol 29 E: Sharon Meyers

The Fugitive (US) (Thee Desperado x AK Aleka) with Anthony Mountney P: Michael Vink

E: Bev Hayes Fairview Klassique (exp US) Amir El Shaklan x Krelouka)

Rik van Lent

2007 | Vol 33 E: Sharon Meyers Fayrid (US) (Faahim x MB Shareena) P: Scott Trees

2004 | Vol 30 E: Sharon Meyers

Simeon Safsal (Asfour x Simeon Sigalit), P: D. Flissinger

2005

Vol 31 E: Sharon Meyers Magnum Forty Four (US) (Magnum Psyche x WH Nashahna) P: Nicole Emanuel

2006 | Vol 32 E: Sharon Meyers Windemere Sabarti (Sabbatai x Arabian Park Fantastiq) P: Nicole Emanuel

2008 | Vol 34 E: Sharon Meyers

Marja Ra’sha (Talika Shan x Rianda’s Rayissa) P: Sharon Meyers

2009 | Vol 35 E: Sharon Meyers EKS Bey Al Gazal (Marwan Al Shaqab x Starbright Bey) P: Stuart Vesty

2010 | Vol 36 E: Sharon Meyers Eklipse (Valor x Tarlea Ellabrandi) P: Stuart Vesty

2011 | Vol 37 E: Sharon Meyers Baghira ERA (Om El Shareikh x Eagleridge Rain Dancer) P: Nicole Emanuel

2016 | Vol 42 E: Sarah Barrie Spades LRA (US) (DA Valentino x Serenata El Jamaal) P: Suzanne

2014 | Vol 40 E: Sarah Barrie Simeon Shifran (Asfour x Simeon Shavit) with Elisha Grounds P: Stuart Vesty

2017 | Vol 43 E: David Gillett Artistry MI (Magnum Forty Four (US) x M Angelique) Ridden by Katharine Farrell P: Stuart Vesty

2015 | Vol 41 E: Sarah Barrie Nazzai (Naavah x Nazli) P: Jennifer Ogden

2013 | Vol 39 E: Sharon Meyers Barabas (NL) (Nadejni x Barhatnaja) P: Jennifer Ogden

2012 | Vol 38 E: Sharon Meyers Spirite ERA (Om El Shareikh x River Oak Summer Girl) P: Jennifer Ogden

Arabian Studs and Stallions has always been published in volumes. In some years there were two magazines published in the same volume, resulting in a total of 58 individual publications and covers over the history of the magazine.

2018 | Vol 44 E: David Gillett

Spirite ERA (Om El Shareik x River Oak Summer Girl) with Riley Cross P: Jenni Ogden

2021 | Vol 47 E: David Gillett Volcom FF (Crave FF x Beguine OH (US)) P: Samantha Taylor

2019 | Vol 45 E: David Gillett Aamahni (TS Al Malik x Aliha Bint Nizr) Ridden by Jayna Bonney P: Stuart Vesty

2022 | Vol 48 E: David Gillett

Shazir de Lafon (Shiraz de Lafon x FM Athena)

P: Kerry Hill

2020 | Vol 46 E: David Gillett Simeon Shifran (Asfour x Simeon Shavit) P: Stuart Vesty

2023 | Vol 49 E: David Gillett

Halimas Lajazi (Laheeb Al Rayyan x Halimas Monessa) P: Reece Penn

2024 | Vol 50 E: David Gillett Klass (TS Al Malik x Karmaa) P: Stuart Vesty

(MAGNUM FORTY FOUR x AUDACIA by PARKVIEW AUDACIOUS)

Fourth-Generation Mulawa-Bred Champion Member of the KARMAA Family Mulawa Chief Sire

Australia’s Leading Sire of National & International Champions

(ALLEGIANCE MI x VALENTINE MI by DA VALENTINO)

Fifth-Generation Mulawa-Bred Champion Member of the VALENTINE MI Family

Australian National Champion Junior Colt | 2023

Australian National Champion Yearling Colt | 2022

(ALLEGIANCE MI x VALENTINE MI by DA VALENTINO)

Fifth-Generation Mulawa-Bred Champion Member of the VALENTINE MI Family

Australian National Champion Junior Gelding | 2023

(ALLEGIANCE MI x VALENTINE MI by DA VALENTINO)

Fifth-Generation Mulawa-Bred Champion Member of the VALENTINE MI Family

Australian National Champion Junior Filly | 2022

Australian National Silver Champion Yearling Filly | 2020

(MI KLASSIQUE x BREE MI by ALLEGIANCE MI)

Eighth-Generation Mulawa-Bred Champion Member of the LLC BRIANA Family

Australasian International Gold Champion Junior Filly | 2023

Australian National Champion Junior Filly | 2023

Australian National Champion Yearling Filly | 2022

(EMERALD J x MUSTANG’S MAGNUM by MAGNUM FORTY FOUR) Member of the SAHTARAH Family

Australasian International Gold Champion Yearling Filly | 2023

Australian National Champion Yearling Filly | 2023

TRUE SPIRIT

‘An Arabian will take care of its owner as no other horse will, for it has not only been raised to physical perfection, but has been instilled with a spirit of loyalty unparalleled by that of any other breed.’ OF THE ARABIAN HORSE

SARAH BARRIE

This could be one of the most famous quotes ever dedicated to the Arabian horse and many who have loved an Arabian will swear by its truth. But what does that look like? Why do breeders devote their lives to these magnificent animals and why do owners become obsessed with them? Is it their beauty, their stamina, the athleticism that lends them talent in so many fields? Or is it more than that? What is the elusive and sometimes intangible extra that we find so inherent in the breed?

We know from earliest times Arabian horses were raised in close proximity to their human masters. That they protected their Bedouin riders in battle and slept in their tents by night, that children were purported to have crawled beneath their feet and no harm would come to them. And it would seem from countless stories, that those close ties have forged qualities of unparalleled bravery, loyalty and gentleness in the Arabian breed that have been in evidence ever since.

Breeder Shannon McCormick says, As Arabian breeders we often have a paddock full of horses that inspire us, that are special… and keep us going for many years. One of the best feelings in the world is seeing someone achieving their dreams with an Arabian you bred. And achieving dreams is not always about winning a ribbon or completing a ride. Sometimes it’s as simple as finding your heart horse and your best friend. Just as in Tegan Ford’s case. I have a beautiful, twenty-yearold Arabian mare Ahnshahn Maya (Willowale Picasso x Cooroora Casjimir), that I have owned since she was four years old. We dabbled in a bit of everything and achieved our level 3 in Parelli Horsemanship. We could ride bridleless in open paddocks and play at complete liberty. This mare taught me so much, including how to be a better person. In the beginning I was very goaloriented and impatient: always in a hurry and easily frustrated by a lack of progress. But Maya taught me to put my own goals aside and listen to her. When I did this, when I focused on slowing down and finding pleasure in each small improvement, our relationship blossomed and this very introverted mare became affectionate and loving. Our relationship is now very special.

Above: Malaquii J-S. Purebred Gelding with owner Michelle Jarrett pc Two Peacocks Photography

In fact, Arabians seem to be masters of forming special relationships with people. As in this incredible case Ariel Hurley shares.

My husband Marko suffers from drug-resistant epilepsy. While we originally purchased our Arabian, Last Kiss (Kissandtell x Sonira), or ‘Fives’ as we call him, as a potential riding horse for me, we thought that being around horses may also be good therapy for Marko.

Marko had never been near a horse before 2021 so had absolutely no experience with them. Yet when Marko met Fives he fell in love with him and the two quickly forged an incredible mutual connection. It’s worth noting that Fives can turn on a decent sour face when approached by most people, but not so with Marko. Fives is nothing but gentle with him. He follows Marco around for scratches and when Marko meditates in the paddock, Fives stands by him.

Sadly, Marko’s seizures continue to become more frequent. Between 10 and 60 per day is not unusual. This means Marko is increasingly suffering seizures while in the paddock, some of which have seen him stumble and fall into Fives, leading me to have concerns about Marko’s safety. But Fives is proving to be a rock. Some of the things Marco does give me a heart attack but Fives doesn’t react or spook with him at all. He stands quiet and still each time, waiting for Marco to recover. While Marco is his favourite person, Fives seems to be innately understanding of anyone neurodiverse.

It seems that the ability to distinguish people with special needs and adapting their behaviour accordingly is something else Arabians excel at. Christine Couley shares her story.

There is a disabled persons home close to where I live. The people that reside there are physically and mentally disabled. Whenever I ride past on one of my Arabians I’ll call out ‘Hello!’ and ride into their carport. The residents emerge, driving their wheelchairs out to see us. The horses take this in their stride and are particularly gentle with them. Some of the residents are unable to lift their arms very high and my horses drop their heads low so the residents can reach them. They are just super horses.

Joanne Murphy from Alkimiya Arabians also has a beloved Arabian that is bringing joy to many with special needs.

My beautiful Kevisan Park Dakota (Sabbatai x Kevisan Park Anastasia) is a beloved riding horse, previously sometime therapy horse, and about to become a regular part of an Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy program. She is the epitome of the personable Arabian that we all know and love. I couldn’t be happier with her companionship, loyalty and the peaceful joy she brings to others.

Below: Joanne Murphy’s beautiful therapy mare, Kevisan Park Dakota pc Louise Sedgman

I first met Dakota after searching the stud book for relatives of one of my original pure Arabian riding mares, Kenkara Bint Kopoola (Bonnie) as I desperately wanted to continue the bloodline – even if in only a small way. I contacted several owners of offspring of Bonnie’s dam – the Cool Hand Luke daughter Lurex. Most refused to part with their Lurex descendants, but I was lucky enough to find one breeder who had several female descendants of Lurex, and yes, two were for sale. As an added bonus, both were black. I had always loved and admired black Arabian horses. Next chance I got, I headed to Deniliquin, took one look at Dakota and said yes I would buy her and Dakota’s dam – the also black Kevisan Park Anastasia (Kevisan Park Masquerade x Kevisan Park Samara – ex Lurex).

I have since gone on to breed many beautiful black pure Arabians from these lines and last year, Dakota delivered a lovely black colt by our resident black stallion Al Kimiya Mu’jiza (Al Kimiya Zarif x Ennerdale Opala). Now a gelding, he is slated as my next riding horse.

These mares have been a true blessing to my life, and Dakota in particular spreads the love. She has even visited a nursing home to comfort a long-time Arabian horse lover who had sadly been confined to her room due to a serious illness. The lead up to the visit was quite funny, as the carers weren’t horsey at all, but Dakota won them over. Before I knew it, we were being directed all the way into the small private courtyard to the resident’s room. Dakota took all this in her stride without so much as a look or snort and was patient and gentle while meeting with the resident. It was a lovely experience for all – the nursing staff included.

Dakota has shown herself to be such a reliably person-oriented horse that she has recently been selected to be an Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy horse in NovaNexus Psychotherapies’ rollout of equine assisted options. She and her family will no doubt continue to spread the love of the Arabian horse for many years to come.

Nicky Powell has her own very special story involving an old, much-loved Crabbet gelding who never faltered in taking care of his charge.

I was born with deformed/twisted legs and had many, many corrective surgeries as a teenager. When I couldn’t walk for months and sometimes years at a time, I always had a trusted Arabian I could ride! I remember the local horsemen and women would watch in astonishment every time my parents saddled him up and lifted me on. They couldn’t believe my parents would trust a purebred Arabian to look after me.

But he did so loyally for many, many years. It was a long time ago now, but I still tear up when I think about the best friend a disabled teenaged girl could have. I loved that horse until the day he passed.

Above: Tegan Ford on board the much-loved Ahnshahn Maya

Below: Christine Couley with one of her Arabian horses

Tested clear of CA Clear LFS SCID, OAAM.

Multiple Australian Champion and has state or national Champions in every AHSA class he is eligible for. His Progeny are following in his footsteps proving that his versatility and temperament are being passed down the generations.

Carrier one copy CA Clear LFS SCID.

Jessie & John Preece & Caroline Payne

MARCUS AURELIUS (GB) X RALVON GIFT (RALVON VINTAGE X PASADENA ANGELINA)

TAYWOONA QARIIM X MARICOL NARELLE (ARABIAN PARK EGYPTIAN PRINCE X NEJMAT EL MASAA)

STANDING AT STUD

TRINCADA STRIKE X KIRRONG TUPPARA (LEVI X BELBOWRIE TUPPENCE)

Arabian Pony Performance stallion. Clear SCID, LFS, CA.

It is a shame that some not acquainted with Arabians see their snort, blow and spirit in action and can’t imagine the gentleness that lies within. But that is quickly remedied through experience with the breed, as Leanne Jordan’s story shows.

I have a 9 yr old Arabian Gelding, Marbling Nawahri (Ralvon Pilot x Marbling N’Shala). He was not a happy horse when I purchased him and following investigations, he was diagnosed with a tooth infection. Despite removing the tooth his face blew up enormously. This saw him in hospital for close to a month, during which time he was very sick. But his gentle temperament and indomitable personality shone through and everyone he met at the hospital soon loved him. He was a star. He had to have so much painful treatment and he handled it beautifully. Thankfully today he is much better. I love him to bits.

Helen Rutland comments, Arabians are special not only because of their beauty, but because of their trainability and the wonderful attribute they have that makes them bond so well with their person. Nikki Shegog’s story perfectly shows that Arabians do, truly, form close and special bonds with their owners and are definitely at their best with their chosen people.

I travelled to the USA in feb 2017 with my husband Scott our first trip to America to go to Scottsdale show! I was so excited. Little did I know that trip would change my life in so many ways. During our trip we met Theresa Lungwitz owner of Royal T Arabians and visited the Royal T Ranch. There was a horse there that had been put in a too hard basket; couldn’t catch him, couldn’t do his feet etc… the usual stuff. My dad always said to me ‘There’s no such word as can’t,’ so I disappeared during lunch. When Theresa noticed my absence and asked Scott where I was, he said ‘I’ll take one guess.’

I was gone for 20 minutes and in that time this ‘can’t’ horse had a halter on was following me around and picking up his feet. Following this I travelled backwards and forwards to the States for the next three years. During my second trip we went to Vegas to watch the horses perform, Including Brontes FM, (DaVinci FM x Goddess of Marwan). I took an instant liking to Brontes. He loved affection, cuddles, and my company. He particularly enjoyed his cookies I snuck him every day.

Brontes had been diagnosed with Navicular in both front feet and it was pretty bad, but responded to treatment and he loved affection, cuddles, and my company. He particularly enjoyed his cookies I snuck him every day.

Over the next 3 years I had the opportunity to manage Royal T Arabians and my relationship with Brontes bloomed. He would call when he heard my voice, look for me through his stall window and loved to play ball with me in the turnout arena. Then covid hit. Back in Australia, I kept in constant contact with my friends for updates. I always asked about Brontes and then one day got an upsetting report.

Below: Brontes FM (Da Vinci FM x Godess of Marwan)

He was lame again, he wouldn’t play with his toys and he stood with his head hung low between his legs in the corner of his stall. Brontes was very depressed. They’d tried everything - even putting on an Aussie accent but nothing worked. We even FaceTimed! He spun around when he heard my voice and for a brief moment there was that spark in his eyes, but he couldn’t see me and it soon faded. They were at their wits ends as to what to do. Then the unimaginable happened. Theresa said she was sending him to me here in Australia. She said ‘His heart belongs to you and he misses you, of that I am sure.’ And so it began.

Above: Leanne Jordan and Marbling Nawahri

Brontes landed in Australia in December 2022. When mum and I arrived at the quarantine facility in Mickleham, I could barely contain my excitement. And then there he was! Walking down the pathway towards us. But he looked so bewildered and lost, not the horse I had left in Arizona (AZ). My heart sank. I loaded him on to the trailer and brought him home, but he didn’t seem to remember me. I was gutted.

At first, Brontes just seemed to be going through the motions and not improving. Then one day, completely out of the blue he walked up to me and checked my pockets - something he always did in AZ looking for his cookies. Something he hadn’t done since I picked him up! I gave him his treat then he started rubbing his head on me frantically. He remembered me! If he could’ve put his hooves around me and hugged me I think he would’ve! He was back! The spark in his eyes returned. He was happy again. He started playing with his toys and running with his giant ball, which he loved. My B was back!

Brontes has been here a year now and what a different horse he is. His loyalty is unconditional - both our lives are fulfilled and I am forever grateful that Theresa saw what this horse needed. Brontes is no longer lame and is living his best life. He is no longer depressed but a spotless show horse. He lives out 24/7. One of his favourite things is to roll in the mud, but I don’t mind because together, we’re happy.

Though tragedy can strike the most beloved horses, occasionally our Arabians suffer due to, rather than in spite of, their human masters. But despite sometimes horrific experiences, the Arabian’s forgiving and resilient nature leave them open to creating new and trusting bonds with the people that earn their love and loyalty. Such as in the case Beth Sartain shares.

I’m originally from Wales in the UK, but was lucky enough to live in Cairo, Egypt for many happy years. It was here that I met Seren, (meaning ‘star’ in Welsh). Seren was a very beautiful but very nervous four-year-old at the time. He had been beaten often in the previous owner’s attempt to train him to dance. It took a lot of love and patience to earn his trust but once I did he became the most wonderful stallion imaginable. He even taught both my two young daughters to ride. I’m back living in the UK now and have two more Arabians. But Seren was one in a million.

Above: Arabians are intelligent, loyal and will give anything a go. Angela Hawks riding Arinya Park Indira pc Sarah Sullivan

Images: Christie Lynn; Vicki’s Photos; Wall Photography

Erin Steinbacher’s story further highlights that nothing is out of the realms of possibility.

Bred beautifully in 2005, Coolinda Park Lukasz (WH Zmanor x Gedye Lastella), or ‘Luke’ as we call him, was sold quite young and unfortunately lost track of. It was later learned he had suffered from some less than favourable treatment during the following years and he had the scars to prove it. As an eight-year-old, he was finally carted to the saleyards. It was a lucky twist of fate that there was a buyer there that day who recognised his brands and saved him from the dogger’s truck.

He was then cared for as he should have been all along and started under saddle, with a very impressed breaker terming him an ‘old soul’. My trainer Noni Seagrim of Fieryrange Arabians took him in to continue his training and he was once again offered for sale. I wasn’t sure initially if Luke was for me, but after the first 40kms of an 80km ride I knew he was coming home.

I did some further endurance rides on him pre covid. When covid hit and everything got shut down I decided I had to organise my own ride and started planning a trip on the National Trail which is a 5330km trek from Victoria to Queensland. I had hoped to complete the Victorian section (about 500kms) in a month with two horses, Luke being one, but we conquered it in 3 weeks which left us free to travel further along the trail into NSW for another week. Luke was a champion. He only got stronger and stronger as we progressed. From the steepest mountains to river crossings, through towns such as Dargo and Omeo, Luke never hesitated.

After this trip we began our Quilty training. It had been a dream and a challenge of mine for years. It took me 5 attempts and multiple years to get qualified so it was going to be such sweet success to even be able to enter the Quilty let alone complete it! I trained Luke myself and I, at 12 weeks pregnant, barely held back the tears when this brave, strong and loyal horse carried me out of the gate to attempt the 160kms in some of the worst conditions! Luke gave his all. He had never competed more than 80kms before but he didn’t question why we kept saddling up all day to go again and again and again. I felt I could ask anything of this guy and his answer would always be yes! The horses we were riding with were getting tired towards the end, as was I, but when I asked Luke to get us home he strode out the front and marched everyone back to camp. We all got through final vetting that night after over 19 hours of riding! My first Quilty buckle!

I have since given birth to my beautiful daughter and hopefully the two of them will conquer the kilometres together as well. Arabian horses, especially the Polish, I find to be so incredibly smart, intuitive, loyal and I swear have a sense of humour. My Luke is such an important member of my herd and I will never get tired of talking about his ability and adventures!

Finally, these next accounts demonstrate that when it comes to bravery and loyalty, the former desert warhorses have few rivals. Lisabeth Robertson shares her story.

RLA Ahslan was our breeding stallion for a while. A bright red fellow with a sweet and playful attitude. When we decided to change sires, we gelded him, and he became the world’s best lesson horse. During one lesson, when the arena was a little muddy, a young rider took a decent size fence at a very bad angle. It threw her off balance and she was headed over his shoulder. Ahslan felt her falling off and did the most amazing lunge to the left to push her back in the saddle and stopped.

She did not fall. If she had, she would have been thrown into a solid arena fence. Ahslan knew to save her. He shattered his elbow in the process, but he saved his rider a potentially tragic fall. He was laid to rest that evening, and we still miss him.

Nancy Kirkwood has another inspiring story.

I was trekking in Guy Fawkes National Park with a few friends one year. At the end of our third day we decided to set up camp in a good area to graze our horses. Two of us went to fetch water at the river, another of us stayed out on the plain with 2 hobbled horses and one on lead and I set up a small electric fence yard for Storm and got busy collecting wood for a fire.

Then my friend starts screaming for help. A young brumby stallion with two mares had showed up. He was galloping around, charging and biting at my friend’s hobbled mare, trying to separate her to steal for his mob and endangering everyone in the process.

Above: Coolinda Park Lukasz carrying his pregnant rider, Erin Steinbacher pc Sue Crockett

My Arabian, Storm (a grandson of Warranty), pushed under the hot wire and ran full gallop at the stallion. He chased the stallion off then kept circling and protecting my friend and our three horses as the stallion repeatedly attempted to dive back in.

By this time, the other two riders had returned from the river and we all raced out with pots and pans, making as much noise as we could while Storm kept the stallion at bay. As we got closer Storm charged at the stallion once more and this time, the stallion ran off.

Our friend with the three horses was hysterical and shaken. Storm continued to circle us in defence until the stallion was out of sight, then he did something which still gives me tingles. Storm approached this friend and nuzzled into her as if to comfort her.

Storm has always had this protective instinct when we ride in a group. Often he will stop and check on everyone as if he is doing a head count before moving on. He has always looked after whoever he has taken in as part of his herd, both man and beast.

Finally, we have one last, remarkable story, this one from Jeanette Poede.

I had rescued a yearling quarter horse who had been very badly treated and had an immense fear of humans. She required a small yard and as I had none of my own I had to travel to an adjoining property to use theirs. Every day I would grab a horse to ride through the steep hillside between properties so I could work the filly. My Arabian mare, Zhamira was heavily pregnant and I knew she’d want to race up the hills so I decided not to take her up there, but on this particular day she decided she was going. She repeatedly hunted all the other horses off and got in my way. ‘Well fine,’ I eventually told her, ‘Have it your way.’ So I hopped on this very wide, very pregnant girl bareback and sure enough I had a good old fight with her about walking the distance. Her answer to no racing was to prance, pigroot and rear, so neither of us really won.

Above: Jeanette Poede and Zamirah pc Kaya M Photography

We reached the yards and I worked the filly. The filly was great, so I backed off and sat crouched down, observing her while pretending to look at the ground. The filly walked up, ears pricked and looking happy. All seemed well. Then, in an instant, the filly flattened her ears and attacked. She jumped on me, trampling, kicking and biting. She retreated for a moment then attacked again, intent I believe, on finishing me off.

Zhamirah charged, teeth barred, rearing and striking at the filly, keeping her back until I managed to roll under the gate. Zhamirah then stood over me until I was slowly able to get to my feet.

I was badly hurt –would find out later that as well as severe bruising I had a concussion and internal bleeding– and had no idea what to do. Even using Zhamira to support me I could barely walk, but I knew no one would find me where I was. I had to get home.

As I struggled to climb onto Zhamira she stood like a rock, then carried me home like I was made of glass, stopping and turning her head back to check on me every time I lost my balance. The horse that always fought to race everywhere walked as slowly and steadily as she could over those hills, looking after me until she got me home. To this day I believe I owe Zhamira my life.

While it is easy to reflect on these stories and conclude that the horses within them are remarkable and so very special (and they are), remember these are but a few, short examples of the countless tales to be told. That ancient heritage, that blood that runs through the veins of the horses in these stories is the same that all our Arabians share.

The Arabian horse, for all its outstanding beauty, shines even more so in character, spirit, intelligence and heart, and in the unique horse-human bond that has developed over millennia. Each precious one has the potential to be that special horse, for you.

Forge a true bond with an Arabian horse and see for yourself.

STALLIONS STANDING AT STUD

Magnum El Chall imp US (Magnum Chall HVP by Magnum Psyche x U R Unforgettable by Magnum Psyche)

Caramea Tammsin iid NZ (Marsin by Vympel x Tammah imp DE by Taman II)

MARES AND FILLIES

Oakdale Sassafras imp US (Monogramm by Negatraz x Sassy Pants by Hucklebay Berry)

Caramea Sassy Moon (Moondancer imp FR by Balaton x Oakdale Sassafras imp US by Monogramm)

Caramea Ellisara (Royal T Phorte by Eden C x Caramea Sassy Moon by Moondancer imp FR)

Caramea Sassia (Moondancer imp FR by Balaton x Oakdale Sassafras imp US By Monogramm)

Caramea Saskia (Burren-Dah Valentino Bey iid US by DA Valentino x Oakdale Sassafras imp US by Monogramm)

Sensualle imp US (Mirok Monpelou by Vatican x Sentiment by Menes)

Susannah C (Moondancer imp FR by Balaton x Sensualle imp US by Mirok Monpelou)

A Yellow Rose (Caramea Tammsin iid NZ by Marsin x Sensualle imp US by Mirok Monpelou)

Special Kaiy imp US (Gazal Al Shaqab by Anaza El Farid x LC Special Treat by Padrons Psyche)

Caramea Emeelia (Emeelio KH by Emerald J x Special Kaiy imp US by Gazal Al Shaqab)

Tammah imp DE (Tammen II by Vympel x Nirvana by Chocolate Fix)

Caramea Tammaya (Moondancer imp FR by Balaton x Tammah imp DE by Tammen II)

Caramea Enchanted (Shazir De Lafon imp Fr by Shiraz De Lafon x Tammaya by Moondancer imp FR)

MI Amazing Grace (Gazal Al Shaqab by Anaza El Farid x Mulawa Alexa by Parkview Audacious)

El Rebel Samsara (Simeon Samuel imp DE by Jamil x Simeon Sava by Simeon Seth’na)

Paella Bint Persharna HRA (Renaissance by Chelleason Crown Jewel x Persharna El Saudi HRA by Saudi El Perseus imp BR)

Shai-Anna (Simeon Shados by Asfour imp DE x Simeon Sasonah by Simeon Shai exp US)

Bellisima C (Moondancer imp FR by Balaton x Greengrove Babotchka by Barabas imp NL)

Caramea Marsinaa iid NZ (Marsin DE by Vympel x MW Iphigenia imp DK by Mirokan)

COLOURED MARES

Miss American Hot Night iid US (RA Hot Every Night x Oakdale Sassafras imp US by Monogramm)

Bandits Lucky Charm (Pow Wow Hustler x Bandits Reflection)

Chai Latte (Totoro Comet x Leobars High Moon)

HORSES AVAILABLE FOR SALE

DOHA BOXERS

English/American and New Zealand lines with success in the showring and delightful family pets

CARAMEA STUD

Kim Cox | 0401 071 695 | Nymboida NSW Carameastud@westnet.com.au

AN INTERVIEW WITH EMMA MAXWELL

Emma Maxwell is a renowned Arabian horse consultant with a wealth of experience and expertise in the field. As a second-generation Arabian horse breeder, Emma's lifetime involvement in breeding, training, judging, writing, lecturing, media management, and photography has undoubtedly shaped her into a highly respected figure within the Arabian horse community.

Emma's visit to Australia in November 2022, where she served as a judge at the Australasian Breeders Cup at Equitana, was a significant event for horse enthusiasts and professionals in the region. Those with the foresight to attend her lecture on the Arabian the following day were captivated by Emma's knowledge and her ability to articulate her thoughts with ease and authority.

Spending those few days with Emma was a fascinating and insightful experience. A warm and welcoming personality, she provided valuable insights into Arabian horse breeding, training techniques, judging criteria, and often shared stories from her experiences in the field. Time spent with experts like Emma can offer a unique opportunity to learn from their expertise and gain a

deeper understanding of the subject matter, so I was thrilled when she agreed to an interview for the fiftieth anniversary edition of ‘Arabian Studs and Stallions’.

Being raised in an environment where Arabian horses are a central focus and surrounded by knowledgeable and passionate individuals like your parents, sounds so incredible for those of us who may have grown up in a non-horsey family. Was it as wonderful as we imagine it to be?

Yes, it was a treat to have so many wonderful horses always at hand. Especially as we trained them, even for halter shows by treating them like normal horses. So getting ready for the Paris World Championships, for a horse over four years old meant going down the road to ride a four mile cross country course, which kept everyone fit and well entertained. That said it was a working farm, with always a few more horses than intended.

Above: Emma Maxwell with the Russian stallion Karat (Aromat x Kaluga)

A lot of hours were spent mucking out, leading in and out, feeding and haying. If the staff did not turn up, the family was always a fallback option!

There are many remarkable Arabians that have been associated with Lodge Farm Arabians, but who stands out for you?

The horse who will always dominate my memories of what an Arabian should be was the mare Aliha (RAS Indian Silver x AK Atallah). She was born when I was seven and I started to ride her when she was just four and I was eleven. I was allowed to show her a couple of times that year… we were fifth at the Arab Horse Society National Show and received the dreaded dark brown rosette. We fared slightly better at the Vlimmeren show in Belgium where she won at halter, was second in the ridden class and third in the Native Costume.

In a truly memorable Native Costume class, we were told to just gallop. The winners rode as a pair brandishing antique muskets with which they fired blanks at intervals. This caused several girth malfunctions, runaway horses and sensible retirees, until Aliha and I were the only other horse and rider left in one piece and got the final ribbon! I always wanted to repeat that trick but unfortunately, the UK had stricter showground rules. I taught her to rear on command instead.

The rearing trick, she knew would bring all cameras to her, and she frequently hinted we should add it into other routines. As we normally halted in centre ring to perform this trick, it took a few goes to convince her that halting at X in the dressage arena was not the same. At all.

I showed Aliha when she became World Champion mare in 1988, and two years later repeated that with her daughter Atlantica (by El Shaklan and who I also partnered once on the racetrack) but

she was so much more than a show horse. Aliha was often invited as an event guest of honour, and I rode her into the dining hall at the European Championships, where she neatly squeezed between the tables and chairs. At her final appearance aged 24 at the European Sports Arabian Sports Horse championships she drew her first wheeled vehicle which I borrowed for the occasion. She died in 2005 when I was 35, a very large part of my life.

You have participated in the show ring since a very early age. What do you remember of that time?

I was first sent into the ring abroad aged 10 at the Salon Du Cheval with a Tuhotmos daughter from the EAO, Bint Jehan. I had lined my pockets with free samples of horse food from the trade halls for what I can see now was not a very good show ring pose. But you know, judges and tiny handlers… Jehan was Reserve World Champion Mare that year.

There were more breeders then, bringing horses direct from their farm, so the general level of respect for your horse was much greater. The pressure to win now from an owner with not enough hands-on experience of horses has driven halter showing across some very murky lines.

The All Nations Cup was a really fun show in which you bonded with everyone from your country who had ventured out. Once the UK team went to Stockholm for this event, a three-day journey each way, mostly spent laughing uproariously in each others horse boxes.

From there, your reputation grew so that you were able to have your own training yard, with horses coming to you from all over the world.

Training other people’s horses is always a big step from training your own because their upbringing is often very different. Most in Europe require basic manners training. All horses need to know how to walk and halt on a light rein in a straight line, and back up a step without resistance. I don’t like training yards that launch straight in posing and bagging up the trot without bothering with the walking bit. Our judging system needs more walking anyway, it tells you so much about a horse to see them walk… look at the Thoroughbred sales. Line up basic manners first and it makes your horses a pleasure to own forever. Ignore them and the horse is a pain.

I must say that the American horses generally had good manners, however, other glitches soon appeared. The horse I was most unimpressed with was a ‘professionally’ trained colt from the USA whose first action was to double barrel me straight back out the stable again when I first opened his door. Some of these horses, from both ends of the Americas, had a depressingly predictable response to either a whip being raised or any hand movement that might be the start of a heavy shank. Some backed off at a rate of knots, nearly falling over and others like the kick-you-out-box-boy tried to eat you. You had to figure out all sorts of ways to diminish these responses. I usually did join up, broke them to ride and developed a relationship that way. Tiresome and pointless and I never really felt they recovered properly.

Left: Emma and her beloved mare Aliha

I remember getting a very expensive osteopath to look at the three most valuable horses in the show barn before an event, one of ours and two client horses. They were all extremely beautiful, and one of whom I knew had been abused at halter. She was the third horse we attended and the osteopath immediately said ‘ooh - this one doesn’t look an Arab.’

We were mystified as she was white with a very dished face, so we asked him what he meant. ‘Compared to those last two there is nobody on the inside looking out at you’ was his response.

He was right. I can still only see the bad in overzealous ‘posing’ in halter horses, it does destroy the inner beauty of the animal. It is also inexplicable to newcomers to the breed. An own goal of monumental proportions.

Lodge Farm began at a time when breeding Arabians was very exciting, and access to new bloodlines became a little easier. What did you learn during those years?

The best advice my parents ever gave me was when you want a new colt, don’t buy the best of a bad bunch because you are desperate to buy something. Wait until one walks round the corner and you can’t leave without it, which will inevitably be at a really inconvenient point in your life or finances. Buy it anyway!

During 1970’s most breeders had a ‘bloodline’ as defined by the country they came from… Spain, Egypt, Russia and so on. They all had had certain strong and weak points, often according to what that country bred as its general riding horse. Outcrossing by private breeders seriously started in that decade, Om El Arab, Zichy Tyssen and Lodge Farm all started to create their own look melding international bloodlines. It was great fun, but I will say it didn’t always work! We learnt the hard way what did and do not go together. I still find those lessons useful today.

Now the specialisation is for division. Halter horses are all related to each other across the globe, and are not remotely similar to horses which race; plus there are other groups developed for American high-stepping pleasure classes. I think these national groups, except the Egyptian, have homogenised and it is a shame. You knew where you could go to add things in those days. Now everyone is running round wondering where to get a decent set of hind legs for halter horses… those of us that notice that is.

How do you feel about these closed groups right now? Is there a purpose for example a Pure Crabbet today?

I think closed groups are hard to navigate. The pedigrees end up in a swirling vortex of the same names on repeat and wherever you look you cannot escape the faults of that bloodline. What I like even less is that once you have fixed in a certain level of homozygosity, you cannot even use those lines to outcross successfully in one generation anymore. You get something that is not as good as either half of the pedigree. I like the UK Crabbet classes - they allow all horses of 75% Crabbet blood to compete. I think that is sensible it just allows people to freshen up and not get strung up by their own propaganda.

In an ideal world, it would be nice if bloodline groups could get together and agree an acceptable outcross stallion in the style of the original breeder every 15 years or so. I see zero chance of that one happening!

Above: Emma Maxwell pictured with co-judges Mario Braga and Adam King, and Equitana Breeders Cup Champion Mare In Hand and Under Saddle Bella Mirelle SBA and her adoring team. PC Samantha Taylor

Take Egyptians for example. My family thought for years that the EAO should go East and add in something Syrian or Saudi every now again to keep refreshing without losing their Asil status. Instead, they are rather stuck in a ghetto of their own making, splintering into ever smaller sects such as the 5 x Halim Shah and 5 x The Minstril groups. It’s hard to get such inbred horses to work with outside blood. I prefer the ones with some of everything the Egyptian has to offer such as Al Ayal AA.

Back to the show ring, what do you think has changed over the past 25 years or so you have been a judge?

What has changed most is who is breeding. Western classes (I mean you, us and the USA) are getting smaller by the year, while the Middle Eastern classes are getting bigger.

The horses have prettier heads. Much. They are conditioned better. They don’t move as well and they have less bone. Other horse people think they are even weirder, if that’s possible!

The owners of big winners are generally richer. They can rely on artificial breeding practices. If you have five embryos from your best mare in a single year, and then accelerate the process with her five best daughters, of course, you are more likely to breed multiple World Champions than a ‘normal’ breeder.

It’s hard to find a solution when entry numbers are dropping. Ideally shows need to stratify properly so that groups with different aims are not so much in the same arena. But there aren’t enough horses to do this. Therefore, judges need to be very careful not to be lazy and always pin the professional handler in a mixed class… and I think it is lazy.

Look at the horse and pin the one you would be most excited to breed a foal from. I recently judged in Florida and pinned a mare shown by the farm manager as champion, with a pro-trained filly runner-up. The owner of the filly asked her trainer why I chose a horse that did not pose over his. To his credit, the trainer said it was not a performance class. The judge just has to pick the horse.

I recently attended a clinic held by you on the Arabian horse, which also included a segment on the score card. I found this fascinating, as filling in the score card, it became apparent that my favourite was in fact, not the winner. In your experience, is this fairly common?

Yes, sometimes the numbers do sometimes contradict the heart! Especially if they are someone else’s numbers. Even your own total score can sometimes put up a winner you did not entirely expect. I don’t mind. If you concentrate on being ruthlessly internally consistent in scoring every category on every horse at a similar level your result will come out OK. If you lose confidence in your numbers and start tweaking your numerical results to suit your fancied entrant you quickly cause ripples of unintended consequences for other horses. Plus you are spending all your time in the ring adding and subtracting and not looking at what is front of you.

I like to use a scoring system for a large class presented in catalogue order, otherwise you have to remember too many details. If your class is small and of similar quality, I think points are harder to use because your totals all squash together and it looks like you made no decision at all. But if they are of similar quality then it is just personal taste that decrees the winner.

I would change the scoring system to have a category for overall balance and harmony which I would judge at the walk, and I would also include a category for manners and amenability so that we don’t forget that the number one priority for horse buyers surveyed in every breed is: disposition.

My parents and I used to score our horses regularly at Lodge Farm and would discuss the anomalies where we expected a certain horse to win but its’ more correct peer did instead.

Although there are some things to work on in the system, it must be incredible to travel the world judging horses. What are some of your favourite memories?

My hands down favourite judging experience was in Yazd in Iran where my after-judging tour was a two-day, 130km ride into the desert and mountains to visit a Zoroastrian shrine. There were fourteen of us, all on purebred stallions and our route was straight out the yard, skedaddle across the motorway and off into the desert. The night spent in a sleeping bag on cobbles in an old Silk Road caravanserai somewhere on the way to Afghanistan was more romantic in retrospect, as were the 1000 steps up the shrine. But I thought it was the perfect use for Arabian horses. I advise everyone to get a group of friends and go on an adventure.

Right: Emma sashing another champion at the Australianasian Arabians Breeders Alliance show at Equitana, Melbourne 2022. PC Samantha Taylor

Numerous

B. Rutland 2022

Working in the Middle East and gaining that access to the culture and people would be so interesting.

My first trips to the Middle East were to the wonderful Princess Alia Al Hussein and the Royal Stables of Jordan for which she had purchased two Maleik El Kheil sons. Jordan is a country I fully recommend you to visit for all reasons!

A couple of years later in 1992 I was called up on a wintery Wednesday by the British manager of a stables somewhere in the Gulf. ‘What are you doing this weekend?’ she asked. ‘Nothing much’ I said. ‘Good’. She said. ‘Catch a flight to Doha tomorrow. We have our first show this weekend. My boss has noticed all the other stables have an international handler and he wants one too.’

I am sorry to say my response was ‘Where’s Doha?’ A question I think we now all know the answer to.

So yes that does neatly describe one aspect of working in the Middle East. If something needs to be done, you will have to drop everything else and do it by yesterday. And do not ever tell a Middle Eastern client you are doing something for someone else first. It is a different culture and you learn how to work there.

The Middle East has the money, the enthusiasm, the energy and the ideas. Lots of young people come to their shows, lots of young men love their horses, and more and more Arab women are getting involved. Countries like Saudi Arabia are changing at lightning speed, so any preconceptions you may have about it as a country will almost definitely be outdated. The Middle East is dynamic.

And today, you live in London – do you miss living on the stud?

I have done the breeding stables to the max. I loved a lot about it but there are bits I don't miss. One Sunday all our staff called in sick. I was alone at the farm and had 50 stables full of horses

on a wet depressing day. The last straw was my pretty yearling peeling off the front skin of her face, sticking her head through the barn gate because I was late coming around with the evening hay. Horses give you both brilliant and truly awful moments. I know I miss some of the brilliant ones, but I also enjoy the city. And I only go out when the weather is fine, to photograph or I can ride with a friend!

Much of my work now is evaluating horses for other people, and figuring out what to do with them, either as show horse or within a breeding program. All of these are problems to be solved with the information in front of you and the experience you have built up. Looking at as many horses as you can is essential if you want to refine your predictions as to what happens next, so every job increases your ability to do the next one. I like that progress.

For breeding, I would advise people to go on stud visits and politely ask to see all the stalls and paddocks. You learn as much from each horse good, bad and indifferent.

You do have one horse of your own though, and he is divine. How did you come across him?

Horses are definitely an addiction. I saw a video of a dark grey colt foal for sale at Aljassimya Farm, out of a mare I liked, from a pedigree I REALLY liked. I booked a flight about 30 mins later. (Please don’t ever buy a horse without looking at it!) I also drove 250 miles into central California to check I still liked his mother.

By Al Ayal AA out of a WH Justice daughter (who has recently completed her fourth 55 mile endurance ride) and from a few generations of Wayne Newton breeding, Wakil Aljassimya just looked like my type of horse. Pretty enough to turn heads, with enough substance and conformation to ride.

Above: Riding into the desert in Iran

He was not an early bloomer… there is no Arabian more disappointing to me than an early champion who then gets coarse, or unbalanced.

I thought he would be six before the best version appeared and he beat me to it by about a year. It was an added bonus when he went dapple grey and topped out at 15’3”.

My hands down most fun moment of last year was riding him out on his first countryside ride. It’s great when a horse realises there is a huge world out there to explore with you.

Sadly he is no longer mine, those horses which are not for sale are always the easiest to sell. He now belongs to Marcos Tinoco of Brazil. I have leased a mare to breed to him, the oldest daughter of the World Champion Mare, Tehama Ballalina, a mare I bought for a client also as a foal from Zimbabwe. The mare has an added dash of Monogramm which is a bloodline I love.

It is twenty years since your last visit to Australia. What memories do you have of those first visits?

All the Australian shows I have been to, which are now twice to Victoria, once each in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth have impressed me by the fact that their Arabians still integrate properly with ‘normal’ horses, they are generally well-shown and have a high standard of ridden and derivative horses. In Europe, we have slightly abandoned the normal horse fraternity in a quest to attract the Middle Eastern buyer, who can be delighted more by flamboyance than manners… hence the ubiquity of the stallion striking-out shot.

My memories of my first visit were slightly clouded by the levels of animosity some breeders had for each other. As you drove round you did wonder why all these breeders did not try and use each others horses, but were aware that suggesting it would bring a nuclear winter in terms of conversation.

Australian breeders have always had some international renown. Ralvon were the trailblazers by actually bringing Ralvon Pilgrim over to the UK, Simeon and Fairview were known entities and of course Mulawa have been visible on the scene for sometime as well. All with quality horses and a vision of their own. Eagleridge Passionata has also produced a recent World Champion Mare, so yes Australia is visible.I appreciate how hard it is for Australian breeders who have to reach across such distance to use the rest of the world’s bloodlines.

Most recently you have been working on an app for Arabian horse lovers, please tell us about that.

With my Belgian friends, imaginative genius Bart van Buggenhout and tech genius Michael Steurs we have come up with the ArabiansAtHome app. We would like to get social media to work for the Arabian horse in a good way, to educate, inform and enjoy. It is free to use and has a unique triple information stream including image/video stories, educational articles, and an opportunity for questions and discussions on our forum.

We will bring the highlights of some important events to you as they occur in our temporary event streams, but we really want to focus not on who scored what at the show, but on the owners and breeders of Arabians. All Arabians, not just show horses but also performance horses, family horses, and historical horses so we can all discuss together how to make the best of our breed. Bloodlines, nutrition, veterinary updates, job opportunities, your personal story, modern Arabians, old-fashioned Arabians; everyone is welcome.

The unique design of the App allows you to choose your information flow so you only get to see what you want to see. If you only want to see Straight Egyptians, or only want to see Performance horses - or you don’t want to watch an event, you get to switch these on and off yourself, it is not done by an algorithm.

Please join us! We won't have everything you want at the beginning, but if everyone joins and shares their knowledge, in the end, we will.

Before we wrap up, please tell me more about the most spectacular Arabians you have met in your travels.

Aha. I have already told some of these stories on the App!

Visit the App Store to enjoy @ArabiansAtHome today.

Below: Wakil Aljassimya (Al Ayal AA ex WN Johara Aljassimya by WH Justice)

Bottom: Crusader (Salaa El Dine x AK Kastana) both a magnificent ride and influential breeding horse at Maxwell Farm

THE JOURNEY TO DIAMOND ROAD

SHARON MEYERS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELSA MARCHENAY UNLESS NOTED

As you make your way down the beautiful country lane leading to Diamond Road Arabians, the picturesque scenery is everywhere. The lane winds gently, offering glimpses of lush green fields and pockets of woodlands. As you turn into the tree-lined drive you are greeted by an enchanting sight. On either side of the steep driveway, majestic white Arabian stallions stand tall and proud, their elegant forms creating a stunning welcome. Using your arrival as an excuse, they pose and prance with their neighbours, showcasing their grace and beauty.

The sound of their hooves and snorts creates a rhythmic symphony as you approach the house, which sits atop a hill, where a small group of lazy tortoiseshell cats are basking in the warm sunlight. Their fur displays shades of blue, lilac and cream, creating a mesmerizing blend of colours. These beautiful British Shorthair felines awaken from their slumber, intrigued by my arrival, and slowly approach to investigate the new visitor in their domain.

Their presence adds an element of charm and playfulness to the atmosphere, as if they’re the guardians of the horses, overseeing the harmony of this idyllic place. I take a moment to absorb the sights and sounds, to feel the tranquillity of

the surroundings wash over me. Today’s visit promises an enchanting experience, where the beauty of the natural world combine to create a magical atmosphere.

Diamond Road Arabians is owned by David Gillett, with whom I have enjoyed a longstanding connection with on our journey through the world of Arabian horses. I know, as a past editor of this very magazine, that he is uncomfortable with the idea of a story on his program, however as this is the fiftieth anniversary edition, I have finally talked him into participating in this once in a lifetime opportunity.

As we reminisce on our first meeting, a photo shoot for his palomino mare Amaki’s Golden Imp during what I would call my apprenticeship in photography, it’s clear that since that time, David’s dedication and passion for these horses have driven him to create the oasis that Diamond Road is today. Starting with just a couple of palomino high percentage Arabian mares, he has nurtured and developed his breeding program over the years, working diligently to further the bloodlines of his choice and produce exceptional horses. The story of this wonderful mare and her unexpected gift of her son Ray of Light highlights the serendipitous nature of life and the impact one horse can have on an entire breeding program.

Above: Naavanah (Simeon Sahron x Nira (Naavah x Clifton Park Neeka))

2012 PUREBRED STALLION

FRANCE

2013 FRENCH NATIONAL CHAMPION

YEARLING COLT

2018-ENDURANCE - FRENCH FINALIST

UZES 80KM RACE

AUSTRALIA

2022 CHALLENGE RESERVE CHAMPION STALLION

2023 AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL RESERVE CHAMPION STALLION

2023 EAST COAST RESERVE CHAMPION SENIOR STALLION

SHANGHAI EA (ES) WH JUSTICE (USA) SALYMAH EA (ES)

AVALON SHIVA (FR) AH KUDA (UK)

EMILIA BINT

ETERNITY VI (BE)

‘I was very lucky that Diane Gale gifted me Amaki’s Golden Imp all those years ago. I was just getting started, finding my way with a couple of old mares and a riding horse, then suddenly I had this handsome cremello colt who was gaining so much attention. Then of course, boarding and caring for a show colt came with many new challenges for a young, city-living person with a small wage and a busy social life… quite different to my two quiet, old mares. I always knew horses were my future, so I struck a balance for many years… knowing eventually the horses would win. Ray of Light was my first show horse, and we had many wins, including East Coast, Nationals and he was twice Reserve Australian National Champion, both times first on points. All this time though he was boarded, and I lived in Surry Hills. Before long of course, I needed to buy mares for him, and that’s when it all became real, so to speak. I leased a farm near my grandmother on the mid-north coast and we became ‘a stud’, albeit from a distance as I still lived in Sydney for the most part.’

Ray of Light (by Amaki’s Impressionist) has played a pivotal role in David’s breeding endeavours, and it’s easy to see why. Even now at 19 years old he is superbly balanced, his type and conformation difficult to flaw.

His success as a sire of Arabian derivatives, especially those in shades of gold, is unmatched and even at his advanced age, he continues to be one of the most successful sires of champions in the country. Superstars such as Wishlist, Top Model, Diamond Road Blond Ambition, Fire Fly, Diamond Road Heart of Fire, Light It Up and QHF Kit Kat are just the beginning of a list of his most accomplished get.

‘My Aunty, Margaret Hall of Ebenezer, owned Arabians of Crabbet heritage, and they played a significant role in shaping my love for the Arabian breed. I learned to ride on them, never a pony, and always felt safe. I grew up on a small peninsula on the Parramatta River, just ten kilometres from the centre of Sydney. I didn’t realise at the time how lucky I was, but this somewhat protected micro suburb provided a unique environment to indulge in unusual activities, including many different water sports and boating, fishing, exploring, biking and even horse riding. The unexpected presence of two large acreage spaces dedicated to horse agistment in our suburb, was a stroke of luck for a horse lover such as myself and by the time I was 12, I was riding my own horses.’

The discovery of the book ‘Naadirah The Arabian Dream’ during this time sparked David’s imagination and deepened his fascination with Arabians, setting him on a course that would shape his passion and involvement with these extraordinary horses. His first love is the purebred Arabian, and while he may have enjoyed many successes with Ray of Light, it is the purebred he is focused on. Diamond Road now houses the largest collection of tail female Naadirah (Aswan x Napraslina) descendants, with a particular focus on the lineage stemming from David’s beloved foundation mare Clifton Park Nefisa (Nile x Nazelle).

Above: Australian National Champion Diamond Road Blond Ambition (Ray of Light x Kie-Al Gypsy Rose) pc David Gillett Inset: Ray of Light (Amaki’s Impressionist x Amaki’s Golden Imp) pictured at 17 years old

The significance of this achievement in preserving and continuing the legacy of Naadirah’s lineage is undoubtedly noteworthy, a testament to the power of early experiences and the impact they can have on shaping our passions and interests.

Today, David and Tanya Hawley, who imported Naadirah (Aswan x Napraslina) from England, and wrote the book detailing her life, have become close friends. It was originally Tanya who suggested the acquisition of CP Nefisa from Sabtah Arabians, and taking a leap of faith, David purchased her sight unseen. It is a testament to his trust in Tanya’s judgement and his willingness to embrace opportunities even in uncertain circumstances. Sometimes the decisions we make based on intuition and trust can lead to remarkable outcomes, and the beautiful CP Nefisa made a striking and valuable asset for Diamond Road Arabians. Two of her daughters have bred on for the stud, with a third due to have her first foal this season.

Neytiri, CP Nefisa’s bay daughter by Al Kha-zar (Thee Asil x Infidels Princess) has become a significant mare in her own right. Her first daughter Naalirah (by Simeon Sahron) claimed the title of 2015 National Stud Show Champion Yearling Filly, while her second daughter Nejilah (by RHR Heir of Marwan) achieved the highest honours at the Victorian and NSW State Championships, and earned the title of 2022 Reserve Champion National Stud Horse Champion Mare. Nejilah has been recently broken to saddle and the intention is for her to become David’s endurance mount at some time in the future, however, it is likely a return to the show ring will unfold before this happens.

It is very clear that David is excited about Neytiri’s latest daughter, a chestnut filly by the captivating Spanish-bred stallion Abha Omani (El Perfecto x CM Faylla Shaklan), owned by Redwood Lodge in France. The anticipation around this young filly is well-founded, and it’s clear that she holds great promise and potential.

Her combination of a striking appearance and remarkable movement indicates that she could make a significant impact in the show ring.

Sabtah Nahlah, CP Nefisa’s grey daughter by WN Dasjmir (GG Samir x Arawiszja) has also left a lasting impression at Diamond Road. Sabtah Nahlah shared the classic, deserttype Arabian characteristics as her mother while possessing a slightly longer neck and being slightly taller.

‘As far as personality, Sabtah Nahlah and CP Nefisa were polar opposites. Aside from their looks, the only thing they shared was their love for one another. CP Nefisa was very much a queen, she did not show much interest in other horses, however when Sabtah Nahlah arrived, CP Nefisa became very excited, nuzzling her, nickering at her, and generally being very unlike herself. It was rather puzzling, as she was visibly unkind towards her younger daughters. They had not seen each other for close to 15 years, and yet these two mares recognised each other, and became inseparable. When Sabtah Nahlah died before CP Nefisa, she stayed with her daughter for hours afterwards, licking and touching her with her nose. I miss them both terribly.’

Acquired as an older mare, Sabtah Nahlah did not produce any fillies for the stud, however, after her death, David’s luck turned when he had the opportunity to lease her daughter Fazenda Za’jarne, (by Everon Park Ramah), a mare that had previously been crowned the QLD Challenge Champion Mare under Judith Forbis.

Above: Neytiri (Al Kha-zar x Clifton Park Nefisa (Nile x Nazelle)) and daughter Netifa Al Maas, by Abha Omani (El Perfecto x CM Faylla Shaklan)

Nahlouria

A PEDIGREE FILLED WITH NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONS AN EXCITING FUTURE SHOW AND BROODMARE FOR OUR BREEDING PROGRAM

AZTEQ LBA

Nahlouria

D.O.B 25/01/2019

VESUVIO

VALOURIA

EVERON PARK RAMAH

FAZENDA ZA'JARNE

SABTAH NAHLAH

GAZAL AL SHAQAB

AMELIA B

TR VIKTOR

SALIDA

EVIRON EXCALIBUR

EVERON PARK AMARA

WN DASJMIR

CLIFTON PARK NEFISA

Photography by Elsa Marchenay

2022

AL SHAQAB

RHR HEIR OF MARWAN

D.O.B 7/10/2018

CLIFTON PARK NEFISA

GAZAL AL SHAQAB

LITTLE LIZA FAME

PADRONS PSYCHE

JAMAARA FA

THEE ASIL

INFIDELS PRINCESS

NILE

NAZELLE

Fazenda Za’jarne proved to be a remarkable addition to the breeding program, producing three magnificent fillies in a row. Her impact on David’s perspective is notable, as her presence and qualities inspired him to be more open-minded when it comes to bloodlines and stallion selection, as her sire was of a bloodline that previously he had not used in the stud.

‘I feel rather foolish now, but there was a time when I was a lot more rigid in what I would and wouldn’t use in the program, and stuck to Egyptian, Polish and Russian. Reflecting on it now, it was all based on ignorance… for example when you look back far enough there are Pure Crabbet imports to Australia in the last 100 years which would qualify as Straight Egyptian by today’s rulings. I remember Jenni Ogden saying to me once that I was being silly, and that a little Crabbet goes a long way! And it turns out she is right, so I am purposefully introducing more Crabbet, and other lines, into some of my breeding choices.’

This acknowledgement surprised me with its openness and demonstrates the continuous evolution and growth of a breeders’ mindset, where new experiences and encounters with exceptional individuals can reshape and expand their understanding of the breed.

Sabtah Nahlah may not have produced a daughter, however she did produce an incredibly beautiful son by Ajman Moniscione, Naajmir. Bred and owned in collaboration with Ben and Myra Kelly, this partnership demonstrates the power of pooling resources and expertise to achieve exceptional results in breeding Arabian horses. ‘We have never had a

disagreement… we all love Naajmir, and he spends time with me, and he spends time with Ben and Myra. The length of time is always fluid, never rigid… it has been a wonderful partnership.’

Naajmir, with his unique head, expressive movement, and mischievous demeanour, captivates the attention of those who see him. While Naajmir is closely related to most of the mares at Diamond Road, David occasionally introduces an outcross to explore the possibilities and observe the results. One such successful cross with Egyptian National Champion Mare Ibtehag Albadeia, produced a top-class gelding. Additionally, this year a showy filly was born from Bremervale Dark Princess (Desperado x Centre Babble On), who interestingly has the great producer Trix Silver, dam of Ralvon Pilgrim, on her tail female line, introducing again a touch of Crabbet blood.

Looking ahead there are high hopes for Naajmir’s upcoming breeding with Funkia, a Michalow-bred Polish mare sired by Gazal Al Shaqab and out of Fantaszja, who is on lease from Foxridge Arabians. This pairing holds significant potential and David anticipates positive outcomes.

The presence of Palma El Ameira, a Janow Podlaski-bred mare, in the paddocks of Diamond Road adds a touch of international flair and prestige to the stud. She is a full sister to the renowned World Champion Palmeta and was acquired at the Adameir Estate sale. Palma El Ameira has since become an integral part of the breeding program.

Above: 2022 National Stud Show Reserve Champion Mare Nejilah (RHR Heir of Marwan x Neytiri) pc David Gillett

Palma El Ameira’s unique personality sets her apart from the other mares at Diamond Road. While she may be standoffish at times, she exudes grace and power, and has created a special bond with David. ‘Over many sessions of advance and retreat, we have developed an understanding of sorts… she understands I will not give up and I understand that sometimes she forgets that.’ Palma has produced three foals, the first two have been sold while her latest, a colt by Titanium FX (Ekstern x Funkia) is a testament to her potential as a broodmare. Of Pure Polish bloodlines, he exemplifies many of the attributes we hold in high regard within our breed, and it is expected he will join the show team in 2023.

‘I originally bought Palma El Ameira to breed to Naajmir and Vesuvio, however I have since felt compelled to breed her Pure Polish until she has a filly from this mating, and then I will try other things. I regret not having travelled to the Polish State Studs before now, to see their unique program as it was. While I am not a farm that breeds ‘straight’, I do believe there is a place for this, especially when it comes to outcrossing for the future. I do admire those who breed ‘straight’ anything, who can continue to breed quality horses with the limited gene pool they are working with.’

Reflecting on the upcoming breeding season, David acknowledges there will be only a few foals, which he attributes to a combination of circumstance and unforeseen challenges. However, he sees this as a potential blessing in disguise, considering it a suitable time for a slower year.

For David, the Covid-19 pandemic had both positive and negative effects on his life. David works in the entertainment industry, so while the lockdowns caused disruptions in his work and financial situation, preventing him from working at all at times, it also presented him with an opportunity to fully immerse himself in farm life. With the world transitioning to remote work arrangements, David realised he too could embrace this lifestyle, and now spends most of his time at the farm. And while he still maintains a house in Sydney, he now considers the farm his true home.

‘I run a business, and so I still work very hard, however I have redirected some of my energy towards the things I love. What was once part of a large dairy farm, the last three years has seen every fence on the property replaced with horse safer fencing, the house has been refurbished, the paddocks rejuvenated. The world is going back to how it once was, and I am being pulled back to the city more and more often. I feel it, however I am not quite ready to let it happen. I am meant to be here, with the horses and the open spaces... this is how life is best enjoyed.’

pc David Gillett

Below: Palma El Ameira (Ecaho x Pilica (Fawor x Pipi))

Timeless Beauty for Generations

2020 Grey Colt (Ghazaal M x Cearadale Shiraani)

Cearadale Shakira (dec’d)

Grey mare (Simeon Stav x Arjai Lucinda)

Cearadale Saaraya

Grey mare (Pearsons Shakayne x Cearadale Shakira)

Cearadale Crown Saaphira

Black Mare (Chelleason Crown Jewel x Cearadale Saahara)

Cearadale Szorro

2022 Black Colt (RNZ Scorza imp x Cearadale Crown Saaphira)

50 YEARS OF MULAWA ARABIAN STUD

A GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY

In 2022, the Farrell Family unassumingly commemorated the golden anniversary of Mulawa Arabian Stud, acknowledging 50 years of ardent passion for and unwavering dedication to the Arabian horse. Having evolved from family farm to a breeding and showing powerhouse, the story of Mulawa is one that continues to unfold with promise, predictability and possibility for the enduring benefit of the breed they so wholeheartedly love.

To the international Arabian horse community, and especially to Australians, the words VISION and AMBITION hold additional gravitas, as both were the namesakes most aptly bestowed on the original chief sires of Mulawa Arabian Stud. The elder, AMBITION, was a purposefully sought after foundation sire from North America, upon which the entire backbone of the program was built. The younger, VISION, was an unexpected bonus from Europe, whose unique genetic heritage inspired the Farrells to seek outside their comfort zone for breeding stock, serving as a conduit for progress that allowed the program to mature. Over five decades later, the Mulawa program continues to thrive and evolve around the inherent quality and genetic integrity of both invaluable sires. While the strength and reliability of AMBITION is continually used as a springboard for success, the commanding presence, aristocratic quality and regal refinement of VISION endures as the guidepost towards the future, as Mulawa remains committed to creating the ultimate beautiful athlete.

Origins

For the Farrell Family, Ambition and Vision have both been fundamental motivators and guiding principles since their earliest encounters with the Arabian horse. This was the early 1970’s, when the family acquired two riding horses for their most equine-motivated children. Ridden as primarily endurance mounts, these two unassuming initial acquisitions became the catalyst for parents Greg Sr and Dolores to expand the herd to include a handful of Arabian broodmares, sourced from reputable breeders both in Australia and the United Kingdom in 1972.

Five decades ago, the most readily available source of genetics in the breed were those heavily influenced by the profound contribution of Crabbet Park. Unsurprisingly, the first mares acquired from opposite sides of the world for the newly established Mulawa Arabian Stud, the name borrowed from the original family property that translates to ‘in the shade of the trees’ in the local Darug language, were of predominantly Crabbet heritage, with a dash of Polish influence via Great Britain. This earliest exposure to the Arabian horse of Poland in the pedigrees of COSIMA (Argos x Damini by Rimini) and the first Mulawa-bred foal GROJECCA (Grojec x Tamifi by Afifi) had a profound impact on the direction of the Mulawa breeding programme in those highly impressionable first years.

Above: Greg, Julie and Jane Farrell pictured with their clean sweep of 2019 Australian National Champion Females pc Stuart Vesty

Ambition Kindles the Flame

Both Gregs, father and son, unequivocally realised that the path forward for Mulawa lay outside the mainstream. Inspired by the Polish horses they had thus far encountered, they made the decision to travel to Scottsdale, Arizona, to see the largest collection of Polish Arabian horses in the world outside of Poland itself at Lasma Arabian Stud.

Both father and son had come to Lasma with the sole intention of seeing BASK (Witraz x Balalajka by Amurath Sahib) in the flesh and acquiring a son of his to head the Mulawa programme back home. Having been impressed with the structure, athleticism and commanding confidence of the COMET (Abu Afas x Carmen by Trypolis) descendants seen on recent travels, they were both pleased to find the aspiring BASK son AMBITION on the list of available young sires, full brother to established sire MON TA BASKO and the emerging matrons AMYTHYST and AMBER LIGHT. The dam of all these remarkable breeding horses was BINT AMBARA (Comet x Ambara by Wielki Szlem), imported in-utero in 1962 from Janów Podlaski. The appeal of AMBITION was multitudinous, as: both his sire and dam were bred in Poland; his maternal grandsire was COMET; all three immediate ancestors were held in the highest esteem as breeding horses worldwide; and, most imperatively, he possessed all the essential attributes they had been seeking – superlative structure, effortless athleticism, charismatic presence and an undeniable aristocratic elegance. While the proposed purchase price exceeded the budget in Australian dollars, the commitment to purchase the promising Pure Polish maiden mare DZINA, sired by the Janów-bred BUSZMEN (Negatiw x Busznica by Faher) and out of the Michałów-bred DZISNA (Nabor x Dyska by Wielki Szlem) and some serious negotiation resulted in the eventual acquisition of AMBITION for the Farrell Family by week’s end, a triumph that continues to reap positive incalculable rewards not only for Mulawa and the Arabian industry in Australasia, but for the Arabian breed worldwide, to present day.

AMBITION assumed chief sire duties at Mulawa siring six progeny in his inaugural foal crop of late 1977. Distinctively different in both phenotype and genotype from the other prominent stallions at stud in Australia at the time, AMBITION became a popular outcross sire for several discerning breeders. For Mulawa, the AMBITION legacy is still present most profoundly through those descendants whose dams also possessed a vital genotypic link to Poland, namely: the aforementioned COSIMA, dam of MULAWA AGNETHA, progenitress of the JIAH ASPIRE family; AMBITION’s import travelling companion and lifelong amour DZINA, dam of full sisters MULAWA FANTASIA, exported to the USA, and MULAWA FANTASY, maternal granddam of key sire WANTED KE (Warranty x Feature by Vision); the original Mulawabred Aristocrat Dam GROJECCA, dam of uber-athlete and show ring phenom MULAWA THE QUEST and the beloved foundation matron MULAWA CHANCE; and the Janówbred EUNI (Bandos x Eunice by Comet), dam of Mulawa’s very first homebred Australian National Champion Mare MULAWA EUNIQUE and Mulawa chief sire ARRIVAL, heir to the AMBITION sire line. With a lifetime total of 144 foals in just nine short seasons at stud, AMBITION remains the most prolific sire in terms of total foals in the storied history of the Mulawa breeding programme.

An Incalculable Loss, An Enduring Legacy

As positive as both AMBITION’s origin was and his lasting influence has been, his history took an unfortunate turn for the worse just as he was hitting his stride as a sire of significance. Overcome by colic in March of 1985 at the unlucky age of 13, AMBITION, despite Greg’s insistent instructions to both the staff and the veterinarians to ‘do whatever possible to save this horse’, was beyond surgical assistance when finally opened up after a nerve-wracking haul to Randwick Equine Hospital in central Sydney. Lost on a tumultuously stormy evening, Jane vividly recalls the lifechanging incident with moving conviction - ‘it was as if the heavens themselves were protesting the loss’.

Still revered as Mulawa’s ‘reason for being’ forty-seven years after his arrival and nearly four decades years after his tragic loss, AMBITION is apparent in the very essence of daily life at Mulawa, as well in the promise of every new foal crop each spring. Dryness of constitution, quality of skin and bone, short, strong, cleanly defined tendons, substance and strength, superlative conformation, and a natural, powerful athleticism are all traits that AMBITION has gifted to the Mulawa Arabian. ‘Perfect tail carriage and exceptional length of rein are two essential traits that we highly value in the horses we breed: both of these are apparent in all the AMBITION descendants ’. Greg adds further, ‘His kind, intelligent and highly trainable disposition set the standard for what we expect in all our Arabians’

Right: Mulawa Fantasia (Ambition x Dzina) was the first Mulawa bred export. She was sold for six figures during the heyday of the Lasma Sales in the USA

An Encouraging Vision

Although the premature loss of AMBITION was a devastating blow to Mulawa, a young sire on the rise gave everyone reason to be hopeful for the future. This was the Katarinenhof-bred VISION, the product of Hans Nagel’s Straight Egyptian sire JAMIL (Madkour I x Hanan by Alaa El Din) and the cherished matron EUNI (Bandos x Eunice by Comet), from Janów Podlaski. While EUNI had been purchased in Germany principally as a future mate for AMBITION, her bonus ‘plus-one’ delivery of VISION in UK quarantine while awaiting departure to Australia was a serendipitous stroke of good fortune for the Mulawa programme. Greg Farrell Jr., upon seeing both EUNI and her foal for the first time, reported back to the family ‘I am confident you will all be pleased. The mare is lovely… and the colt is mine’. That colt over which Greg so emphatically claimed ownership would more than live up to his imposing namesake, a striking liver chestnut of overwhelming refinement and presence that would weave his own unique brand of VISION excellence into the Mulawa Arabian.

With his first foal crop in 1984, VISION proved to be an exceptional sire of undeniable quality, refined elegance and exotic Arabian type, blessing all his foals with short lustrous coats, fine vascular skin, smooth well coupled bodies, length and upright carriage through the forehand and a distinctly

desert appeal. Also a popular outcross sire in Australia like AMBITION before him, VISION became a tremendously reliable nick with the descendants of Tanya Hawley’s precious NAADIRAH (Aswan x Naprasalina by Nomer), a Russian-bred beauty imported from Great Britain whose was a pleasing blend of both Straight Egyptian and Polish bloodlines, with a dash of Crabbet, much like VISION himself. Australian National Champion NAAVAH (Vision x Naazirah by Mustafa) is the most celebrated product of this magic cross.

At Mulawa, VISION sired his way into immortality with a score of treasured daughters, many of whom proved to be the vital next step in the evolution of several celebrated Mulawa dam families. The names of these matrons of merit can be found in the pedigrees of many of the Mulawa-bred international banner carriers, including: PREVUE (out of Dzina) and PERCEPTION (out of LM Magics Gift), both representing the foundation family namesakes of their US-bred imported dams; M ANGELIQUE (out of Abanda), foundress of her own incomparable foundation dam family for Mulawa; and FEATURE (out of Mulawa Fantasy), dam of successful sire and show horse WANTED KE (by Warranty), whose influence thrives with a beneficial dose of ‘double VISION’ through M ANGELIQUE’s daughter of distinction MULAWA ANGELICA.

An Unexpected Arrival

While the siring predictability of VISION secured the path forward for Mulawa in the vacuum created by AMBITION’s unexpected early demise, it was EUNI’s subsequent colt foal by AMBITION that rose from obscurity to become the vital and most consequential link in the expansion of his sire’s legacy worldwide. The story goes, that on that fateful destinyaltering day in 1985, a young Greg Farrell Jr, unaware that AMBITION was already gone after hastily returning home from Melbourne once news was received of the stallion’s dire circumstances, was greeted by a heavy-hearted and tearful Jane on the front veranda of the family home. With conviction and determination, Greg and Jane drove straight to the farm, and without saying a word, Greg walked directly to the stables, grabbed a head collar and lead, and made his way to the back of the property to fetch the rising three-year-old ARRIVAL. A prophetically named look-alike son of AMBITION, the scruffy ungainly ARRIVAL, who resemblance at the time was much more ‘bush brumby’ than it was ‘chief sire’, was led to the stable directly adjacent to AMBITION’s. With this symbolic purposeful gesture, Greg reaffirmed that the legacy of AMBITION would indeed live on, and with ARRIVAL, the next step of the Mulawa program would unfold.

Unquestionably, the most admired and advantageous of the ARRIVAL daughters was MULAWA ARIA, who resembled most closely the prepotent Polish phenotype of both her paternal grandsire AMBITION and granddam EUNI and was just the second produce of her immortal dam KARMAA (Kaborr x AN Marieta by AN Malik). Via direct tail-female link to ARIA, the Mulawa programme has benefitted profoundly from the siring prowess of her grandson ALLEGIANCE MI (Magnum Forty Four x Audacia by Parkview Audacious), the unparalleled paragon of 21st century Mulawa breeding brilliance.

Left: Vision (Jamill x Euni)

A Reassuring Warranty

Greg returned to Lasma following the loss of AMBITION to search for a suitable replacement sire. Having greatly admired the era-defining Michalow-bred beauty WIZJA (El Paso x Warmia by Comet) while on lease to the USA, Greg was delighted to discover that her son by ALADDINN (Nureddin x Lalage by Gerwazy), then the leading sire in the breed and chief sire on the distinguished list of Lasma Star Stallions, was available for lease. This was the decidedly masculine, solid bay, ultra-charismatic WARRANTY, who was blessed with impeccable structure and balance, an electric show attitude and one the most powerfully energetic and animated trots ever seen in an Arabian stallion.

WARRANTY was shown to great acclaim by Greg, winning the ultimate honour of Australian National Champion Stallion, a first for the Mulawa programme. As originally intended, however, WARRANTY’s most enduring contribution was as a sire. In just four short seasons standing as chief sire at Mulawa, WARRANTY blessed the breed with an impressive 116 Australian-bred foals, enjoying wide appeal from breeders all across Australasia. WARRANTY endures in the Mulawa programme through two essential sources, via: J ATHENA (out of Mulawa Agnetha by Ambition), granddaughter of UK import foundation mare COSIMA and dam of JIAH ASPIRE (by GLF Apollo); and his son WANTED KE, whose pedigree combine the bedrock genetics of AMBITION, DZINA, VISION and EUNI, and whose most enduring contribution is his prodigious daughter MULAWA ANGELICA, the pivotal member of the esteemed mare family named in honour of her dam, M ANGELIQUE, whose multitude of desirable descendants still comprise the largest, most accomplished and most enduringly influential ‘Angel’ family members.

Below: Warranty (Aladdin x Wzisja) was the ultimate showman and sire pc Pat Slater

Dams of Distinction

Of all the dam lines purposefully introduced in the first year of Mulawa Arabian Stud, none has endured with greater prolificacy and more prodigiously than that of TAMIFI (Afifi x Tamaree by Shariff). Discovered by Greg Farrell Sr and Jane while visiting the UK at Dorocina Arabian Stud in Oxfordshire, the 10 year old TAMIFI was put in foal prior to exportation to the Polish sire GROJEC (Comet x Gastronomia by Marabut), then chief sire for Lady Anne Lytton of Crabbet Park fame. Once in residence in Australia, TAMIFI produced her most important progeny, the brightly coloured GROJECCA, whose high stockings, bold blaze, superlative structure and dynamic athleticism have become instantly recognizable trademarks of the Mulawa Arabian over the course of the last five decades.

The Chance of a Lifetime

Mated with just AMBITION and ARRIVAL to intensify the influence of COMET in the programme, GROJECCA blessed the programme with six lifetime foals, the best of which was MULAWA CHANCE, so cherished by the Farrells that it is her namesake for which the dam family is honoured rather than that of her dam or granddam. All the modern descendants of TAMIFI still active in the Mulawa breeding programme are linked directly tail-female via MULAWA CHANCE, whose lifetime record of 13 foals is made more remarkable with the knowledge that the beloved matron carried and nursed all of these foals herself, including her final filly, CHANCE TO DANCE (by Magnum Forty Four) at age 22.

Of all the treasured dam families at Mulawa, none have been more accomplished in performance endeavours, as all around saddle competitors, endurance athletes and family pleasure mounts as well as working ranch horses. Show ring accolades have been achieved in abundance by dozens of MULAWA CHANCE descendants, including the grande dame herself as National Stud Show Champion Senior Mare in 1987, when the competition at this event was some of the fiercest and most celebrated in the world. Luminaries such as FAMES HARMONY, MADORA MI, ECHOS OF TOMORROW, MI HARMONY, CHANCELLOR, KLASSIC HARMONY MI and CHANCE TO DANCE are all proud MULAWA CHANCE descendants.

Two vital branches of the MULAWA CHANCE family still thrive in the programme through her most important daughters, those of the aptly named PERFECT HARMONY (by GLF Apollo) and the enchantingly classic CHANCE TO DANCE (by Magnum Forty Four). Extending now to the seventh Mulawa-bred generation from original foundation mare TAMIFI, the MULAWA CHANCE family is not only the most enduring dam line at Mulawa with over 50 continuous years of success and counting, it is one of the most abundant and beloved, having enhanced countless other respected breeding programmes both at home and abroad.

Great Aspirations

Great Britain is also the source of Mulawa’s other dam family of merit that can rightly claim five decades of influence and expansion Down Under. This was COSIMA, a daughter of Albigowa-bred ARGOS (Nabor x Arfa by Witraz) and the principally Crabbet-bred DAMINI (Rimini x Darfil by Saladin II), whose aristocratic connection could be traced not only to her Polish-bred sire but to Biddesden Stud, the maternal source of her dam, owned and operated by Lord Moyne and his family, heirs to the Guinness fortune and its corollary fame.

As Mulawa was devoted to Polish bloodlines in earnest in the earliest years, COSIMA and her daughters were mated almost exclusively to the Polish sires in residence, resulting in descendants who possessed an abundance of solid structure, substance and strength, as well as agile athleticism.

Eager to reproduce the success of marketing horses via live auction that was still on the rise in North America, Mulawa organised several successful auctions in the early 1980s for their own breeding stock as well as those owned by their best clientele. Through this ambitious outlet, the COSIMA family descendants temporarily moved out of the Mulawa breeding programme directly for two generations, having been successfully marketed to other aspiring Australian breeders whose breeding goals aligned closely with those of the Farrells.

Born in 1993, JIAH ASPIRE (GLF Apollo x J Athena by Warranty) bred by Linda Jenkins of Jiah Arabians, was the conduit by which the COSIMA family returned to Mulawa in 1996, re-establishing the foundation family with a pedigree replete with Mulawa chief sires in all three Australianbred generations. Honoured as an Aristocrat Dam of five champions from just seven progeny, JIAH ASPIRE proved a reliable cross with all of the modern Mulawa sires including PARKVIEW AUDACIOUS, TS AL MALIK and MAGNUM FORTY FOUR. Her influence is still growing in the Mulawa broodmare band into the sixth generation for the dam family with the produce of two invaluable daughters of Australian National Champion MULAWA ASPIRING (by Magnum Forty Four): MI ASPIRING VALENTINO (by DA Valentino) and KLASSICALLY ADORED MI (by Klass).

A Reassuring Presence

It was the Lasma-bred US-import DZINA that established the first Pure Polish dam family at Mulawa. Perfectly blending the beauty of BUSZMEN, NEGATIW and NABOR with the uncompromising athletic ability of DYSKA, TRYPOLIS, WIELKI SZLEM and FORTA, DZINA was a Polish powerhouse of genetic potential that greatly enhanced the arrival of AMBITION in Australia. Imported in foal to living legend BASK, DZINA foaled the beautiful MULAWA FANTASIA in early 1977, a trailblazing filly still remembered as the first Mulawa-bred export to North America, where she successfully sold for six figures in the heyday of Lasma’s annual Scottsdale auctions.

With her lifelong companion AMBITION, DZINA produced three-quarter sister MULAWA FANTASY, granddam of essential sire WANTED KE (Warranty x Feature by Vision), whose daughter MULAWA ANGELICA is the linchpin of success in the divine dam family of M ANGELIQUE. The DZINA daughter that proved to be the most important for Mulawa, however, was PREVUE, sired by the Egyptian-Polish blend VISION. A brilliant chestnut, PREVUE proved to be an ideal cross with new generation sire GLF APOLLO, producing eight of her lifetime total of twelve foals, four of which were champions. Of these, the undeniably elegant and effortlessly charismatic PRESENCE, an Aristocrat Dam of seven impressive champions, is still treasured as the most essential.

Having waned slightly in importance after the premature loss of PRESENCE in her prime, the DZINA family has since flourished in the Mulawa breeding programme thanks to two indispensable daughters – PARADA (Magnum Forty Four) and FOREVER FAME (Fame Maker R). PARADA, still beloved as ‘Australia’s Sweetheart’, was a trailblazing show horse who set the standard for Mulawa excellence in the new millennium with unforgettable performances as both a junior filly and a

senior mare. She too has become an Aristocrat Dam of seven champions, including three Australian National Champions by KLASS and multi-international champion PRUSSIA MI (by ABHA Qatar). The crowning of her three-time Australian National Champion daughter KLASSICAL PRESENCE MI, now proudly owned by Al Zobair Stud, UAE, as Gold Champion Senior Mare in 2016 marked an historic first for the program, making PARADA and KLASSICAL PRESENCE MI the first Mulawa bred mother-daughter pair of Australian National Champion Senior Mares.

The return of FOREVER FAME (born in 2005) to Mulawa a decade ago via sagacious repurchase has exponentially expanded the influence of the DZINA family throughout Australia. Proving herself an equally prolific cross with KLASS, FOREVER FAME produced three exceptional daughters in succession, including the universally venerated KLASSICAL FAME MI, another three-time successive Australian National Champion from this incomparable dam family.

Above: Parada (Magnum Forty Four x Presence) is a beloved representative of the Dzina damline pc Stuart Vesty

2017 Bay Stallion (x JR Francesca by

(x JR

National & Regional Champion

Al Shaqab) National & Regional Champion Joanne Gunabalan E: jrgunabalan@aol.com | JR’s Dream Arabians Lucho Guimarães E: luchoguimaraesarabians@gmail.com | Lucho Guimarães Arabians

Savall

2016 Grey Stallion (x Serena SWF by Rohara Extrem Justice) National Champion

Frangelica

2019 Bay Mare

Francesca by Marwan Al Shaqab)

Francois

Marwan

US & Canadian

National Reserve

Champion Stallion

4X Regional Champion Stallion

Scottsdale Classic Reserve

Champion Stallion

US Arabian Open Silver Champion Stallion

Australian National & East Coast Champion Yearling Colt

Proudly Owned by Joanne & Ram Gunabalan | JR’s Dream Arabians ~ USA

Invaluably Euni-que

Most remarkably, given the Farrells’ devotion to Pure Polish bloodlines during the foundation building decades of the programme, the only Arabian mare bred in Poland ever to reside at Mulawa was the illustrious Janów matron EUNI. A classic Arabian mare in every respect who still epitomises the Mulawa ideal, EUNI raised the standard for the programme in its second decade with three essential produce.

Her trend setting daughter was the cleverly named MULAWA EUNIQUE (by Ambition), EUNI’s very first Mulawa-bred foal born in 1981. Just three years later, she became not only the youngest Australian National Champion Senior Mare in breed history but established the foundation upon which Mulawa’s unprecedented success in the mare and filly divisions at the continent’s most important competitive event would be built. Like MULAWA FANTASIA, MULAWA EUNIQUE was exported to North America as a young maiden mare where she was also successfully marketed by Lasma, leaving no progeny behind to replace her precious dam in Australia.

While the EUNI family no longer survives directly tail-female in the Mulawa programme, through the invaluable influence of her two eldest sons, VISION and ARRIVAL, born a year before and after MULAWA EUNIQUE, respectively, her name can be found in the pedigrees of more than half of the Mulawa breeding herd, present and future, making her the secondmost important and enduring foundation matron in Mulawa’s celebrated existence.

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

A Pure Polish dam of great importance in the Mulawa story is LM MAGICS GIFT, bred in joint partnership by Lasma and Mulawa, the first letters of which comprise the mare’s unique stud prefix. As Mulawa was an original ALADDINN syndicate member during the legendary sire’s long reign atop the global charts, the Farrells were keen to produce quality foals from US-based mares of Polish origin, the likes of JF GAZELLA (Gay Orzel x Harda by Pietuszok), who had no crosses to BASK and few links to the sons of OFIR as well as to COMET. An ALADDINN daughter from crosses such as these would be ideal to breed to AMBITION, so of all the foals produced from the Lasma-Mulawa partnership, LM MAGICS GIFT was the singular female to be exported to Australia to establish a dam family of her own.

A powerhouse of a mare with a classic Kuhailan phenotype, MAGICS GIFT, born in 1982, was too young to breed to AMBITION as originally planned prior to his devastating loss in 1985. Bred instead to his heir ARRIVAL for half of her ten lifetime foals, her most successful nick was found with his maternal brother VISION, the result of which was the long-lived Aristocrat Dam PERCEPTION. With PARKVIEW AUDACIOUS (TS Al Malik x Aliha Bint Nizr by Anaza EL Nizr), PERCEPTION produced her most celebrated progeny, through whom her legacy endures via multiple Australian National Champions and prized breeding horses.

Above: Euni (Bandos x Eunice), a full sister to Eukaliptus, dam of Mulawa Chief Sires Vision (by Jamill) and Arrival (by Ambition)

Below: Australian National Reserve Champion Perception (Vision x MG Magics Gift)

A Divine Discovery

With a firm foundation of predominantly Polish and Crabbet dam families sourced from overseas now comprising the Mulawa broodmare band, the Farrells discovered much closer to home the first, and still the most significant, of the Australian derived dam families that would forever elevate the global fame and serendipitous good fortune of the stud. The mother and daughter pair secured from Razina Park on the nearby Central Coast of New South Wales were ARABIAN PARK LADY CONSTANCE (Ivan x Dimity by Banderol) and ABANDA (by Banderol), respectively, tail-female descendants of celebrated Fenwick foundation mare NASIRIEH (Skowronek x Nisreen by Nureddin II). As both mares possessed pure Crabbet pedigrees, they were ideal outcrosses for AMBITION and VISION.

The linebred ABANDA proved to be the more potent producer, adding the elegant, upright forehand and extravagant movement of her legendary sire to all her progeny. The best of these was M ANGELIQUE by VISION, a mare of exquisite beauty and refinement who, so cherished by the Farrells, was honoured with the namesake of this cherished dam family of ‘Angels’. An Elite Aristocrat Dam of eight champion progeny, M ANGELIQUE lived long enough to produce the final three of her fourteen lifetime foals via embryo transfer at the very beginning of Mulawa’s most ambitious new millennium expansion phase in 2008. The serious rival to the MULAWA CHANCE family in terms of formidable athlete production, the M ANGELIQUE family list of celebrated competitors reads like a ‘who’s who’ of versatile performers, including the likes of GOLD N WINGS, ALLEGIANT MI, DARK KNIGHT MI, MULAWA ANGELUS, ARTISTRY MI, SOVERIEGN WINGS, FIRE ALERT and MULAWA BRONZE WINGS.

Above: The Farrells pictured with DA Valentino daughters Valentine MI (from HL Infactuation) and Always Valentine MI from Always An Angel), both Aristocratic Dams pc Stuart Vesty

Through five cherished daughters, the M ANGELIQUE legacy has ascended to extraordinary heights worldwide. At Mulawa, that legacy was nourished for decades through daughters FIRE FLAME (by Fame Maker R), ON ANGELS WINGS (by TS Al Malik) and MULAWA ANGELICA (by Wanted KE), with eldest daughter ANGELICA at the forefront of prodigious production. Through her, the M ANGELIQUE family can boast an additional generation of Mulawa-bred acclaim, an impressive eight tracing directly tail-female to foundation mare ABANDA from the most recent Mulawa foal crop. Of all the many phenomenal females admired in this heavenly family of matrons, the emphatically named ALWAYS AN ANGEL (SK Shakla Khan x Angel of Fame by Fame Maker R) has unquestionably been the most transformative, especially through her trio of international icons by DA VALENTINO: ALWAYS VALENTINE MI, VALENTINO’S ANGEL MI and VANGELIS MI.

Meant to Be

As frequent visitors to Scottsdale, the Farrells were always on the lookout for quality broodmares to enhance the programme. The biggest departure from the more traditional Mulawa bloodlines was discovered in the 1985 Baywood Park auction: AMURATH BEGUILE (Ramses Fayek x Amurath Basksheba by Bask). A US National Champion Futurity Filly, BEGUILE boasted a pedigree of great appeal, blending the excellence of her Straight Egyptian sire with the predictability of BASK, tracing tail-female to the leading foundation dam of that era, the legendary SANACHT (Hadban Enzahi x Hathor by Halef).

Shown to success upon arrival in her new home, BEGUILE proved a successful cross with no less than five of the Mulawa chief sires. Her GLF APOLLO daughter MULAWA BEHOLD, was a show ring sensation, setting a high bar for the family in Australia as the second of Mulawa’s homebred National Champion Senior Mares in 2003. While no AMURATH BEGUILE female descendants remain in the Mulawa breeding programme, her prominent presence lives on in several breeding programmes throughout Australasia via MULAWA BEHOLD (by Fame Maker R).

Good Karmaa

Attending Scottsdale a few years later, a honeymooning Greg and Julie Farrell would discover the most consequential foundation matron for Mulawa amongst the consigned lots in the 1989 Tom Chauncey Arabians Select Auction. This was the ultra-feminine three-year-old KARMAA, an imperially bred daughter of World Champion KABORR (Naborr x Bint Kholameh by Abidiyez) and US National Reserve Champion Mare AN MARIETA (AN Malik x AN Fayrosa by Fadjeyn). Good karma indeed smiled kindly on the Farrell’s come auction day, and soon after KARMAA was on her way to Australia to find an unrivalled dynasty of champions and breeding horses of worldwide significance.

KARMAA won every major title on the circuit except Australian National Champion Mare, a prestigious honour that evaded her due to a serious bout of colic prior to the show. Little did anyone realise at the time that the absence of this highest continental accolade would be vindicated by generations of extraordinary descendants, making KARMAA the most influential modern mare of the last three decades in Australasia, with her profound influence now expanding globally with rapid ascent. Now six generations removed in the most recent foal crop, the immortal beauty and ethereal elegance of KARMAA is still readily apparent in the phenotype of the classic Mulawa Arabian.

Rightfully iconized as the ‘Queen of Mulawa’, KARMAA can be found in nearly every single pedigree in the modern breeding programme. All of the Mulawa-bred chief sires of consequence, with the exception of VANGELIS MI, have at least one cross to KARMAA in their pedigrees, most tracing directly to the Queen herself tail-female. Four of her glorious daughters have established beneficial branches of their own within the Mulawa breeding programme: MULAWA ARIA (by Arrival), MULAWA KARA MIA MI (by GLF Apollo), MAE MARIE (by TS Al Malik) and MULAWA KARISMAA (by Magnum Psyche). Collectively, these females comprise not only the largest distaff collection at Mulawa, but the most distinguished, most respected and most adored.

While AMBITION is rightfully regarded as the anchor of the Mulawa programme around which all endeavours and aspirations revolve, KARMAA is unrivalled as its brightest light, the beacon which illuminates the path forward with

astounding clarity while enriching each new generation with her own special brand of stardust and inherent incandescent ability to shine, oftentimes as bright as the sun.

The Padron Influence

The final decade of 20th Century brought about the most dramatic divergences in the genetic palette at Mulawa, when deliberate outcross sires were sought for the predominantly Polish-Crabbet blend mares. The first to arrive was the yearling GLF APOLLO (Diamond Padron x Per Brio by Percussion) in 1991, a recommendation of long-time family friend and bloodstock advisor Gene Reichardt. Bred in Michigan at Lori Humphrey’s Gas Light Farm, APOLLO was a paternal grandson of Triple Crown sensation PADRON (Patron x Odessa by Bright Wings), a Russian-sired horse whose star was on the rise as global phenomenon. With additional crosses to celebrated sires SERAFIX, FADJUR, SHAIKH AL BADI, RAFFLES and the Egyptian-bred ASWAN through the Janów-bred PERKAL, APOLLO represented a cosmopolitan blend of the best bloodstock from around the world.

APOLLO proved an ideal outcross for the Mulawa mares, striking gold with his very foal crop in 1993 with future indispensable matrons PERFECT HARMONY (out of Mulawa Chance) and JIAH ASPIRE (out of J Athena). MULAWA BEHOLD (out of Amurath Beguile) and PRESENCE (out of Prevue) arrived a year later, with future WAHO Trophy recipient MULAWA KARA MIA MI (out of Karmaa) foaled in 1995. Collectively, these five APOLLO daughters have all established enduring breeding and show ring legacies in the breed, affirming the decision to look outside for the next step forward for the Mulawa Arabian.

Ever the rugged individualist, GLF APOLLO lived to celebrate his 30th birthday at Mulawa, outliving every other chief sire in the history of the programme and living longer in residence in Australia than any other imported sire on the celebrated stallion roster. A natural athlete with considerable substance, size, strength and machismo, the unique APOLLO phenotype pervades to present day in each new generation of excellence, especially evident in the iridescent flaxen maned chestnuts that now occur with great regularity in Mulawa programme.

Below: Karmaa with Mulawa Chance and Mulawa Behold pc Stuarty Vesty

The Once and Future King

By the mid-90’s the search was on again for yet another outcross stallion, given the exceptional results of GLF APOLLO in his first three seasons at stud. The Farrells once again chose Scottsdale as their shopping outlet of choice, lured by a few promising young sires offered at public auction in 1995. A visit to Midwest, however, uncovered something entirely unexpected – a tall, imposing, decidedly masculine young stallion with an impeccable build, a magnificent forehand, a powerful hindquarter and impulsive, ground-covering motion. Not only was this stallion new to the Farrells, he was also new to North America, fresh from Brazil where he had been only recently crowned Brazilian National Champion Junior Colt. Overwhelmingly impressed with TS AL MALIK, whose perfectly suited namesake means ‘the King’ in Arabic, Greg, Julie and Jane were intrigued to discover that his pedigree was comprised of nearly 100% outcross genetics, with a Straight Spanish sire line and multiple crosses to North American foundation sires FERZON, RAFFLES, MIRAGE and RASEYN.

By week’s end, TS AL MALIK was crowned Scottsdale Reserve Champion Senior Stallion at just 29 months of age, the youngest horse ever to be so honoured, now securely in the ownership of the Farrell Family, who, while confident, were entirely unprepared for the transformation this South American sire would unleash on the Mulawa programme back home. Named Australian National Champion Senior Stallion in 2001, TS AL MALIK proved a remarkable nick with the three most important dam families, those of MULAWA CHANCE, M ANGELIQUE and KARMAA, as well as with Australian National Champion ALIHA BINT NIZR (Anaza El Nizr x Warrayna Baskette by Baskeri), senior matron for the Bonney Family’s Parkview Arabians.

His eldest son with ALIHA BINT NIZR, multi-champion PARKVIEW AUDACIOUS, was the first to be used back over the Mulawa mares, resulting in several of the most prolific matrons produced at Mulawa in the first decade of the new millennium. Lost to colic just short of his fifth birthday in 2004, AUDACIOUS was used sparingly via frozen semen to sire a lifetime total of just seventeen foals. Through the contribution of just nine precious daughters, the legacy of PARKVIEW AUDACIOUS has expanded to one of global renown, thanks in largest part to MULAWA ALEXA (out of Jiah Aspire) and AUDACIA (out of Mulawa Aria), the latter the dam of current Mulawa supersire ALLEGIANCE MI.

With KARMAA, the mare for whom TS AL MALIK was purposefully imported as the ideal cross, ‘the King’ sired his most important son and heir, the prophetically named KLASS in January of 2003. Still a living legend and a sterling example of the ultimate beautiful Arabian athlete, KLASS is venerated throughout the breed as not only the first brand-name Mulawa-bred global supersire but as a superlative equine ambassador of impeccable style and capability.

Fame and Fortune

On the same Scottsdale visit during which TS AL MALIK was discovered, the Farrells were in keen pursuit of another aspiring outcross sire: US and Canadian National Champion Futurity Colt FAME MAKER R (Fame VF x Inschallah El Shaklan by El Shaklan). On offer in the Arabco Auction, FAME MAKER was also of interest to fellow Australian David Westbrook, with whom the Farrells agreed to stand and show the highly credentialed stallion should he be the successful

bidder. As fate would have it, both FAME MAKER R and TS AL MALIK were woven into Mulawa’s unfolding story before the end of the show, setting the stage for an era of unprecedented show ring dominance and breeding influence Down Under.

Incontestably one of the most dynamic and inspiring show horses ever to grace an Arabian show ring, FAME MAKER took the Australian show scene by storm, earning the second Australian National Senior Stallion Championship for Mulawa in 1997, who by that time, had obtained full ownership of the rising superstar. Proving to be as predictable in the breeding barn as he was in the show ring, FAME MAKER became the leading sire in Australia at the dawn of the new millennium, consistently conferring his exceptional balance and build, his explosive movement and charisma, his breed ideal tail carriage and his magnetic presence and appeal to all of his treasured progeny.

With 105 lifetime foals, FAME MAKER is still honoured as the most popular and widely used stallion of the modern era to stand at Mulawa. The FAME MAKER influence and namesake is still an essential part of the Mulawa program. Passing into immortality just six weeks shy of his 30th birthday, FAME MAKER will forever be loved for his inimitable presence and personality, as well as for the enduring fame and fortune he left behind for the breed.

Right: Fame Maker R (Fame VF x Inschallah El Shaklan) pictured with Julie Farell pc Stuart Vesty

A New Lease on Life

At the dawn of the 21st Century, the arrival of a young MAGNUM FORTY FOUR (out of NH Nashahna by Bey Shah) in 2003 on short term trial lease was an unexpected turn of events. Once celebrated as the most promising young colt from MAGNUM PSYCHE’s inaugural foal crop, MAGNUM FORTY FOUR had been lost amongst the legion of paternal siblings now dominating the show scene by the time he reached maturity. Donated to the Salem’s Children Home in Iowa as a tax write-off, MAGNUM FORTY FOUR found himself under the care of Gene Reichardt, upon whom the Farrell Family had relied so consistently in the past for superlative ‘under the radar’ bloodstock recommendations. Given his exceptional pedigree, exceedingly pleasing phenotype and attractive lease price, the Farrells wholeheartedly agreed to give MAGNUM FORTY FOUR a worthwhile go as a breeding stallion, crossing him selectively with several of the best Mulawa dam families.

The results from the very first foal crop in 2004 were spectacularly reassuring, evidenced in the beautiful balance and coupling, large luminous eyes, extraordinary quality and refinement, intelligent trainable dispositions and unexpected athletic versatility of his get. By year two of the lease, it was undeniably evident that MAGNUM FORTY FOUR was an unqualified success with the Mulawa mares, and his purchase was secured with great enthusiasm. By the end of the first decade of the new millennium, MAGNUM FORTY FOUR had not only become the most successful sire of show ring winners and athletes in the country, he had contributed more daughters to the Mulawa broodmare band than any other

stallion prior. His world-famous collection of ‘44 daughters’ include the Elite Aristocrat Dams PARADA (out of Presence) - dam of eight champions, KARESS (out of Mulawa Kara Mia MI) – dam of nine champions, and MUSTANG’S MAGNUM (out of Sahtarah) – the all-time leading dam of champions in Australian history with eleven to her credit.

At the height of his breeding career, MAGNUM FORTY FOUR’s new lease on life in Australia was cut short at 15 years of age, when the difficult decision was made to put him to rest following a serious injury. With 93 lifetime foals, his enduring legacy is more secure than any other Mulawa chief sire before him, thanks in largest part to his extraordinary daughters and his era-defining son ALLEGIANCE MI (out of Audacia).

New Millennium Matrons of Merit

With the acquisition of Alabama Stud in New South Wales’ abundantly fertile Upper Hunter Valley in 2006, the Farrells aspirations for expanding the Mulawa breeding programme grew exponentially. As a result, a new quest was undertaken to add a few more selective dam families to the gene pool, principally those sourced from overseas.

The first discovery, however, was much closer to home, with the special arrival of a MAGNUM FORTY FOUR daughter for family friends Kay and Phil Edward in 2005. Named MUSTANG’S MAGNUM, the superbly conformed, exceptionally pretty filly arrived to Mulawa post-weaning in partnership with the Edwards, with the aim of campaigning ‘MAGGIE’ as the top yearling filly contender on the show team. Blazing a trail with unprecedented ease, MUSTANG’s MAGNUM finished her debut season undefeated, winning every major show, including the ultimate honour of Australian National Champion, in an industry first. Soon after, MAGGIE was also incorporated into the Mulawa broodmare band, producing her first two foals via embryo transfer in 2008: FAMES PHANTOM MI (by Fame Maker R), who would mature into the most successful under saddle performer in Australian show ring history; and KLASSICAL DREAM MI (by Klass), an iconic international show mare that became the poster girl for Mulawa excellence on the global stage.

So promising were these first foals out of MUSTANG’s MAGNUM that her dam SAHTARAH (Sahjat x Dantarah by BPL Dante) was acquired by the Farrells to enhance the productivity of the dam line. Both mother and daughter produced several champion progeny under Mulawa stewardship, boasting winners all across Australia as well as overseas, growing the family to such a level of importance and abundance that now, the SAHTARAH family ranks second only to KARMAA in terms of total number of active breeding females in the Mulawa programme. With a lifetime total of fourteen foals, eleven of which have been campaigned as show horses, MUSTANG’S MAGNUM has a perfect production record of eleven champion produce, an astonishing achievement made more remarkable by the fact that six of these are Australian National Champions. With daughters now producing on three additional continents, and sons MI KLASSIQUE (by Klass) and MAXIMILLIANO (by Guiliano) still siring excellence in Australia, one can only expect the MUSTANG’S MAGNUM influence to grow exponentially, further enhancing the reputation of this matchless Mulawa dam family.

Above: Magnum Forty Four (Magnum Psyche x NH Nashahna) pc Stuart Vesty

A Fresh Infusion from America

As the breeding programme was expanding in earnest by 2007, the Farrells added half a dozen new dam lines from North America, beginning first with a daughter of global siring phenom MARWAN AL SHAQAB (Gazal Al Shaqab x Little Liza Fame by Fame VF). This was the fancy, fleet-footed and ultra-feminine RIMARAA (out of Rikkochet by NW Top Bid), yet another invaluable discovery sourced by Gene Reichardt. A sensational show mare under the Mulawa banner, RIMARAA proved, most importantly, to be a reliable broodmatron, adding that special MARWAN magic to the newest generation with consistency and panache. RIMARAA produced herself into Aristocrat Dam status with six champion progeny, including Australian National Gold Champions ROMANCE MI (by Magnum Forty Four) and REGENT MI (by Guiliano).

A Rewarding Infatuation

Having always greatly admired the highly accomplished show mare HL INFACTUATION (LF Fifth Avenue x Georddanna by Aladdinn), in largest part thanks to her glorious granddam

TJS GEORGIE GIRL (Al Marah Canadius x Heritage Fleur by El Magato) - the US National Champion Senior Mare that had edged out KARMAA’s dam AN MARIETA for the ultimate accolade in 1978, the Farrells quickly seized the opportunity to purchase her gestating embryo by DA VALENTINO when the offer was presented by Midwest Training Centre at Scottsdale in 2009. A few short weeks later, with predictable Farrell good fortune, the recipient mare delivered a big, bold, superbly constructed grey filly with the scope, substance and commanding presence of both sire and dam, concisely named VALENTINE MI. Imported soon after weaning, VALENTINE grew up with the other fillies from the 2009 foal crop at Mulawa, of which the very first Mulawa-bred DA VALENTINO daughters were an integral part.

Put to the test early as a broodmare, VALENTINE produced her first foal via embryo transfer in 2012, an incredibly promising colt named ADVANTAGE MI from just the second foal crop of ALLEGIANCE MI. So pleased were the Farrells with this initial breeding decision that VALENTINE MI has never been mated with any other sire in her muchlauded career as senior matron, having thus far produced 11 additional full siblings of renown. Of her twelve lifetime produce thus far, all eight that have been shown are champions, granting VALENTINE a perfect production record of elite winners, an astounding accomplishment that includes no less than six Australian National Champions and two multiinternational champions. Ranking just behind MUSTANG’S MAGNUM in terms of profound importance and immense respect amongst the new millennium matrons, VALENTINE MI has made her dam family an indispensable part of the unfolding Mulawa story of success.

Above: Rimaara (Marwan Al Shaqab x Rikkochet) pc Stuart Vesty

Middle: Romance MI exp USA (Magnum Forty Four x Rimaara) pc Stuart Vesty

Below: Australian National Champion and All Nations Cup Gold Champion Venice MI (Allegiance MI x Valentine MI), now owned by Al Bakhet Stud pc Alessio

A Trio of Debutantes

The penultimate infusion of genetics from overseas in the new millennium occurred in triplicate after a very fruitful visit to Scottsdale in 2010. Three bay 2009 fillies with exceptional pedigrees, were purchased from separate sources in quick succession, with the hopes that each would add their own brand of excellence and genetic diversity to the Mulawa ideal.

The star of the trio was irrefutably LLC BRIANA, daughter of US National Champions PYRO THYME SA (Pryme Thyme x Holly Onfire JW by Katz) and RD FABREANNA (Falcon BHF x GF Simply Magic by Magic Dream), who trotted and snorted her way to Scottsdale Signature Stallion Champion Auction Yearling Filly. A phenomenal mover with an ultra-enthusiastic show ring presence, BRIANA reminded the Farrells of KARMAA as a youngster. After a brief, but brilliant show career in Australia, BRIANA repaid the Farrells by producing seven exceptional foals, five of which are champions.

At Midwest, the Farrells discovered LOVE POTION M (out of Quintessence TR by Arrogance), one of the youngest daughters of PADRONS PSYCHE (Padron x Kilika by Tamerlan). With an especially exotic head, a lean elegant neck and an undeniable aristocratic appeal, LOVE POTION combined the closest link to PADRON of any female in the Mulawa programme with the added bonus of Russian sires

NARIADNI and MUSCAT, as well as the reliability of FAME VF, ALADDINN, BASK and SERAFIX. For Mulawa, LOVE POTION proved to be a predictable source of beauty, quality, substance and size, crossing incredibly well with KLASS and his sons KONFIDENCE MI (out of Karess) and MI KLASSIQUE (out of Mustang’s Magnum) to produce five champion progeny from eight lifetime foals.

A sales visit to Arabians International on the same fortuitous Scottsdale trip uncovered the final member of the destinyaltering trio in the form of DM MARCEDES TRUE LOVE, a paternal granddaughter of the incomparable MARWAN AL SHAQAB via the respected sire and show horse RHR MARCEDES (out of Ellegant Dream by Magic Dream) and a maternal great-granddaughter of PADRONS PSYCHE courtesy of her dam GR KATALINA (Psyches Legacy x Katarzyna by Negatraz). Tracing tail-female to a Pure Polish dam line of great renown made TRUE LOVE all the more appealing, as did her size, scope and sensational show attitude. At Mulawa, TRUE LOVE proved to be the most prolific of all the newest imports, producing nine lifetime foals, of which six are champions, including multi-Australian National Champions TRUTH MI and TREND MI (both by Allegiance MI) and KRUSADE MI (by Klass). Of her nine Mulawa-bred foals, only one was a filly, the immeasurably adored A LOVE NOTE MI (by Allegiance MI). A more refined and feminine version of her beloved dam with large luminous eyes, a more exotic head and a more compact, well balanced build, A LOVE NOTE remains the single source of hope for the treasured TRUE LOVE family within the breeding herd.

A Beautiful Bonus

The most recent incorporation of new genetic material at Mulawa is courtesy of IVORY MI, the providential product of an embryo right purchase from the celebrated matron IVORY LAVITA E BELLA (Versace x Ivory Kometa by Mag) mated to the MARWAN AL SHAQAB son ZT MARWTEYN (out of ZT Ludjteyna by Ludjin El Jamaal). Now a beautiful flea-bitten grey of exceptional refinement and elegance, IVORY has proven to be a reassuringly reliable cross with ALLEGIANCE MI, having produced three esteemed foals, including Australian National Champion I ADORE MI. Both IVORY and her youngest daughter IVY MI remain in the programme as essential breeding aspirants of the newest generation of Mulawa excellence and expectation.

A Klass of His Own

The new millennium also marked a significant changing of the guard for the Mulawa stallion roster, as the imported sires that were the mainstays of the past were replaced, and in short order surpassed, by those bred within the programme. Unsurprisingly, it was TS AL MALIK and MAGNUM FORTY FOUR, the most recent chief sire imports from overseas, that enriched the programme with the most prodigious successors, namely KLASS (out of Karmaa) and ALLEGIANCE MI (out of Audacia), respectively. By the time the second decade of the new millennium was well underway, the Mulawa-bred sires were proving to be the most prodigious and prepotent sires ever to stand at stud, surpassing with ease the foundation laid by their predecessors and outpacing the foreign sires selectively introduced via frozen semen.

Left: Ivory MI (ZT Marwteyn x Ivory Lavita E Bella) is the most recent import of new blood to Mulawa pc Stuart Vesty

While KARMAA proved to be the most consistent cross for TS AL MALIK, blessing the programme with four exceptional progeny in succession, it was her final produce that would become the change maker, transforming the fortunes of Mulawa from continental leader to global source of worldclass Arabians. Given the imposing name of KLASS, this perfectly conformed, tall and substantial young colt was an immediate favourite of Greg’s. Ever the reluctant show horse, KLASS proved to be a formidable competitor nonetheless, amassing an unprecedented list of accolades at the East Coast and Australian National Championships.

Standing his first season at stud in 2007 and bred exclusively to Mulawa mares, KLASS proved himself to be an extraordinary sire with multiple dam families, blessing the breed with future international superstars KLASSICAL DREAM MI (out of Mustang’s Magnum) and KLASSIC HARMONY MI (out of Fames Harmony) in the initial foal crop. Over the course of the next decade, KLASS would sire 77 lifetime foals, consistently creating many of the most celebrated and captivating mares ever to bear the MI breeder designation. All endowed with KLASSIC and KLASSICAL namesakes of some fashion, these beguiling beauties raised the standard for show ring achievement, earning KLASS the distinction of most successful sire of Australian National Champion females in four decades of competition.

With several KLASS daughters now producing elite level progeny in a handful of the most respected and accomplished breeding programmes outside of Australia, the 21st century icon is rightly venerated as the first truly global brand name banner carrier for Mulawa. Closer to home, his exceptional son MI KLASSIQUE (out of Mustang’s Magnum) is the first second-generation Mulawa-bred stallion to stand as chief sire. Thus far, with just twenty foals in five seasons, KLASSIQUE is proving to be a worthy world-class heir to the most successful line of sires in Mulawa’s celebrated history.

Unwavering Allegiance

Just as KLASS was beginning to hit his stride as a sire, another Mulawa-bred stallion was given the opportunity to prove his worth. This was ALLEGIANCE MI, another tail-female descendant of the KARMAA family through MULAWA ARIA and AUDACIA, who having nearly ended his life with a broken hock as a yearling, had recovered miraculously and was now enjoying permanent retirement at Alabama. Bred to just a pair of mares as a convalescing two-year-old, ALLEGIANCE exceeded all expectations with his first progeny: the soon-tobe record-breaking show sensation ALLEGIANT MI (out of MI Angel by TS Al Malik) and future Mulawa sire ADVISE MI (out of W Alegria by Amado Juan).

In short order, ALLEGIANCE was given an expanded collection of mares to breed at Mulawa in successive seasons, quickly elevating himself to supreme sire status with a host of exceptional progeny. Now a fixture atop the leading sire lists of both national and international champions in Australia, ALLEGIANCE has been the unrivalled king maker for Mulawa with progeny that have been honoured and revered at the highest level all around the world. Boasting get with championship titles at the All Nations Cup, Scottsdale, Dubai International, PSIAHF and the World Championships, as well as the US and Canadian Nationals, ALLEGIANCE has become the new poster boy of global Mulawa excellence, raising the standard yet again to unprecedented new heights.

Having just surpassed 100 lifetime foals in thirteen seasons at stud, ALLEGIANCE has proven to be the most consistent and prolific sire ever to be utilised at Mulawa. The fact that he is a homebred sire, and that he carries essential crosses to AMBITION, EUNI, KARMAA, TS AL MALIK and MAGNUM FORTY FOUR, makes his success all the more rewarding and satisfying. ALLEGIANCE now has more daughters in the Mulawa broodmare band than any sire before him, many of whom are already outproducing their distinguished dams, reassuringly ensuring his legacy is not only secure, but certain to multiply exponentially in the decades ahead.

Above: Allegiance MI (Magnum Forty Four x Audacia) has ushered in a new wave of champions pc Stuart Vesty

The Compounding Benefits of Frozen Semen

Mulawa made the utmost of those stallions frozen for export Down Under once obtainable, beginning first with MAGNUM PSYCHE (Padrons Psyche x A Fancy Miracle by Sasaki) in 2003. Proving to be an unqualified success with the dam families of KARMAA and M ANGELIQUE, the result of which has been generations of Australian National Champions and invaluable breeding horses, MAGNUM PSYCHE was quickly followed by another Midwest-represented stallion of equal magnitude: DA VALENTINO (Versace x DA Love by Padrons Psyche). With just six lifetime Mulawa-bred progeny, VALENTINO has become the most important foreignbred sire ever incorporated into the Mulawa programme, with a multitude of elite show ring accolades and breeding distinctions attributed to his MI-bred descendants all around the world.

One of the premier Mulawa-bred DA VALENTINO progeny, the commanding liver chestnut VANGELIS MI (out of Always An Angel), returned home after a successful career overseas with the specific aim of mating him to the daughters of KLASS and ALLEGIANCE MI, as almost improbably, given his intense Mulawa-bred pedigree through his dam, has no crosses to either TS AL MALIK or MAGNUM FORTY FOUR. Utilised exclusively on the Mulawa matrons, VANGELIS has gifted the programme with a select superlative set of daughters, the eldest of which will deliver their first foals late in 2023, along with auspicious V MI (out of Elegance MI by Emerald J), an undefeated Australasian International and Australian National Champion in his debut season and the first black foal produced by the Farrells in 50+ years of breeding endeavours.

The global sensations of GAZAL AL SHAQAB (Anaza El Farid x Kajora by Kaborr) and his son MARWAN AL SHAQAB (out of Little Liza Fame by Fame VF) have also proven a prodigious cross with the Mulawa mares via frozen semen. Sire superproducer KARESS (Magnum Forty Four x Mulawa Kara Mia MI by GLF Apollo) is the dam of two Mulawa-bred National

Champions by father and son, KAVALLE MI and KAVALIER MI, respectively, both of whom have left esteemed daughters in the broodmare band. Several other GAZAL-MARWAN descendants have also been genetically interwoven with great effect, including ZT MARWTEYN, POGROM (QR Marc x Pętla by Visbaden) and EMERALD J (QR Marc x Emandoria by Gazal Al Shaqab). Both GAZAL and EMERALD can boast several highly regarded daughters in the Mulawa breeding programme, with those sired by the latter considered some of the very best ever produced.

Phenomenal Females

Trend setting and record breaking have become the norm for Mulawa in the Australian show ring. Nowhere is this dominance more prevalent than in the female divisions at the Australian National Championships, where Mulawabred fillies and mares boast thirty-six Australian National Championship titles in the past four decades, including the highest honour of National Champion Senior Mare an astounding thirteen times, which equates to nearly one-third of all titles ever awarded in the history of the event. Even more impressively, the Farrells are responsible for making the breeding decisions that resulted in the creation of every single one of these females with the exception of the Shane Edward Arabians-bred MUSTANG’S MAGNUM, a record that remains unrivalled in breed history. Mulawa-bred females honoured as Australian National Champion can now boast as many as twelve generations of Farrell Family breeding genius in their pedigrees, with the success of the Mulawa-bred sires in the programme now consistently compounding this influence even more meritoriously.

Even more impressive than the cumulative sum of these prestigious titles, a number which is likely never to be surpassed in our lifetimes, is the fact that Mulawa has achieved this perfect trifecta of victories – a clean sweep of all three titles of Australian National Champion Yearling Filly, Junior Filly and Senior Mare - a total of eight times in the last thirteen years. Eclipsed in prestige only by Mulawa’s recordbreaking success as the breeder of ten successive Australian National Champion Senior Mares from 2011 through 2020, this clear commitment to creating superlative Arabian fillies and mares has elevated the reputation of Mulawa’s universally respected status the world over.

The Mulawa Community Worldwide

While the focus of Mulawa has always been global from the onset, wholeheartedly dedicated to bringing the best horses and bloodlines from around the world to Australia since the early 1970’s, the Farrells have been equally determined to share the best of the Mulawa programme with the international community when merited. The first Mulawabred exports, MULWA FANTASIA and MULAWA EUNIQUE, returned to Lasma for auction in the early 1980’s. More recently, Mulawa-bred horses have established their own brand of excellence on the global stage, in several of the most prestigious programmes on four continents, enriching the Mulawa Community with its most expansive membership to date.

Left: Australian National Champion and Menton Gold Champion Mare Klassical Dream MI (Klass x Mustang’s Magnum) pc Stuart Vesty

The international presence of horses bearing the MI breeder designation began first in North America in the early 2010’s, with the arrival of ALWAYS VALENTINE MI (DA Valentino x Always An Angel by SK Shakla Khan) in the care of Andy Sellman at Argent Farms. Her Scottsdale Reserve Championship in the Junior Filly division would usher in a wave of Mulawa-bred achievements over the ensuing decade in both Classic and International competition, including titles for her full siblings VALENTINO’S ANGEL MI and VANGELIS MI, as well as for IMPRESSA MI, MADORA MI, PRUSSIA MI, KAVALLE MI, ROMANCE MI and ADVANTAGE MI. The vast majority of these trailblazing show ring superstars would amass equally impressive titles at the other major North American shows, including the United States and Canadian National Championships, the Arabian Breeders World Cup, the Arabian Breeders Finals, the US Arabian Open and major AHA Regional Championships, all the while elevating the reputation and respect of the Mulawa-bred Arabian on the international stage.

Simultaneously, MI designate horses began to find new homes in the even larger market of Europe, the Arabian Gulf and the Middle East, beginning first with the export of KLASSIC HARMONY MI (Klass x Fames Harmony MI by Fame Maker R) to Al Shaqab Stud in Qatar. Several other high profile KLASS daughters followed suit, including Australian National Champions KLASSICAL DREAM MI, KLASSICAL PRESENCE MI and KLASSICAL DEVOTION MI. Before long, the daughters of rising supersire ALLEGIANCE MI were in demand, resulting in the export of three more Australian National Champions to high profile homes and considerable international show ring success: A VISION MI, VENICE MI and VENECIA MI. Collectively, these universally beloved mares have set the standard for Mulawa-bred excellence on the global stage and in turn have been rewarded with prestigious honours at such elite events such as the All Nations Cup, Dubai International, Mediterranean and Arab Countries Championships, PSA International Arabian Horse Festival, Sharjah International, Salon du Cheval El Jadida and the World Championships.

The Next Fifty Years

The Farrell Family has been responsible for adding more than 700 Arabian horses to the global gene pool, firmly devoted to the millennia-old ideal of the beautiful, trainable and versatile athlete of the desert. From modest beginnings, Mulawa now enjoys universal admiration and respect, with horses bearing the distinctive MI breeder designation in demand by breeders, trainers and owners the world over.

In show rings all around the globe, Mulawa horses not only continue to dominate at the highest level but resolutely raise the standard for excellence and possibility in both breeding and under saddle divisions. For any breeding programme to remain relevant over the course of five decades is a profound accomplishment, one that requires vigilance, foresight and relentless adaptability. For that same programme to remain on the cutting edge, driving achievement and aspiration that challenge the best of the breed worldwide, is even rarer still and is a triumph that should be celebrated by all who love and respect the Arabian horse.

For Greg, Julie and Jane, the flame that was ignited for the

Arabian breed more than five decades ago still burns brightly, admittedly with more hard-earned wisdom and time-tested perspective, but with no less unwavering commitment and fervent passion. Each spring, the arrival of the most recent foal crop inspires them all with a renewed hope and optimism for the future, as their vision and ambition are made manifest in now more than sixteen generations of Mulawa breeding brilliance.

A golden anniversary is indeed an extraordinary occasion for celebration, one that commemorates of lifetime of dedication to something that not only positively impacts the lives of untold others but will most assuredly endure well beyond our own lifetimes. For their unwavering commitment, inspiring ambition and aspiring vision, we owe these extraordinary stewards – three generations of Farrell Family horsepersons - an immense debt of gratitude for exemplifying the infinite possibilities that await us all, when we heed the call of courage to follow and fulfill our dreams.

Right: From Left; Magnum Forty Four daughters Chance to Dance, Parada and Romance MI

KRISHLAH ARABIANS

OLIVIA CLEARY

Reflection can be challenging – when asked to contribute a profile article for the Arabian Studs & Stallions magazine, I thought yes, no worries! But actually, putting pen to paper has been a tougher ask than I expected.

The story begins almost 30 years ago, with my mum Sharon purchasing a purebred mare in foal from Tania Beachman of Creswick Arabian Stud in the Western Districts of Victoria. The resulting foal was a delightful filly who was our introduction to the Arabian show world.

I guess you can say we started in the ‘Glory Days’ of the show world. One of my core memories is a finals night at the Victorian Classic held indoors at the Melbourne Show Grounds. The glitz, glamour, class depth and quality of horses presented was nothing short of amazing, and something that I knew I wanted to be part of long-term.

Today, Krishlah is split across two locations. Sharon is on 16 acres just outside of Ballarat and I am on 100 acres not far from Daylesford in central Victoria. Sharon organises and does all the breeding and also foals down the mares. My property is set up for the show horses and all the weaning and handling is done there as well.

The early years were not easy, being new to the breed is always a learning curve. We purchased some mares, bred some foals and had mediocre success in the showring.

Below: Pshania KA (Pshalomar x Asher KA) pc Samantha Taylor

Our connection to Pam and the late Rob Morris of Avondale Stud has been well documented. The purchase of Avondale Special (Janaston Cass Ibn Rish x Spring) was a turning point in the direction and success of the Krishlah Program. Avondale Special produced five foals in her lifetime, four of them bred by us and included twice Australian and East Coast Champion Gelding Adaiss (by Sarezin (Simeon Sa’ar x Malmsbury Samira)) and three daughters, Krishlah Nazranni (by Kyremi Illustraa (Ralvon Pilgrim x Arjai Tammie)), Breathless (by Abu Shaklan (SK Shakla Khan x Joda Excitation)) and Vaya (by Shakla’s Fame n Fortune (SK Shakla Khan x Joda Abela)).

We sadly lost Breathless very unexpectedly in 2022, however she has had an impact on our breeding program during her time with us. The dam of nine foals, the first two fillies were then followed by seven colts! Whilst it is disappointing that we do not have a retained daughter from her, we are lucky to have her son Vitorious KA (x Vitorio TO USA) to carry on her legacy and the connection to foundation mare Special.

After Special joined our stud, we knew that we wanted to add some more of these bloodlines. We were fortunate to be able to purchase the purebreds Avondale Sprite (Jantason Cass Ibn Rish x Avondale Moondance), Avondale Flamingo (Trystan Bobbi Dazzlah x Avondale Flame), Avondale Fanfare (Abu Shaklan x Avondale Select), and Avondale Posh (Trincada Strike x Avondale Tess), who was an Arabian Pony. She was named Australian Champion amongst other awards. We leased her dam Avondale Tess (Avondale Eclipse x Belbowrie Summer’s Eve) and bred some lovely Arabian ponies from her. We were always impressed with the quality of these mares; good legs and feet, great movers, well bodied and good temperaments and we believed that when bred to the right stallions they would produce well.

Another mare, Bint Georgie Girl, was purchased after a chance conversation between Sharon and a customer of her store. They mentioned that they had a mare that they were not going to use and if Mum was interested, maybe she would like to come and have a look. When they mentioned her breeding (she is out of Avondale Georgie Girl (Janaston Cass Ibn Rish x Avondale Ariki)) we knew that we had to have her! At that time we could never have imagined what she would produce for us, and the success her progeny would have. We lost Georgie earlier this year, but we are fortunate to have retained two of her daughters to continue on her legacy.

Meeting and becoming friends with Kate and Doyle Dertell of Future Farms Arabians was the next connection that has shaped the Krishlah Breeding program. We were fortunate to be able to breed to CraveFF (Mash x Bremervale Charmed) during his first season at stud, and we have continued to use him over our mares with extraordinary results. In fact, most of the horses at the farm today descend in tail female from these Avondale mares, bred to CraveFF. With Avondale Fanfare he produced the beautiful and undeniable Queen of Krishlah, Adiva and her full sister Asher KA.

Adiva was special the moment she arrived. I think Mum and I both did a double take when she popped out, I had never seen such a beautiful foal, with her big dark eyes and chiselled face. She was shown as a yearling to Top 5 at East Coast and Top 10 (third overall) in a large class at the Australian National Championships. As a broodmare she has produced two daughters. The first by SF Sir Real (US), A’Real Diva KA and the second by Echos of Marwan (US), Marwan’s Diva KA.

A’Real Diva has herself produced some great progeny. We bred her twice to our resident stallion Vitorious. Her first foal was Volt KA, now an Australian and East Coast Champion and Multi Supreme winner in halter. He is just at the beginning of his saddle career with owner Carol Huxtable. Her second foal was again by Vitorious, this time a filly Veruca KA. Unshown to date she has recently been broken in and we are looking forward to her being campaigned under saddle. Her third foal is an outstanding gelding sired by Ulysium (US), Ulyisses KA. He has recently been sold to a wonderful home and I am really excited to see him compete as I believe he is one of the best geldings we have bred.

Asher KA was bred to Pshalomar (US) three times with outstanding results, yet also clouded by a stroke of bad luck. Her first foal was Pshania KA, a beautiful grey filly who was everything we wanted in that cross. At her first outing she was named Supreme Female in great company. Her initial training and conditioning was done with Future Farms, but I felt a bit disconnected to the horses and was contemplating an attempt at show prep at home. This was a very difficult decision as we had formed a great partnership with the Dertell’s over more than 15 years, but ultimately I made the choice to show prep myself.

In her yearling year she was awarded East Coast Reserve Champion Yearling filly and in one of my proudest moments, Australian National Silver Champion Yearling Filly in a very strong line up. As a Junior filly she was awarded East Coast Champion 2yo Filly and what would be her last show, Australian National Bronze Champion Jnr Filly. Tragically we lost Pshania very unexpectedly, and although I have lost other horses over the years, this one hit me hard. She really got me right back into showing, I was excited and hopeful and even though she could be difficult at times, she was a special filly to have around. After her death, I had to withdraw a little from the horse scene.

After Pshania, Asher had two colts the first Pshiva KA was shown to Australian National Silver Champion Yearling Colt and was then gelded. Leased by Mitchell Taff he has had a great Jnr Gelding show record, including AABA Gold Champion Jnr Gelding and was awarder Reserve National Champion Jnr Gelding at the 2023 Australian Championships. Her third foal, another colt Pshyne KA was an outstanding foal who I had earmarked as my next show gelding, however bad luck would strike again and we lost him at four months of age to a paddock accident.

After producing her daughters, Adiva proved difficult to get back in foal. As a result, we decided to bring her back into work and prep for the East Coast and Australian Championships in 2019. At the East Coast Championships she was awarded Champion Mare 8 and 0ver then, saving her best to the last, at the Australian Championships was awarded Bronze National Champion mare in a stellar class of 16 mares.

Below: Vitori KA (Vitorious KA x Farrah KA) and Exodus KA (Echos of Marwan USA) x Breathless (by Abu Shaklan) with owners and sisters Penny and Kira Small

CraveFF was also used over Breathless, Avondale Flamingo, Avondale Tess and Bint Georgie Girl with great success. Progeny included Cruze KA, Georgio KA, Farrah KA, and Catalyst KA all shown to national level titles.

Gameelah KA is probably the most well known from this group, out of Bint Georgie Girl (Avonview Akubra x Avondale Georgie Girl). Shown as a yearling she was named Champion at the National Stud Show and East Coast Champion before heading to the USA to compete at Scottsdale. I can still remember it like yesterday, when she was called in as class winner in the International Mare class and then went on to be awarded Silver Champion overall.

We have recently added some new bloodlines into the broodmare group. With most of our mares having a link to our foundation lines, Vitorious KA was not being utilised as much as he could, so by bringing in some outside lines we will use Vitorious KA over these mares to give him more of an opportunity.

We purchased Klassical Fascination MI (Klass x Forever Fame), as I have always loved Klass (TS Al Malik x Karmaa) and feel very fortunate to own a daughter. She was bred via frozen semen to Wahaj Albidayer (Versace x Baila De Djoon OS) and produced a lovely colt Faraj KA. We will asses him as he grows, but he was a promising youngster and may be retained as a colt. He would give us a complete outcross to most of our broodmares.

We also purchased the Allegiance MI daughter Valeria MI (Valentine MI USA), and a Kommand MI daughter Brielle MI (Beyonce MI). Both these mares will be bred to Vitorious KA over the next couple of seasons.

Besides showing and breeding, we are also actively involved in the industry through volunteer positions in different groups. I have been the president of the Western District Arabian Riders and Breeders for a number of years. We run a couple of events a year and have recently joined with the Yarra Valley Arabian Horse Group to offer a double shot show weekend for competitors. I have also been the secretary of the Arabian Horse Breeders Alliance of Australasia for a few years now. This group runs the Arabian Breeders Cup at Equitana. This is such an important event as it enables us to showcase our breed to a wider audience. We were very proud to facilitate the representation of the Arabian horse in the Mane Event in 2022. We are also founding members of the Australian Arabian Breeders Coalition, a group dedicated to the promotion of the purebred Arabian. As well as holding the International Championships at Willinga Park they are also dedicated to the continued education of breeders and owners.

Recently at Krishlah we have been taking in outside horses for show preparation. In conjunction with Ellen Lober and Mitchell Taff we have been able to offer this service. We consider ourselves more of a boutique training option as we only have limited stables to take client horses. There is nothing more rewarding than watching the transformation from paddock horse to show horse! We have recently held our first Halter Clinic and Show Preparation Day, both days were very well received and we plan to hold more. You can never stop learning and we also hope that these days will encourage new owner to have the confidence to get out in the ring and enjoy themselves.

My love for geldings is immense, and it has been so rewarding to place our boys in great homes. Exodus KA (Echos of Marwan x Breathless) and Vitori KA (Vitorious KA x Farrah KA) are prime examples of this. Best of mates here at home, they were purchased by sisters Kira and Penny Small and it has been amazing to watch them flourish under their guidance.

I recently purchased the Arabian Pony colt, Serenader RA (Tajara Park Sinatra x Osory Serenade). He is something completely different, being a 11hh pinto! Long-term we may breed him to some purebred mares for high percentage derivatives, but for now he is a lot of fun and quite simply, he makes me happy!

We have three foals due this coming season, two purebreds and a high percentage Half Arabian from the amazing Mulawa Ballerina (Magnum Forty Four x Avondale Thumbleina by Jantason Cass Ibn Rish) by Vitorious KA. Her show record speaks for herself and the fact she carries some of our favourite bloodlines on her dam’s side is an added bonus.

Mum and I are very proud of what we have achieved over the past 30 years. I always say breeding is a marathon, not a sprint and we are probably only half-way through! I appreciate the lifelong friends that I have found along the way (who are more like family) and look forward to the next 30 years, and the adventures and learnings that it will bring.

Left: Victorious KA (Vitorio TO x Breathless) pc Samantha Taylor

TRUTH MI

2023 AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL CHAMPION STALLION

NICOLE HENRICUS

He’s our shining light, and every day I am reminded of how lucky we are to call this incredible stallion ours.

Bred by Mulawa Arabians, Truth MI is sired by Allegiance MI (Magnum Forty Four x Audacia) and out of the beautiful imported mare DM Marcedes True Love (RHR Marcedes x GR Katalina). When we first met Truth MI, he was just a yearling and we both loved him, yet also understood that being a winner of several important championships, he was definitely out of our reach. During 2019 when attending the Australian National Championships in Victoria, he was one of the horses that really stood out to us at that show. We were obviously not the only ones, as he was crowned Unanimous Champion Junior Colt.

At this time he had been sold and was to be exported to China and before long he had his passport, was in quarantine ready to go… this was in early 2020 and of course as the world stood still due to the Covid-19 pandemic, those circumstances were changed. There were no flights available to take the horse to his new home, so Truth's international journey was on hold, and he was on agistment in Victoria.

This lasted for almost two years, and during that time things changed with his overseas owners. One thing led to another, and we were eventually offered the chance to purchase Truth… we simply couldn’t miss out on this opportunity to own such a high quality stallion.

ALLEGIANCE MI X DM MARCEDES TRUE LOVE (IMP USA)

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL CHAMPION SENIOR STALLION UNANIMOUS | 2023

QLD CHALLENGE CHAMPION SENIOR ARABIAN

STALLION | 2022

QLD CHALLENGE SUPREME

CHAMPION ARABIAN MALE

EXHIBIT & WARWICK TOFT

PERPETUAL TROPHY | 2022

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL GOLD CHAMPION JUNIOR COLT UNANIMOUS | 2019

EAST COAST CHAMPION JUNIOR COLT | 2019

NATIONAL STUD SHOW CHAMPION JUNIOR COLT | 2018

Photo by Stuart Vesty

Finally getting him home to us, we spent so much time in those first few weeks just looking at him, incredulous that there he was, gracing our paddocks. We decided to start showing him again, and were lucky enough to add another title to his show career in 2022 where shown by Damien, he was Champion Stallion at the 2022 Qld Challenge, then Supreme Entire Purebred Exhibit and winner of the Warwick Toft Perpetual Trophy.

Most recently we travelled to Sydney so Truth could compete at the Australian Arabian National Championships. The long trip and many hours of preparation was rewarded with a Unanimous Australian National Champion Senior Stallion 2023 win, shown superbly by Cameron Bonney in what was a large class of lovely stallions. It was so good to watch Cameron out in the ring with Truth as he is the one who trained him as a baby, and who showed him to nearly all his most important titles, so to see them out there together really meant a lot to us and we will be forever grateful to Cameron and the team at Mulawa for doing such a great job with him.

This horse is a once in a lifetime horse to own and we love every minute we get to spend with him. With nothing left to prove in the halter show ring, undefeated as both a junior and senior horse, Truth is now one of our chief sires at DaMar Arabians in Qld where we are awaiting his first foal crop this season for both our own and outside mares.

We have selected three of our own mares all whom are very different in their own right, yet we think Truth will complement them all on both type and pedigree. The first will be from Anna Queen MI, the only daughter in Australia by World Champion and Triple Crown winner Abha Qatar (Marwan Al Shaqab x ZT Ludjkalba). This is one of my most exciting crosses as Anna is my heart horse.

The second one due to Truth is Be Infatuated, a beautiful bay mare by Magnum Forty Four. This also is sure to be a great cross as ‘Be’ as we call her, has been the dam of correct, beautiful and athletic horses, many of them champions.

Our third and final owned mare is the big, bold and beautiful Klass daughter Klassical Desire MI, dam of our stunning filly and current Top Five Australian Champion Filly and Champion Challenge Intermediate filly Dior DA. This cross again excites me to see what this mare can produce to Truth.

We are very excited about this and looking forward to meeting his babies from both our own and the beautiful outside mares who are safely in foal to Truth. I think he will be a sire of high significance to our breed going into the future.

Photography by Stuart Vesty

RE-ALITY ARABIANS

In Stewardship of the Arabian Breed

Nestled in the foothills of Mount Canobolas in Orange NSW, the broodmare band of Re-Ality Arabians owned by Ricky Carver and Carlie Beer, can be found grazing against a backdrop of rolling hills that are home to the local wineries and currently, the incredible autumnal colours of the town known as ‘the colour city’.

After a decade of showing and campaigning a successful halter and performance team, Re-Ality Arabians has wholeheartedly taken on the stewardship of the Arabian breed with the development of their breeding program. They have been carefully selecting their broodmare band from some of the most successful programs in Australia, combining proven broodmares with some of the top show mares in the country.

The first mares purchased were from some of the best producing mare families from Mulawa Arabian Stud, including precious daughters of Allegiance MI, one of Ricky and Carlie’s favourite sires. The first two resulting fillies, Eternity RA (out of the ethereal Klassic Elegance MI) and Affaire RA (from Affinity MI) were a welcome start to the breeding program and both retained as future show and breeding prospects.

The following season, Ricky and Carlie decided to breed two Allegiance MI daughters, and an Allegiance MI granddaughter to international stallions via frozen semen. Excitingly, these crosses produced exactly as hoped, producing a beautiful Marajj daughter, and two colts; one by Wahaj Albidayer and another by Brontes FM. This season Reality Arabians are expecting foals from the international super sire Dominic M, a superb son of FA El Rasheem, his paternal half brother D Nayel and Australian Champion Volcom FF (Crave FF x Buguine OH).

Ricky and Carlie have been taking every opportunity to visit breeding programs both in Australia and overseas, viewing stallions and their progeny of these stallions, with the view to use these stallions in their program in the future. They have found there is no tool more invaluable than eyes on the ground, viewing a number of horses and the discussions with other breeders worldwide. Finding inspiration in amazing breeding programs such as Dubai Stud, and Om El

International, the overwhelming take away is that a strong broodmare band is key. Looking around the paddocks at Re-Ality Arabians it is easy to see that Ricky and Carlie place great importance in fundamentally correct conformation, movement, great tail carriage, a beautiful eye and that important Arabian type.

Besides the importance placed on the females at Re-Ality Arabians, their other love is the true ambassador of the breed, the Arabian gelding. Recent multi-champion geldings from the Re-Ality Arabian barn include Allegiant MI, Allegro MI, Premiere FF, Javari FF, Kareer MI, Approve MI, and Trend MI. Trend MI had an incredible season, winning the coveted Triple Crown in NSW (including taking out Supreme Purebred at NSW State Titles and National Stud Show), Australasian Breeder’s Cup Gold Champion, Highest Scoring Gelding and Gold Champion at the Australasian Breeders Coalition International Championships, and Reserve Australian Champion. The ultimate showman, this gelding was also lightly campaigned under saddle winning Top 5 Silver Snaffle at the Australian Championships, and Reserve Champion Ridden Gelding at NSW State Titles. He is sure to take the saddle ring by storm this coming season.

There are some very special mares tucked away at Re-Ality, ready to be revealed in the spring, each carefully chosen for their future contribution to the breeding program. There are also young fillies about to join the broodmare band, such as Australian and East Coast Champion I Adore MI, and a recent addition, Simeon Sayit. Never has the responsibility of nurturing each individual on the farm been felt more strongly, each one a small link in the future of the Arabian breed.

And in Ricky and Carlie, the fervent desire to support the breed and the Arabian community in any way that will positively impact the path the breed takes into the future.

Previous Page: Eternity RA (Allegiance MI x Klassical Elegance)

Below: Simeon Sayit (Simeon Samech x Simeon Sanaa) with Ricky and Carlie

WARWICK TOFT IN MEMORIAM 1962 - 2023

One of my earliest memories of dad is of him waking me up to see a foal born for the first time. He took me over to the yards, Grandma, Mum and Georgia already there. We watched together, dad helping when needed, as Bremervale Bey Bewitched gave birth. A filly who became one of my favourite horses in the barn, Bremervale Bey Angel. The look of pure joy and love on Dad’s face when he told us it was a filly was indescribable. Dad poured his heart into every horse he produced, agonising over each breeding, and he was there to help every single one come into this world.

As a kid, one of the most exciting things to do was getting in the old farm truck and head to a show with Mum, Dad and Georgia.

Some of the best horses in the country tucked away safely on board, and dad’s favourite country cd playing. Without fail, every truck trip included listening to one CD on repeat for hours, and dad singing along.

To watch Dad show or train was to see magic unfold before you. He had an incredible connection with every horse, and you could see that his horses loved and respected him.

It was more than Dad’s talent that people admired, it was his character. Always smiling and friendly, dad made time for everyone. Whether it was simply stopping to chat with someone new to the industry, or just helping out. He could have 30 horses to show, but never turn down a request for help when it came. Dad took such joy in encouraging others in their love of horses.

Dad was incredibly humble. It was never about him, but always about his beautiful horses that he took such pride in. He didn’t care whether he walked away with a championship or not, he always had a smile on his face. He always used to say that the best judges were the ones sitting on the ringside. He didn’t show for the accolades, of which he achieved many. He showed for the pure love of the Arabian horse, and to share that love and passion with others.

Madeline Toft Daughter

Above: Madeline Toft and Warwick Toft competing in an endurance ride

Warwick and I had a very similar upbringing. We were both born into Arabian horse families. We were of similar age, and we both chose to go to America after we left school to learn how to show and present our horses better.

I met up with Warwick at the US Nationals in Kentucky in 1983. I was working for a farm in Canada and Warwick was working for Stirling White who I had previously spent nine months with.

We were sitting in the grandstands watching the finals where Padron was Champion Stallion and Kajora was Champion Mare. We were exchanging stories about our experiences as grooms and we both acknowledged we had learnt a lot and were looking forward to getting back home to work with and show our own horses. The one thing we agreed not to take back with us was the sanding of the horses feet. We agreed it was the least thing we liked doing and thought it would be good not to have to do it again.

Fast forward, the next time I saw Warwick was at the ’84 Australian Championships in Ipswich, QLD. It was our first show back from America. The Bremervale truck pulled in and

Warwick and his brothers were unloading the horses. I can still picture them, beautifully conditioned and body clipped horses and… the best sanded feet I’ve ever seen!

Warwick and I had plenty of great competitions over the next 30 odd years, but I really think it would have been more fun if we didn’t have to sand feet!

R ichard Sharman

The Travelling Horseman

Warwick Toft, where does one even start? Friend, husband, father, horse trainer, horse breeder. Warwick Toft is a legend and will always be remembered as ‘top class’ at all he put his efforts to.

We all have our own stories that make up his all too short but incredible life. Without Warwick Toft, my life’s story of being in Australia simply would not exist! I would not have met Kate and our children Kody and Jessica would not have been born, Future Farms would not exist. Without Warwick and Jill Toft and them allowing us the opportunity to purchase Bremervale Charmed as a weanling, her dynasty of offspring simple would not have existed. No Crave FF and his dominance as a sire in both Purebred and Derivative Arabians.

Right place right time? Fate? Lucky? Call it what you will, but without meeting Warwick and Jill Toft on a cold February night in Scottsdale Arizona in 1996, my Australian story would never had happened. They invited me to come to Australia and help condition, train, and show for their internationally recognized farm. I only worked full time for them that one show season so many years ago, but Warwick took me, a young man, under his wing and let me develop. Although I went on my own journey, Warwick was always keen to stay in touch. When we saw each other our discussion and ideas would take us late into the nights. Bremervale was a must anytime we were in Brisbane, walking the paddocks, seeing the broodmares and the next generation of foals. I regret these last years have seen us not take teams of horses to show in QLD, so our times together became few and far between.

It was a privilege to travel to China with Warwick and our families a few years ago, and it was so great that Helen brought Warwick down just before covid to our winter stallion parade and sale day, where we were able to honor him and his great mare Bremervale Charmed. They say a picture can say a 1000s words, well to have him at my farm with his mare is a memory that I will hold dear to my heart forever.

I have always been and forever will be grateful and respectful of this enormous opportunity Warwick blessed me with all those years ago. Warwick Toft, forever missed, forever in my heart, forever in my thoughts.

Doyle Dertell Future Farms

Above: Warwick and Bremervale Justice at the 2006 Tom Quilty pc Sharon Meyers

Below: L to R: Bremervale Katische with Warwick Toft, Bremervale Latische with Richard Toft, Bremervale Emperor with Peter Toft, Bremervale Fernanda with Michael Toft, Sparkling Vanity with David Toft

Friends for 36 years; from helping me with electrical jobs like fixing an irrigation pump in winter, with Warwick laughing, stripping down to his jocks to unblock the foot valve in freezing cold water, to showing me the craft of showing halter horses, and never hesitating to guide me.

He asked me to catch lead some of the team, and my first championship class was showing WN Seduction, and I remember Richard Toft saying ‘you got the imported horse you must be special’.

I would sit with Jill Toft and Warwick at the dining room table and just listen to stories of the horses overseas, how Jill purchased them and her friendships with other breeders. They would sometimes have a little disagreement and Warwick, the gentleman as he always was, conceded mum was always right!

Showing at Aussie Champs in Canberra one year, we all ended up at a caravan with a group of friends. Guitar was playing, and everyone was singing along those old favourites. Maybe there was a little too much alcohol… Warwick did love to have a glass whiskey. His phone rings, Helen and Jill had flown into town, so Warwick had to leave. Then next morning Helen said to me Warwick must have had food poisoning last night as he was very sick in the garden of the motel, I only could smile. Warwick, my best man at my wedding to Miranda, the greatest friend, to think of him still makes me smile.

Wayne Beasley

Charaway Arabians

When I first began my career editing Arabian horse magazines at the beginning of this century, I was extremely fortunate when Jill Toft and her son Warwick gently and unexpectedly encouraged me to start photographing their horses, and thus the genesis of my photography work began.

It was such a joy working with Warwick while photographing everything from newborn foals through to mature and opinionated stallions. Warwick’s gentleness instilled confidence in the foals and younger horses while the older and bolder Arabians were kindly encouraged to ‘strut their stuff’ and ‘show off’ while I photographed them. We worked happily together for many years.

During foaling season, it was not unusual for Warwick to ring me at dawn saying, ‘a special foal has been born. Grab your camera and come on out to the farm’.

A couple of times the crew from the popular children’s TV series ‘Totally Wild’ came out to film at the farm. When the date was organised for their visit, Warwick would ring and ask if I wanted to come out and have some fun photographing the proceedings.

One time the gorgeous mare Bremervale Lyric (Desperado x Bremervale Bey Accolade) was selected to demonstration a session on how to care for your horse. As you can imagine, having a huge camera and sound equipment pointed at you can be quite intimidating. When Lyric was turned loose into the parade arena to be filmed, and the camera and sound equipment moved towards her, she became unsure about what was happening. That’s when Warwick casually walked up to Lyric, put his arm under her neck while reassuring her that she would not be hurt. Lyric then happily accepted the equipment and got on with the job. The photo I took as this happened is one of my favourites (see above).

At the conclusion of our photo shoots Warwick, Jill and I would relax over a cup of tea while chatting about the Arabian horse world. It’s a time I will always cherish.

Sharon Meyers Photographer

Warwick was a consummate showman, both he and his horses were presented to an extremely high level.

As a show handler Warwick had a lot of flair and confidence. One of the things I noticed was he never took his eyes off the judge when working the circle, willing the judge to call him in first.

Warwick handled some spectacular Bremervale horses, I can remember the first time I saw Warwick and Desperado in the yearling colt class at the East Coast Championships. Their rapour was obvious and Warwick’s respect and love for this horse was also obvious, and they shared a spectacular career. Another favourite for me was Warwick showing the beautiful grey mare Bremervale Scarlet to so many major successes.

Bremervale and Warwick were internationally held in the highest esteem as a force to be reckoned with, as breeders and as an elite showman.

Greg Farrell Mulawa Arabians

In 1986 we made our very first trip for an interstate horse show to Sydney. The showgrounds then were at Moore Park, right in the middle of the city. We Queenslanders would arrive in convoy in our horse trucks during the week before the show and once the work with the horses was done, we all took the opportunity to party.

Still only just in our late teens/early 20’s, we would set up camp in the barn lofts and head to the local pub to stock up on drinks. One of these nights we set up in the alleyway of B Pavilion to play a cheeky game of Strip Poker!

Well into the game, Warwick knew that Jill was due to fly in that night so when we heard the big roller door to the barn start to roll up, the game was abandoned at breakneck speed. In only his undies, he scampered up the ladder to the loft like lightning, making us all swear to secrecy.

The next day we sniggered to ourselves when Warwick and Jill walked past, trying not to make eye contact and give anything away that might dob him in to his Mum, when Warwick pipes up and says to the girls to their horror ‘Hi Girls, I didn’t recognise you with your clothes on!’

We would always laugh about our younger days whenever we would catch up along with our own children at the age now that we were then, cracking up at our stories from ‘back in the day’.

As we say goodbye to Warwick, we remember his vibrant spirit in his youth, and to us his lasting legacy lies not only with the mark he made as an Arabian horse breeder, but also with his beautiful and intelligent daughters, making a difference in the world, forging their own paths in honour of his memory. May their lives be a testament to the enduring impact of a life well-lived.

Michael Greene

The Palms Arabians

Warwick Andrew Toft, my youngest brother, was born in Sydney in 1962. Warwick was the sixth child of Jill and Gordon Toft. Warwick soon became known as ‘Wardie’ to his brothers and sister. To his family, close mates and friends through out his life he was also called Wardie.

So very sad to lose my younger brother, but so grateful to be with him in his ride through life; being with him when he started to ride, started in pony club and trail riding camps, and doing all the local shows holds very special memories, where our holidays were as simple as ‘staying a few nights at the Ekka after showing our horses’. We, (my brothers and I) all showed our Bremervale bred horses, but seeing Wardie progress his halter talent and being with him to celebrate his major show wins are priceless memories for me.

A very special memory was when I, my sister and brothers and our mum Jill Toft shared the anticipation and excitement when Warwick won the Heavyweight division of the Tom Quilty in 2006 on Bremervale Justice. Justice was bred by my Mum, owned and trained by our brother Peter, and ridden by Warwick. Justice’s dam was one of Warwick’s all-time favourite horses, Bremervale Katische, whom Wardie showed alongside all his brothers at the local Ag shows back in the 70’s. Rest in peace my beautiful brother.

David Toft

Toft Arabians

Below: From left to right: Doyle Dertell, Helen Toft, Warwick Toft, Bremervale Charmed, Georgia Toft, Kody Dertell

Bacchante Lilliana

(Renaissance x Burren-Dah Audrey Fox) 2015 mare, Supreme Female QLD Challenge Show 2023

Bred and owned by Diane Wright, Bacchante Arabians

Bacchante Lilliana is available for sale. Other quality stock for sale

Our stallions: Renaissance, Saudi El Perseus, and Mescal Al Saba stand at private treaty

P.C. Glenys Lilley

STATE STUDS OF EUROPE

PAST – PRESENT – FUTURE

GUDRUN WAIDITSCHKA

I was a girl, just twelve years old and horse crazy, when my parents took me to the State Stud Marbach in Germany their 400 years jubilee celebration… a big event with a special stallion parade. And there, I saw him for the first time: Hadban Enzahi – an Arabian stallion, alabaster white and exotic, and so different to the horses in our riding stable. He fascinated me, inspired me…and he and Marbach were responsible for my lifelong involvement with the Arabian horse.

Of course inspiring young girls was not the reason for the establishment of the state studs in the beginning. Some readers may even wonder why did the state, the government of country, get involved with the breeding of horses at all?

The reason is simple: Warfare was the driving force behind the involvement of governments in the breeding of horses. Up until the end of the 19th century, horses were an integral part of everyday life in Europe. The horse was indispensable for transportation, agriculture and of course the military.

Warfare in particular required a large number of horses in the 18th and 19th centuries and the question always was; Where do we find the necessary numbers and quality of horses? In some countries such as Poland and Russia, the nobility maintained large stud farms on their huge estates, and one of the biggest markets for them was the military. In other countries, horse breeding was more at home on smaller private farms, but again, the military was a good market for these horses too. And thus it was in the governments best interests to have high quality horses being raised across the country.

By the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th century, there was a need to change the local breeds, according to new requirements of war. Combat techniques had changed and light cavalry came more and more to the fore. With the light cavalry, lighter horses were needed… both in large numbers and a short time frame.

Above: Arabians at Weil Stud by Otto Stotz

In order to be able to implement these changes as quickly as possible, more and more state stallion depots were established, where the services of good quality stallions were offered to private breeders at moderate prices. Private owners happily used these stallions as their offspring usually sold for better prices, and these stallion depots were spread across the country, lessening the distance breeders had to travel their mares. In addition to these stallion depots, there are the main stud farms which have their own herd of broodmares. The aim of the main studs was to produce stallions for the stallion depots.

A special form of the main stud is the military stud, where horses were bred in large numbers especially for the military. There were studs that numbered several thousand mares! State-run military stud farms emerged, in particular in the Austro-Hungarian monarchy as well as the French, Russian and German empires. These stud farms were of central military importance and were therefore partly assigned to the respective Ministry of War or Interior. As military institutions, state studs often had better chances of surviving during the war than private studs, since they were protected by the state or could be brought to safety in good time.

The court studs or Royal Studs, on the other hand, were primarily devoted to breeding horses for representational purposes. With the decline of the monarchy, these stud farms were mostly nationalized and became State Studs such as Lipica and Kladruby, or were dissolved.

As the light cavalry became more and more important, breeders questioned just how the local breeds could become ‘lighter’ and to be suitable for their ‘new job’. The answer to this question was solved differently across Europe, with many discussions as to which breed should be given preference as the improver – would it be the Arabian or the English Thoroughbred? The answer to this question is that most of the Arabian horse breeding State Studs are situated in the Southeast of Europe, while Northwestern Europe used the English Thoroughbred.

I believe there are several different reasons for this decision.

a) The History: Since the 16th century, Southeastern Europe fought several wars with the Ottoman Empire and through this way, Oriental horses came into Poland, Russia and the countries of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Ottoman Army would ride stallions of which many were taken as booty, and later used for breeding the local mares. So, the local horse breeds in these countries were always high in Oriental blood.

b) The Environment: The Arabian horse did not thrive so well on the wet, soft, and nutrient-rich soils of northern countries compared to the dry, hard, and scarce environments of the south, to which it was much better adapted.

c) Napoleon: The one person who started most of the wars around the turn of the 18th to 19th century, was Napoleon Bonaparte. And he also played a role in making the Arabian horse ‘fashionable’ in Europe. He was famous for riding the grey stallion Marengo of course, however it must also be remembered that when he set off on his campaign to Egypt and Syria (1798–1801), he not only took soldiers with him, but also artists and scientists. When the latter returned home, their publications initiated what we call Orientalism today.

It was Napoleon’s Russian campaign in 1812 that proved the superiority of the Arabian horse, as it were the horses high in Arabian blood that survived the cold winter and lack of fodder. Among the commanders was the Crown Prince of Württemberg, who also rode an Oriental stallion.

Below: Nasheed Al Amal Hoor at Marbach pc Waiditschka

This experience was one of the reasons for the foundation of the Royal Stud Weil five years later, when he became King Wilhelm I. of Württemberg. With this stud, he started the first purebred Arabian breeding program in Europe, which continues to this day. His first Arabian horses were the stallion Bairaktar db 1813 and the mare Murana db 1808, who both founded a sire and damline that is still in existence today. A subsequent importation included ten stallions and fourteen mares imported from the desert by Count Rzewsuki in 1819, and these mares became the foundation of the stud.

During his lifetime, the King imported a total of 51 desert bred stallions and 56 mares, and more horses followed under his successors. In its heyday, the stud counted around 60 purebred Arabian broodmares, ten stallions, and King Wilhelm bred altogether around 1000 foals. His breeding philosophy was an Arabian riding horse that is also suitable for the improvement of the local breeds.

Unfortunately, his successors did not share the same love for the Arabian horse and soon the stud was reduced in numbers. Yet, with respect to King Wilhelm I., the Arabian herd was not dispersed. When the World Economic Crisis hit Germany in 1932, the remaining group was handed over to the State of Württemberg and found a new home at the State Stud Marbach.

Marbach, Germany

Marbach took over the remaining herd of the former Royal Stud Weil in 1932, consisting of the stallion Jasir (Mabrouk Manial / Nigma) born in 1925 at the Manial Stud, Egypt, nine broodmares of the Murana I damline, three colts that were sold, and four fillies that were given to Trakehnen.

With the Great Depression, followed by World War II, the acquisition of new stallions was difficult and some Polish stallions were used until in 1955 Hadban Enzahi (Nazeer / Kamla) arrived from Egypt. He stamped the breeding program for the next decades.

Today, three preservation breeding programs are maintained (pictured left from top):

• Murana I db damline (including Polish lines)

Dafina (Amurath Muntahi/Dukna)

• Murana I db damline (‘asil’ since 1816)

Sabiha II (NK Bolbol/Sarina)

• Straight Egyptians, recently supplemented with imports from Egypt.

Nagawa (Motassem / Naga)

The breeding program follows the ideal of King Wilhelm I. which is a versatile riding horse that can be used to improve other breeds. For that reason, the home-bred stallions used at stud have to pass a stallion performance test, and the broodmares are broken to saddle or harness. The best stallions are also approved by Trakehner and other Warmblood breeds.

Most of the horses are sold as leisure and riding horses and the stud receives subsidies from the Ministry of Agriculture of Baden-Württemberg. Each year, Marbach state stud is visited by approximately 500.000 people and is a tourist attraction of the region.

Below: Hadban Enzahi pc Ursula Guttman

Babolna, Hungary

Today’s National Stud Babolna was founded as a Military Stud in 1789.

In 1816, Babolna received the directive to only use Arabian stallions in their breeding program. The stallions were used on mares of the local breeds from which eventually developed the national breed of Hungary, the Shagya-Arabian.

Over time, more than 100 desert bred mares and stallions were imported by government commissions. As it became more difficult and expensive to import horses straight from the desert, a parallel breeding program for purebred Arabians was maintained, mainly to supply Arabian stallions for breeding Shagya-Arabians. Therefore, these purebred Arabians had to have a certain size with good bone. Part of the Shagya Arabian’s breeding strategy was to use purebred Arabians every few generations, however by the nineties Bábolna’s purebred Arabians of the old bloodlines had been all sold, and replaced by horses from El Zahraa in Egypt.

Famous horses such as Ibn Galal (Galal x Mohga) and Farag (Morafic x Bint Kateefa) as well as several mares came to Babolna, and a Straight Egyptian breeding program was established.

However, these delicate Straight Egyptians were not suitable for Shagya-Arabian breeding and so, in the 1990s Polish and Russian stallions were used on the Egyptian mares and two parallel breeding programs began – Straight Egyptian and Egyptian-related. The most well-known offspring of this combinations was El Nabila B (Kubinec x Elf Layla Walayla).

Radautz, Romania

Radautz was founded three years after Bábolna, in 1792, as a Military Stud and was one of the biggest studs in Europe with close to 10,000 hectares. To give you an idea what a Military Stud was like in those days, in 1811 Radautz ran approximately 2800 mares with 150 stallions on vast, open spaces with another 800 mares covered by allocated stallions.

Radautz experienced its heyday during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The outbreak of the First World War required the evacuation of the stud farm of over 1700 horses to Austria. After the fall of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, Radautz became Romanian. In the period that followed, a small part of the horses came back from Austria, purebred Arabians and Shagya-Arabians of Bábolna bloodlines, and were distributed to Radautz and later, the purebred Arabians were moved to Mangalia.

Today, Radautz breeds only Shagya-Arabians and the stud consists of around 200 horses.

Mangalia, Romania

Mangalia was only founded in 1929 and received some of the horses Romania had returned from Austria after the First World War. This group consisted of 65 broodmares and some youngstock, along with four stallions of the Gazal, Hadban, Mersuch and Siglavy Bagdady lines from Babolna/Hungary.

Later, in 1937, the two stallions Nedjari (Nedjari / Fantazja) from Poland and El Sbaa I (El Sbaa / Kioumi) from France came to Romania, of which the El Sbaa line survived only in the Shagya Arabian breed.

In the 1980s and 90s came the stallions Ibn Galal I-6 (Ibn Galal I / 13 Bint Nazeera) from Hungary, El Iman (El Moniet / Bint Ibn Koran) from Germany and Cygaj (Pamir / Cygaretka) from Poland. This new blood was necessary to avoid inbreeding.

At the age of three years and six months, the horses are evaluated. The mares intended for breeding are covered for the first time at the age of four. The stallions take a performance test, consisting of a dressage test (rideability test), a hunting gallop at the race track and a conformation assessment. Surplus horses are sold to endurance and leisure riders.

Above Right: El Nabila B (Kubinec x Elf Layla Walayla) is arguably Babolna’s most famous produce

Below Right: Mangalia’s 2011 Stallion Gazal XIX-22 (Gazal XIX x 22 Mersuch) pc Waiditschka

In 2019, the Mangalia stock included 238 horses in total, of which were:

• 10 chief-sires (for stud-owned mares only)

• 40 stallions for public service, representing a gene reserve; they can be used by private breeders free of charge.

• 50 broodmares and 25 foals per year (due to budget, not all mares are covered, and the empty ones are regarded as gene reserve).

Radautz and Mangalia, and all the other 10 State Studs in Romania are under the supervision of ROMSILVA, and thus the Ministry for Water and Forest, which is probably unique in Europe.

Borike, Bosnia

The stud Borike was situated in today’s Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the 19th century, this part of the Balkans belonged to the Ottoman Empire and Arabian horses were the natural choice for the nobles. The Turkish government established several stallion depots with Arabian horses in the region. When the Turks were ousted, the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy took over in 1878 and established stallion depots with Arabian stallions mainly from Babolna.

In 1895 the main stud Borike was founded, which changed location and names several times during its existence. Several purchasing missions were sent to Syria to buy horses, 11 stallions and 27 mares in total.

When in 1918 the state of Yugoslavia was founded, the new government made Borike into the centre of Arabian horse breeding and stallions from Babolna, Poland and the private stud Inocencdvor followed. During World War II, the stud was almost completely destroyed.

In 1970, the Marbach-bred stallion Saabih (Nabuch / Sahmet) was imported, who became an essential part of the breeding program. In 1980, there were still five damlines present which tailed back to the imports from Syria, and three damlines from Babolna.

Today the horses are called Bosnian Arabian Mountain Horses. They are not considered purebred Arabians because they have Shagya Arabian blood, but only few of them are considered Shagya Arabians because most of them have a too high percentage of purebred Arabian blood.

The stud was dissolved in March 2019, the horses were sold to private breeders, some of whom want to preserve the breed.

Topolocianky, Slovakia

Topolcianky stud was founded 1921 with the order to produce strong, enduring Arabian horses for the improvement of local stock. The three stallions and 23 mares of the foundation stock came mostly from Radautz and were mainly Shagya-Arabians.

It was only in 1973, that Topolcianky decided to follow Bábolnas example and import horses from Egypt, starting a purebred Arabian breeding program with five mares and four stallions. These were Watani (Shahriar [Nasralla] / Bedur), Kasr El Nil (Tuhotmos / Bint El Nil), Tobrok (Anter / Tanta) and Hosam (Wadi / Wasila).

The stallion Tobrok (who tails back to the sire line Gamil El Kebir) left 140 offspring at Topolcianky. A large number when you consider that purebred Arabian breeding was always on a small scale with only around two stallions and six mares.

Today, two sons of Tobrok, Suleiman and Uzaar, born from frozen semen in 2014, are used as chief-sires. In the last two years, three new mares were purchased to give new impulses to the breeding program. These were 838 Udeema (Nadeem B / 719 Unia), Nida (Insh Allah / Nureddina) and Nayana (Al Lahab / Napirai), both from Marbach.

The National Stud Pompadour, France

France had a good system of State Studs and Stallion Depots which began in the 17th century and was expanded by Napoleon.

Napoleons Egyptian campaign raised interest in the Oriental horse. However, France mainly imported stallions for the improvement of local breeds: Between 1800 and 1925, no fewer than 503 imported Arabian stallions and 113 mares were registered in the French stud book.

The Arabian was used to create the Anglo-Arabian, however breeding purebred Arabians was mostly in private hands, while being maintained on a small scale at Pompadour.

Today, the state has more or less withdrawn from horse breeding and there are no more state-owned stallions. Pompadour is one of the last ones standing, but officially they have no authorisation for breeding horses anymore. Yet, Pompadour still has four purebred Arabian mares, with which they breed some foals, but these activities have more research and educational character than maintaining a breeding program.

Below: Pompadours 2003 broodmare Nu Bleu (Djouras Tu x Nasse du Loyre) pc Waiditschka

Tiaret, Algeria

I have included these North African studs in this article due to their relationship with France. During the second half of the 19th century, the French State Stud system was so successful that it has been exported to the Maghreb states Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco.

Of these countries, Algeria has the oldest State Stud, Tiaret, 340 km south-west of Algiers. Founded by the French in 1877, its mission was to supply the French army and the Spahi regiments with horses. The stud bred Barb and Arabian horses (the latter being imported from Syria or exchanged with France) and developed the Arab-Barb, by crossing both breeds.

With mechanization, the need for horses has steadily decreased, both in the army and in agriculture, and equestrianism has never really caught on with the public, despite Algerias equestrian tradition - the fantasia. In the 1980s the herd of purebred Arabians reached its lowest level and so in1983, the first horse races were established, and therefore racing became an important selection tool.

Since the beginning of the 1990s, the stud farm has suffered in particular from competition with the private sector and from the recent preference for imported breeds and bloodlines. Racing became very popular and foreign racing blood has been introduced also in the State Stud.

In 2018, Tiaret included 250 horses, more than half of which were purebred Arabians. The stud does not receive any subsidies from the government, the only income is the sale of horses, fodder and cereals. Farming activities generate 60% of the turnover.

The studs breeding policy is first and foremost to preserve the existing genetic heritage (‘old Algerian bloodlines’) and to improve them by introducing new blood, to avoid problems related to inbreeding.

Sidi Thabet, Tunisia

The first stud farm in Tunisia organized according to the model of the French national studs was Haras de Sidi Thabet, founded in 1866. Purebred Arabian breeding only began with the importation of five mares and one stallion arriving from Pompadour in 1881. Other foundation stock came from Syria, Constantinople and Egypt.

The first racecourse in Tunisia was built in 1884, so racing has a long tradition and has become the main selection tool for breeding. Usually, the horses start their training at 2.5 years, therefore the auctions for the young race prospects are held for two-year-olds in May at Sidi Thabet. This auction is also open for private breeders.

The state studs must of course also meet the wishes of the breeders and therefore, with the French roots of the Tunisian Arabians and the market situation in mind, two French racing Arabian stallions were imported around the year 2000.

A breeding program with Tunisian bloodlines has been maintained so far, and the majority of the 28 stallions currently at the State Studs and Stallion Depots are still Tunisian and free of Modern French racing lines.

Meknes, Morocco

There are five national studs in Morocco; El Jadida, Bouznika, Meknès, Oujda and Marrakech.

Meknès is the biggest and oldest stud farm in Morocco for purebred Arabians, however, its main object is the preservation of the Barb breed. Meknes was founded in 1912 under the French protectorate. In 1947, it came under the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture, and in 2011 under the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Horses (SOREC). It covers almost 105 hectares, including the studowned racecourse.

There are also 43 stallion depots distributed across the country with altogether 300 stallions of Barb, Arab-Barb and purebred Arabians blood.

Purebred Arabian breeding started only in 1915 at Temara, and was later relocated to Meknes. The foundation stock came either directly from the Middle East, or France (Pompadour), Tunisia (Sidi Thabet) or Algeria (Tiaret). Hardly any of those imports founded a breeding line; they were mainly used for the improvement of local horses.

There are approximately 20-25 Arabian stallions available of all sorts of bloodlines, for show, endurance and racing, some of which are stationed at Meknes, others, especially for racehorse breeding, are available by frozen semen.

Left: El Faraj (Serhane x Raada) at Meknia, Moroccoa pc Waiditschka

Janow Podlaski, Poland

Arabian horse breeding in Poland had taken a unique development, because it was the private breeders who were first, and provided the foundation stock for the state studs, in contrast to most of the other countries.

Founded in 1817, there were few Arabians at stud. The aim during the first 100 years was not to breed purebred Arabians, but to breed Anglo-Arabian halfbloods and to improve the local breeds.

During both World Wars, Janow Podlaski lost most of its breeding stock and had to start again from scratch. After World War II, 52 mares were saved and gave the foundation stock for three studs established after the war: Nowy Dwor, Albigowa and Klemensow. The horses remained there until in 1953, the Klemensow-horses were relocated to the new stud in Michalow, and in 1960 those from Nowy Dwor and Albigowa came to Janow.

Generally speaking, we have to look at the Polish State Studs as one big gene pool, because they exchange stallions frequently. Nevertheless, the foundation stock differed a little, and over the years each stud director selected according to his own preferences and so, slightly different ‘looks’ developed.

Racing started in Poland in 1927 and has since been an integral part of the breeding decisions. However, racing results were not the only criteria the horses were measured by, conformation and type was equally important. With time and changing markets, type and beauty became more and more important and soon the required results for the show ring could not to be achieved from within the Polish gene pool and the use of imported stallions have become the norm by now.

Michalow, Poland

Founded in 1953, Michalow Stud is located in the midst of glacial mountain ranges, where the climatic conditions with little rainfall, rocky ground and little vegetation provide a suitable environment for horse breeding.

The stud had the order to breed purebred Arabians from the very beginning. Half of the foundation stock was bred by private breeders during or before the war, the other half by Janow Podlaski. They were collected by Nowy Dwor and Klemensow and re-distributed once Michalow was ready to receive them.

Together with the horses came the then deputy director of the Klemens stud, Ignacy Jaworowski, who later served as director in Michałów until his retirement in 1997. Of the 10 sirelines represented by the broodmares in 1953, only seven remain today and one more has been added. Today, more than half of the mares belong to the Saklawi I 1886 sireline, which wasn’t present in the stud at its foundation and has been introduced by more modern stallions.

Above: Janow Podlaski bred Pinga (Gazal Al Shaqab x Pilar)

pc Waiditschka

Below: Michalow bred Gehenna (Monogramm x Gizela) made her way from Poland to Australia

pc Stuart Vesty

Of the ten damlines present in 1953, the Milordka damline became the most important for Michalow, and is still the strongest in the stud today. To this damline belongs the famous ‘E-Family’, developed from Estokada, a daughter of Amurath Sahib. Horses from this family have shaped the image of the ‘Polish Arabian’ all over the world and numerous World Champions in the Show ring have sprung from it. Two famous example of Michalow’s breeding program are the late Ekstern and Emandoria.

The Michalow horses were in general more elegant, perhaps more feminine than those bred at Janow Podlaski, however there are always exceptions to the rule.

Bialka, Poland

In the buildings of the former State Stallion depot of Bialka, established in 1928, there is now an Arabian Horse Stud, a branch of the Malopolska Plant Breeding Company, to which it belongs since 2012.

In 1981, the Bialka Stallion depot was chosen by the Ministry of Agriculture as the facility for a fourth Arabian horse stud after Janów Podlaski, Michalów and Kurozwęki. These three studs provided altogether 20 mares which formed the foundation stock for Bialka. They covered ten of the Polish damlines and were a quite diverse group.

The most important mare of the lot was Pentoza (Ellorus / Pentoda). After World War II, the Szamrajówka damline was extinct in Poland, and yet it was brought back in 1956 with the mare Piewica, purchased in Tersk for Janów Podlaski. Piewica is the granddam of Pentoza, but also of Pilarka at Janow Podlaski, which is at the base of the pedigrees of Pianissima and Pinga. With Perfirka and her daughter Perfinka from the Pentoza family, Bialka has produced its best breeding products. In 2020, Perfinka was sold for 1.25M Euros to Saudi Arabia.

Today, the stud has around 50 mares and 7 stallions, with 35 foals per year and is the smallest of the three surviving Arabian State Studs in Poland.

The afore-mentioned Kurozweki was a former State Stud for Anglo-Arabians, and in 1973, became an Arabian horse stud to satisfy the high demand in these horses. Some 18

mares from Janow Podlaski and 14 from Michalow formed the basis, in addition to the stallions Andrut and Banat. Over the 25 years of existence, the stud counted a total of 229 broodmares belonging to 14 different damlines. The stud was privatised in 1998 and Bialka took over the remaining 20 mares from Kurozweki.

Kabijuk, Bulgaria

The only surviving state stud of Bulgaria is Kabijuk National Stud, established in 1864 as a military stud for producing horses for the Turkish army. During the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878 all the horses of the stud were exported to Turkey and the stud was closed. The revival of its activities dates back to 1894, however, the purebred Arabian breeding section followed only in 1977.

The financial crisis after the end of the communist regime in 1989 reduced the subsidies for the horses and led to a permanent deficit of money within the stud. Consequently, the number of horses in Kabijuk decreased drastically.

In order to help financing horse breeding, the stud has additional supplementary departments for breeding cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry. It is state property, governed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Its key activities are horse breeding and the state-funded preservation of indigenous cattle and sheep breeds as a genetic reserve.

Today, over 300 horses of different breeds live at Kabijuk. Every year, more than 80 foals are born and most of them are sold within Bulgaria and to foreign markets.

A herd of three purebred Arabian stallions, and 16 mares is maintained. They are based on Polish-Russian bloodlines with recent additions of international racing blood. The stud provides a large number of services for private breeders, including artificial insemination, testing and licensing of the young horses, professional education and so on.

Kabijuk is also a tourist destination with 15000 tourists visiting each year, over 90% of them from foreign countries.

Below: The Stallion Barn at Kabijuk, Bulgaria

The (former) State Stud Tersk, Russia

Over the centuries, a number of Arabian horses, mainly stallions, came to Russia and were used for the foundation or amelioration of other breeds, such as the Orlov Trotter. Only at the end of the 19th century, Count Stroganov became interested in Arabian horses and went to Syria and the North of the Arabian desert to buy horses from the Anazeh Bedouins. He bought a property in the South of Russia and established a stud for his Arabian horses, which was named ‘Tersk’.

During the 1917 Russian Revolution, the nobility was expropriated, the horses were seized and relocated and the stud re-organized as a Military Stud. Now, Tersk Stud had to breed Streletski horses.

It was only in 1930, that Tersk Stud started breeding purebred Arabians, based on seven French imported in 1930, 25 English horses imported in 1936 and 62 Polish horses taken as booty during World War II. In the following years some horses from Egypt came to Russia, some were purchased, others were gifts, such as Aswan and Nil.

Tersk managed to meld the three breeding groups from France, England and Poland into solid, athletic horses which could be used to ameliorate other sport horse breeds as was the breeding order. The ‘Arabian type’ came with Aswan (Nazeer x Yosreia) creating what was at that time, some of the most beautiful and athletic horses in existence.

Today, Tersk maintains three different breeding programs: The Race Horse program with Russian damlines and modern race horse sires, the Classic Russian program featuring ‘Pure Russian’ pedigrees including Aswan, and the Show Horse program using Russian damlines and international show horse sires.

In 2006 the former State Stud Tersk was privatised, but it still operates in the spirit of a State Stud, fulfilling all the tasks of a State Stud such as providing stallions for public service, frozen semen, preserving Russian heritage by maintaining sire and damlines and organising competitions such as endurance rides and shows.

The (former) State Stud Chrenovoje, Russia

The impressive complex, which is situated about half way between Tersk and Moscow, was founded by Count Orlov in the year 1776. This makes it the oldest (still existing) stud farm in Russia. It includes around 10,000 hectares of land and, if all stables were in one row, 5 km of stables… their roofs would cover an area of four hectares.

The main task then and now was breeding Orlov trotters. While it was still a State Stud, in 1980, some of the horses from Tersk Stud were relocated to Chrenovoje Stud. The reason for relocating some of the Arabians was to establish a piroplasmosis-free breeding group for export.

A total of 17 mares were used as foundation stock, as well as the stallions Mascat (Aswan / Malutka), Mastak (Topol Malinka), Mustang (Nabeg / Metropolia), Temir (Muscat / Tien) and later the stallion Strij (Topol / Simpatika) was added.

The horses of Chrenevoje soon had the reputation of being very good performers at the racetrack, and racing results were the main selection tool. The horses were mainly sold to domestic markets, as there was only little interest at the time in Russian performance lines.

Top: Tersk’s Race Horse program: Nonet (Nitagor/Nonna) 2008

Midde: Tersk’s Classic Russian program: Tornado Tersk (Dostatok/Temka) 2016

Bottom: Tersk’s Show Horse program: Min Herz (Chimeryk/ Meine Kleine) 2018

ROSEGLEN

WESTACRES

13.15/8 hh

SIRE KEIRA PARK CASCADE

ARP, APSB, RPSB, PART WELSH

Australian Champion in saddle, halter and dressage. Excellent movement and the complete all rounder.

14.2 hh

HIGH PERCENTAGE PART ARABIAN STALLION

National Australian and international champion in saddle and halter

A born show o in halter and back to earth under saddle

Now under dressage pony instruction with amazing movement

Breeding on excellence at a national level

Breeding to this sire is by negotiation and to approved mares

ROYALE

East Coast Champion with outstanding Temperament and Movement

15.1 hh

SIRE ROSEGLEN CROWN ROYALE

Yagolnitsa, Ukraine

In 1940, in the Ternopil region of today’s Western Ukraine, Yagolnitsa Stud Farm was established. The main activity was to breed Ukrainian Riding horses and Draft horses. They started breeding Arabian horses, with the importation of several horses from Russia in 1977, among them the Egyptian stallion Arafa (Shahriar / Afifa) and ten mares.

At a later stage, the stallions Premier and Nurek followed, and the number of foals per year varied around 5-12 until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990.

Since the independence of Ukraine, the horse industry in general, and the breeding activities of Yagolnitsa in particular declined. The last few years, only one or two Arabian foals were born.

As of August 2021, Yagolnitsa was still state owned, but due to unfavourable land lease agreements, and other ‘mismanagement’ of the income from the agricultural part, which was expected to support the horse breeding part, is missing. As of November 2021, the company has the status of ‘in a state of dissolution’.

In 2004 Chrenovoje was privatised and in 2011, the stud closed its Arabian horse breeding program, concentrating on Orlov trotters only. Tersk bought back some of the breeding stock, especially of damlines that had been lost.

Vilnius, Lithuania

In the late 1960s, purebred Arabian breeding started at Vilnius Stud in Lithuania, when the stallion Krepysh (Priboj / Knopka) and two mares, Skazka (Arax / Sakhara) and Spevka (Pomeranets / Sonata), were imported from Russia.

In 1978 followed Platan (Aswan / Ptichka), then later the stallions Elbrus (Elfur / Nesravnennaja), Magdan (Nabeg / Molva) and 14 mares.

In 2012, the ‘Lithuanian Stud’ was formed by merging the three state-owned stud farms - ‘Vilnius stud’, ‘Sartų stud’ and ‘Nemuno stud’. It is now a shareholder company, of which the Lithuanian state, represented by the Ministry of Agriculture, holds 89.61 % of the shares.

More than 900 horses of nine different breeds are presently bred and raised at these three stud farms. The main task of Vilnius Stud is to protect the gene pool of the native Lithuanian breeds, of which the most valued ones are the Žemaituks, one of the oldest breeds in Europe. Until recently the Arabian breeding group consisted of only very few horses; two stallions, three mares, and their progeny totalling only 13 head. All horses have been sold recently, and the breeding program was terminated.

Yeguada Militar, Spain

Although the system of Stallion Depots is very old in Spain, the ‘Yeguada Militar’ – the military stud as a main stud, was only established in 1893. The number of Arabian horses at that time in Spain was very small, and no substantial breeding was recorded. Those horses registered in the studbook at this time were imported from France.

Like in most countries, the Arabian horses were used to serve to improve the local breed, in this case the Andalusian. However, due to the difficulties in finding quality Arabians, the army decided to breed Arabian horses themselves.

For that purpose, a number of purchasing commissions bought horses all over Europe and the Middle East. These people were cavalry men, and therefore the horses they purchased were of functional forms. The Missions to Syria and Egypt in 1905 and 1927 are the most well-known. Unfortunately, none of the dam or sire lines tailing back to these original imports exist in the Yeguada Militar today.

By 1980, the purebred Arabian mares numbered 30 and were stabled at Jerez. Since 2008 the broodmares are split between Ecija and Jerez, and each of the studs has around ten mares and five stallions. Some more stallions serve at various stallion depots across Spain.

While in the past, the Yeguada Militar was known for preserving the ‘pure Spanish bloodlines’, this has now changed and modern international show and race blood has been included.

Fonte Boa / Alter Real, Portugal

Founded 1887, purebred Arabian breeding only started in 1902 with the import of three stallions and four mares from Syria. In the years 1921-35 further imports followed from Algeria, France, Spain and above all England.

In particular, the stallions Fursan (Rustem / Feluka) and Silfire (Nureddin II / Silver Fire) *1932 from Crabbet Park, Aksoum (Razada / Radjef) from the Duke of Veragua, Spain, Shazamah (Shah Gold / Bazzama) and RR Magic Count (McCoys Count / Rose Flame), both of predominantly English bloodlines.

The mares lived year-round on the pasture, where they were herded by the campinos, the mounted shepherds, while the stallions, apart from the chief-sires, went to private breeders in spring. In 1998, there were six stallions and ten Arabian broodmares with approximately 20 youngsters, and by 2012 only four mares and two stallions remained.

Both, stallions and mares which were to be used in the stud had to pass a performance test at the age of 3.5 years, similar to the German system. So, the breeding program in Fonte Boa was very much performance based.

In 2012 the stud dissolved and the remaining Arabians were moved from Fonte Boa to Alter do Chao, another national stud, breeding mainly Alter Real horses. Here, a group of around 10-15 purebred Arabians are kept that bear the ‘CN’ brand.

As we have read, several of the Arabian horse breeding State Studs had to close down or were privatised within the last 15 years: Chrenovoje in Russia was privatised in 2006 and closed the Arabian breeding program in 2011, Fonte Boa of Portugal was dissolved in 2012, Borike in Bosnia-Herzegovina was dissolved in 2019, Yagolnitsa in Ukraine in 2021 and Vilnius of Lithuania at the end of 2022.

Pompadour in France is in danger, the Yeguada Militar in Spain as well, while others have to be a self-sustaining enterprise such as Tiaret in Algeria. It is therefore important for state stud farms to establish a strong bond with society and to create awareness for what State Studs are standing for today:

• by making horses a public experience

• by educating and training people

• by providing services to breeders and

• by preserving a cultural heritage.

State Studs are no longer military institutions, and that’s a good thing. Their tasks have changed over the last few years, at least in Central Europe, and one strategy of survival has become to preserve rare breeds or rare bloodlines and make them available to private breeders and thus to preserve biodiversity and genetic diversity.

Another task is to preserve our intangible heritage such as the manual skills of saddle makers and farriers, the know-how of driving and riding (especially in accordance with the old ‘schools’ such as the Spanish Riding School in Vienna or the Cadre Noir in Saumur), and train people in these skills.

However, it is equally important to teach laymen the basics of the needs of horses, as for most people, the horse is no longer part of their daily life. By making horses an experience, people will learn to understand horses, and by showing them horses and all the skills and knowledge associated with them, they will understand and value that all this is part of our history.

With all the various crisis we are facing today, some of you may ask, why do we need to preserve institutions and professions of a bygone time, and why preserve bloodlines and genes? Well, then I may as well ask you, why do we preserve Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Mona Lisa’? The painting could hang on a wall in a private home equally secure, and we all have digital copies of it to look at.

The answer is the same, that justifies the existence of a museum: the society, the people, have a right to participate in the history of their country. State Studs are part of that history, and I encourage you to visit as many as you can if you find yourself travelling across these countries.

Below: The statue of Aswan (Nazeer x Yosreia) in front of the stallion barn at Tersk, Russia pc Waiditschka

SHANGHAI STAR FROM EUROPE TO AUSTRALIA

Who amongst us has not dreamed of breeding and owning a beautiful, white Arabian stallion? For Karin Bardi, a dream such as this, instilled in her during her formative years and held close to heart for many years, came true with the birth of her very first attempt at breeding. His name, Shanghai Star and his new home, Australia.

Karin's foundation mare was Avalon Shiva, the dam of Shanghai Star. Since her purchase, Avalon Shiva has boarded at Mas de Lafon, which is approximately halfway between Toulouse and Montpellier in France. The property is owned by Bertrand Valette, an iconic trainer in France, and his wife Christine, who is renowned for her skills as a reproduction manager.

Avalon Shiva's sire is AH Kuda, an exotic black stallion who placed at the World Championships. AH Kuda's sire is Pilot, a Polish super sire who was both an International Champion Stallion at Towerlands and a Polish National Champion.

Pilot is also the full brother of two highly celebrated Polish broodmares, Pilar and Pilica. AH Kuda's dam, My Midnite Dancer, contributes Polish bloodlines from Aladdin and Gdansk, with a line to Bey Shah just two generations back.

The dam of Avalon Shiva, Emelia Bint Eternity V1, is sired by Eternity Ibn Navaronne D, a beloved show horse. Eternity Ibn Navaronne D achieved the title of World Champion Stallion twice in Paris and was also a two-time Champion at the All Nations Cup in Aachen. The dam of Emelia Bint Eternity V1, OFW Elycja, is sired by RSD Dark Victory, who has Bey Shah and Kamasi Sabaha in his lineage. OFW Elycja's dam, G Edycja, is a daughter of Pilot (Fawor x Pipi) and Etana (Aloes x Etruria). Etana traces her roots back to Etruria (Palas x Etna), who was the Polish National Champion.

Above: Shanghai Star (Shanghai EA x Avalon Shiva) pc Belinda Zaiter

Early 2011, while beginning to settle in Australia, Karin was simultaneously engaged in a breeding program for Avalon Shiva in France. During this time, she made an interesting decision to breed her mare to a promising, but as yet unknown, three-year-old colt who was residing at Mas De Lafon and being shown by Bertrand at that time… Shanghai E.A (WH Justice x Salymah E.A.)

Little did Karin know at the time that Shanghai E.A. would rise to great prominence both as a show horse and a breeding stallion, becoming renowned worldwide. This decision proved to be a stroke of luck for Karin, as the result of this breeding was the birth of a beautiful grey colt, Shanghai Star. This colt would achieve the title of French National Champion Yearling Colt, showcasing his exceptional qualities in the show ring.

‘He is very exotic and with correct form and legs as noted by many judges’ says Karin. ‘Shanghai Star is also a pleasure to own as he is very lively but friendly and easy going with us.’

Soon after the birth of Shanghai Star, it was decided that Karin would live full time in Australia, however it was not until 2019 that Shanghai Star would finally make the long journey to join his owner. ‘We decided that it was time to bring both Shanghai Star and my other stallion, Shazir De Lafon (Shiraz de Lafon x FM Athena) to Australia, however due to her age we left Shiva in France where she is still kept as a happy retiree at Mas de Lafon. Due to covid 19, the organisation of the trip was not without its issues, however my beautiful (and hairy!) boys landed during the Australian summer, and were soon acclimatised and part of the family’ says Karin.

It was decided early on that Shazir de Lafon would be the show horse, and that Shanghai Star would continue his endurance career. In France, he has successfully raced in endurance for years including placing on the top tier at the famous 80KM race in Uzes.

Shazir de Lafon was exhibited once at the QLD Challenge for a win, however an unfortunate paddock accident not long after marked an end to this aspect of his life. ‘Many visitors to the farm had asked if we were going to show Star again in Australia’ remembers Karin, ‘and so after Shazir’s accident, we thought why not!’

In the very capable hands of Viv Motbey, Shanghai Star switched from endurance training to a halter horse, with a very short lead time towards the 2022 Australian National Championships. ‘We knew we didn’t have a lot of time, however we had nothing to lose and everything to gain… and so we went for it! We were rewarded with a Top Five placing, which was great as we were equal on points to the Reserve Champion.’

Shanghai Star then spent the rest of the year at home, being ridden and enjoying life.

‘We like for our stallions to be ridden horses and happy busy horses outside the breeding season.’

Above: Shanghai Star shows great power at the trot pc Belinda Zaiter

Below: Shanghai Star pictured with Viv Motbey

pc Marion Duncan

‘We leased a handful to breed both to Shanghai Star and Shazir de Lafon. These mares are Shala Al Nadira, a daughter of Khamsin ERA (Sanadik El Shaklan x Bint Bint Faaris) from Clifton Park Nefisa (Nile x Nazelle), a mare that I adored when I first came to Australia… she had the most beautiful head.’

‘The second mare is Naavanah, sired by Simeon Sahron (Imperial Madaar x Simeon Setavi) from Nira (Naavah x Clifton Park Neeka) and Elusia Bint Naajmir, sired by Naajmir (Ajman Moniscione x Sabtah Nahlah) from the Pure Polish imported mare Emmocja (Monogramm x Zymeniah). These last two mares are in foal to Shanghai Star.’

Once the mares were settled, it was decided to show Star again… the first goal was the Australian National Championships. Again, Star went to Viv Motbey and this time, accompanying him was the yearling Partbred Arabian gelding Arabeska Soleil ASI (Ray of Light x Summer Dream ASI), a stunning homebred palomino.

‘We were delighted with the results as this year Shanghai Star was placed reserve champion in both the Australian championship and the East Coast show. And Soleil was Reserve Champion at East Coast!’

‘Now back home, we are looking forward to the future where Shanghai Star will continue his ridden career, either in endurance or in the show ring. We have five foals due this season, two by Shanghai Star, two by Shazir de Lafon and one by Ray of Light, so we are going to be super busy.’

‘I wouldn’t have it any other way.’

Below: Arabeska Soleil ASI (Ray of Light x Summer Dream ASI) pc Glenys Lilley

RUSEEBA (MARBLING NEMO X RUSLEEMA)

LYNNE BUNCE

Ruseeba is a six-year-old stallion by Marbling Nemo (Naasser x Marbling Nicole) out of Rusleema (Rusleem x Sunne in Silver). An A Class halter champion at his one and only outing, he has the physical and mental refinement of an elite Arabian who can excel at any discipline.

His sire, Marbling Nemo, is an A-class halter champion, successful sire, and a superb riding stallion, like his sire Naasser and grandsire Mustafa before him. Naasser was an exceptional Arabian stallion who came to Western Australia in October 1980. The first son of Naadirah (Aswan x Napraslina) and Mustafa (Hadban Enzahi x Masarrah), Mrs. Nola Cameron

of Marbling Arabians, being immediately impressed by him, acquired a half share not long after his arrival, eventually purchasing him outright.

Naasser was an outcross stallion who was a perfect match for her Shahr Yagil and Shermoon daughters, with one line to Skowronek. Mrs. Cameron used Naasser’s sons and daughters in a linebreeding program that produced horses of extreme beauty and athleticism including Marbling Nemo’s dam, Marbling Nicole (Naasser x Naisha), also an A class halter champion and produced a group of choice stallions.

Below: Ruseeba

NAASSER

Ruseeba’s dam Rusleema (Rusleem x Sunne in Silver), imported from the United Kingdom has been a five star broodmare, producing several world-class progeny for Mattilda Arabians. Of approximately 77% Crabbet blood, it’s noteworthy that she was a successful riding horse in her younger days, showcasing her versatility.

Rusleema’s sire, Rusleem (El Saleem x Rullante), is an exciting and accomplished chestnut stallion who has won numerous awards in the United Kingdom and is successful in all spheres, including endurance. An International Champion as both a junior and a senior, he is also a British National Champion and was the Champion Ridden Arabian of the Year.

Ruseeba's granddam, Sunne in Silver (Jah Sahel x Diamond Wings), achieved great things in Dressage winning a Novice Ridden Championship and Reserve Overall Ridden Championship of the Show, and in 2007 winning in Affiliated British Dressage against all-comers. Because of this success she achieved the Arabian Horse Society Premium Mare status and is one of only a few mares to have achieved this accolade. This status is awarded to mares who have achieved a certain level of excellence in performance, conformation, and pedigree.

With her exceptional European parentage and being the only daughter of Rusleem and Sunne in Silver in Australia, Rusleema certainly has a unique and valuable pedigree. It's no surprise that she and her progeny are held in such high regard.

Combined with Ruseeba's own attributes, such as his athleticism and elegance, it seems likely that he has the potential to excel in competitive riding events, particularly in disciplines that showcase the Arabian breed's natural abilities and refinement, such as dressage, endurance, or halter classes.

It is always difficult to part with a beloved horse, however as Ruseeba is so closely related to our mare band, we have made the tough decision to make him available to a very special and exciting home. Your inquiry is invited.

Above: Marbling Nemo

Below: Rusleema

THE WAY WE WERE

I don't know about you, however I have always enjoyed looking at previous editions of Arabian Studs and Stallions , reading yet again each article, and pouring over the wonderful advertisements.

I wondered how many people had ever seen the first edition of the magazine? While it may not have had much in the way of articles, it did feature beautiful advertising of some of the most impactful horses of the time.

MARIAN DUNCAN

‘I think I am very lucky to paint the horses that I love, and have the freedom to paint my own ideas. I only hope I can continue for many years.’

Australian artist Marian Duncan has been painting and drawing as far back as she can remember. ‘My whole life, I was dreaming of horses. Then discovering Arabian horses as a teenager, it was love at first sight.’

‘I was lucky enough to have Pat Slater and Vink Publishing use one of my paintings on the cover of AHN magazine in 1986. Horse owners started contacting me to paint their horses from photographs, this I did for years, a good grounding and learning over time. Painting takes a lifetime to learn, I always hope the next painting is better than my last one… of course it doesn't always happen.’

While Marian loves a ‘glossy magazine’, especially one full of beautiful horses, she has found that social media has opened up the world to her, finding new markets for her work. ‘I gradually began selling my paintings to many different countries, including the Arab countries, which was always my dream.’

This led to more articles and advertising in different Arabian magazines around the world, which only served to increase the number of enquiries and requests to paint the world’s most beautiful horse.

‘I now get to paint whatever I like… my own ideas, concepts and horses. Luckily I have private collectors in Australia, and of course in some of the different Arab countries.’

‘I think I am very lucky to paint the horses that I love, and have the freedom to paint my own ideas. I only hope I can continue for many years.’

Original paintings Signed prints available www.maduncan.com

GLENYS LILLEY

EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHER

‘Show photography and photoshoots featuring Arabians and Derivatives hold a special place in my heart. As a judge and breeder, I am captivated by their unique personalities, flamboyance, and unparalleled beauty, as well as the unbreakable bond they share with their owners. Capturing their essence through my lens is a thrilling experience’.

Being a professional horse show photographer is not for the faint of heart. It requires long hours both indoors and outdoors, followed by countless hours of editing. For Glenys Lilley, Foxwood Photography, it’s a labour of love that brings immense rewards.

Previous Page: RHR Heir of Marwan and Lara

Above: Fairview Touch of Magic

Above: Foxwood Aztec Gold and Kristy Baker

Middle: MI Klassique

Below: Foxwood Arabians and derivatives in the snow

Above: Makayla Hopwood and Tathren Hamilton

Below Left: Travis Lord and Echos of Jezzire

Below Right: QHF Dark by Design

THE ART OF LIGHT AND ATMOSPHERE

JUDITH WICH-WENNING

The British artist Ruth Buchanan fascinates with her eyecatching artwork. She loves to immortalise Arabian horses in her work and has a fast-growing group of admirers. Besides studies of architecture and human figurative work, her main emphasis is equestrian art.

When asked about her personal background, Ruth Buchanan explains: ‘I was born in London, but both sides of my family came from Yorkshire (my father’s side is Scottish if you go back a few generations). Due to my father’s work we relocated to Northamptonshire in the Midlands when I was still a baby. I was brought up in a village just outside of Northampton, and I attended Northampton High School on a merit scholarship.’

‘I was the typical ‘pony-mad kid’ ,’ Ruth Buchanan smiles. ‘My family were not involved with horses, or even very interested in art, but from my earliest memories I took every opportunity to ride, or just be around horses. When I could not be around them, I drew them, read about them or dreamed of them.’ During her youth, her spare time was spent as a competition groom as well as competing in eventing and dressage herself.

Regarding her art education, Ruth Buchanan relates: ‘I was very lucky to receive an excellent grounding in art education at school, where the art master was noted artist, Christopher Fiddes. Although accepted to read English and Law at University, I went on to complete a post A-level Art Foundation course at the well-respected Nene College in Northampton. I then moved to Leeds, West Yorkshire, to undertake a degree in Graphic Design & Illustration where I successfully graduated with a First for my dissertation. At university I was mainly concerned with figurative painting in oils. My subsequent career in Graphic Design and Illustration saw me switching to watercolour, in which I am self-taught, to paint small still lifes for magazines, and historical architecture for corporate brochures for banks and other financial institutions. I returned to painting horses after being caught up in the Los Angeles earthquake in 1994, and became a full-time equine, figurative and sporting artist in 2001.

In drawing and painting horses I am definitely self-taught, and my personal study in equine anatomy, biomechanics and movement, as well as painting techniques in all mediums, is an on-going, lifelong commitment.’

Ruth Buchanan is highly fascinated by Arabian horses: ‘Their beauty, strength, grace, especially their intelligence, but also their adaptability and versatility as they excel in so many disciplines impress me so much,’ she explains enthusiastically.

Asked about her favourite Arabian horse, Ruth Buchanan ponders: ‘I do not really have one. I try to look for what is unique in each horse. Probably the horse I am looking at and painting at the time is my favourite! Though some horses do have an extra presence that catches something within me.’

Ruth Buchanan continues: ‘ Art is a huge part of my life. Not just my career, but also my passion. My other great passion is horses – for their beauty, grace, strength, intelligence and that quality that has made them a part of the development, society, culture and family of humans throughout history. I find it intriguing that they communicate and interact with us so freely. In many ways the Arabian horse is the founder and the epitome of this. It is a privilege to be able to depict them in my paintings.’

Asked how she had become interested in Arabian horses, Ruth Buchanan remembers: ‘My first meeting with an Arabian horse was with a colt owned by a local ex-jockey for whom I rode as a young teenager. As well as competing alongside his son on their other ponies, I showed the Arabian colt in-hand. Later, I rode and schooled several Arabian horses and found an affinity with them. I respected their spirit and intelligence, and liked that I had to establish a connection with them. Once that trust was there, I found that they would try their hardest for me, whatever the discipline.’

When the conversation turned to Arabian horse stud farms and shows, Ruth Buchanan has visited so far, she quickly remarks: ‘I would always like to visit more, but of those that I have been lucky enough to visit so far, Albidayer Stud in Sharjah, UAE has to be a favourite. The staff there were so welcoming and so proud to share their passion for their beautiful horses and stables with me. My brother has lived and worked in the Middle East for over thirty years and in Dubai for more than twenty-five of those. The Dubai International Arabian Horse Show has to be my favourite show as I can combine my love of beautiful horses and my passion for my work with seeing my family.’

Although Ruth works in a range of media, she is best known as a watercolourist. For five consecutive years she has been selected to represent England at ‘Fabriano in Aquarello’, a worldwide watercolour exposition in the famous paper-making town in Italy.

Ruth Buchanan has several important sources regarding the inspiration for her work: ‘I take a lot of inspiration from the horses that I see and from the relationships I witness between the horses, their owners and handlers. I am often asked why I paint horses. My answer is that I can paint many other beautiful things, for example flowers, but I could not see myself painting flowers every day for the rest of my life. In seeing, studying, drawing and painting horses, I can always find that essence that compels me to paint.’

Then she continues: ‘I admire many painters throughout history and some who are still painting now. My main mentors though, whether through meeting and learning from them in person or from studying their work in books and art galleries, tend not to be equestrian artists, though some of them have painted horses. To list my influences, I would need a much larger sheet of paper, but key among them are Edgar Degas, Marc Chagall, Franz Marc, Käthe Kollwitz, John Singer Sargent and Horst Janssen. I suppose my favourite horse artists would be Rosa Bonheure, Lucy Kemp Welch and Frederic Remington as they all were able to capture the energy, power and movement, as well as the beauty, of horses.

Among current painters, I have learned and appreciated much by looking at the wonderful paintings of Watercolour Masters: Joseph Zbukvic; Liu Yi and Chien Chung Wei. Attending a colour workshop with artist Stephen Quiller was also a highlight for me, as much for learning what I already did naturally as for the huge amount I learned about colour theory.’

Ruth Buchanan’s artwork are regularly shown at important exhibitions in Great Britain and abroad. She holds highly acclaimed workshops. In demand as an approachable and inspirational mentor, Ruth has led workshops in drawing and in painting in watercolour internationally, and has been invited to lead a workshop in painting horses from life for the Society of Equestrian Artists in the Summer of 2019. She also regularly writes articles for art magazines in the UK and the USA. Ruth was promoted to Signature Member of the Institute of Equine Artists (USA) in 2015, elected a Full Member of the Society of Equestrian Artists in 2016 and is a member of the Association of Animals Artists and The International Watercolour Society (England). She has won numerous national and international awards for her art as for example the well-known ‘Horse & Hound Magazine Award’ in 2016.

Ruth Buchanan ponders: ‘I suppose my dreams are to keep drawing and painting, to keep learning, exploring and developing my art, to keep communicating my love of horses and to find the right home for each painting.’

Asked about her plans for the future, Ruth Buchanan relates: ‘Being represented by Charlotte Bowskill of Arabian Fine Art has allowed me the time to focus more on my painting, so that relationship is an important part of my future. I would like to travel some more to see horses in other countries and always to keep learning. I hope to have another exhibition outside the UK, and would love to have more work in public collections or museums. Always, I hope to see and be inspired by a certain quality in a horse that captures my eye and my imagination.’

Paintings by Ruth Buchanan

ARABIAN HORSES IN UKRAINE

KATERYNA SCHERBYNA PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX DVERNITSKIY

The war in Ukraine is something that for most of us in Australia, we could never imagine living through. For our animal friends, it has had a devastating effect and many have been displaced or killed. Kateryna Scherbyna is the President of the Arabian Horse Association of Ukraine, who shares news from her country.

At the time of writing, the Arabian horses in Ukraine are all accounted for, however many owners are under severe financial pressure to feed their horses. European countries have been an important source of help for us to supply feed via a cargo bus to some stables we were able to reach. Other charities have offered support in the way of medicines and veterinary instruments, which are shared around the vets still active in Ukraine.

To describe the history of Arabians in Ukraine we need to address the history of the country itself. In the 19th century powerful and rich Russian and Polish people have imported many Arabians into Europe. Ukraine was a Polish part of the Russian Empire at that period, so all the studs formed on our territory now are known as the Polish studs: Slawuta, Antoniny (now Khmelnytskyi oblast), Yarchivtsi (Ternopil oblast) and Bila Tserkwa (Kyiv oblast).

Before the Revolution of 1917 there were more than 20 studs of Arabians in Ukraine. Only some horses from the four studs survived during the first World War and civil wars.

During the period between the two wars there were some cavalry studs with a few Arabian stallions, but we don’t have any precise info about any purebred stud farms. There were some races at the hippodrome in Lviv, but it was Poland at that time, so the horses were Polish.

In 1939 USSR has invaded the eastern part of Poland and many Arabians were stolen and sent to Russia. Tersk stud farm is better known as the glory of Russian Arabians, that comes from those stolen Polish mares and a few bought French and Egyptian stallions.

The first and only Ukrainian stud was created at the beginning of 1970’s in Yahilnitsa (Ternopil oblast) with Arafa (Egyptian, Rabdan line) and some mares from Tersk stud mostly by Aswan (Nazeer x Yosreia). Later on, Bedniak (Moment x Pesnianka) was used as a sire.

Fayrid (Imp. USA) x Talika Sidirah

SPECTACULAR JORDAN

SHARON MEYERS

When it was announced at the Australian 2019 World Arabian Horse Organization Conference that the next one would be held in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, a ripple of excitement and electrifying applause swept through the room.

A country on my bucket list! My imagination ran wild! Finally, I had the opportunity to visit Jordan, a land steeped in history with enchanting destinations, and home to The Royal Jordanian State Stud, where splendid Arabian horses are bred.

Jordan’s classically beautiful, towering Treasury is the centrepiece of the ancient Nabataean city of Petra – one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. I remembered reading about Gertrude Bell (1868-1926), a celebrated English writer and traveller who said, ‘It is like a fairy tale city, all pink and wonderful’ . And of course, there is Little Petra to visit, another breath-taking archaeological site, a small suburb of Petra that probably housed visiting traders on the Silk Road. I was champing at the bit to marvel at their multi-coloured sandstone tombs and carved structures.

I knew that during the Great Arab Revolt of 1917-18, British officer T.E. Lawrence, ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, was based in one of the world’s dramatic landscapes, Wadi Rum. He described it as, ‘Rum the magnificent… vast, echoing and Godlike… a

processional way greater than imagination…’ As a teenager I saw the celebrated film ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, where Wadi Rum was featured. Its sweeping red sand dunes and majestic rocky outcrops captivated me. The prospect of seeing this exciting desert gave me goosebumps!

We would also visit Aqaba, Jordan’s only seaport which has been settled for millennia. After their gruelling crossing of the desert in July 1917, the attacking Arab forces led by Sherif Nasir and Auda abu Tayi and Lawrence of Arabia were victorious over the Ottoman Empire defenders entrenched there during World War 1. Today Aqaba is a sprawling city renowned for its superb beaches, opulent resorts, and pristine coral reefs easily accessible for snorkelers and divers. Yes, I would certainly savour a visit to Aqaba!

Plus, there would be guided tours of Jordan’s other treasures such as the Citadel, famous Roman Ruins at Jerash, Madaba, Mount Nebo, the Baptism site, and Dead Sea. Roll on Jordan!

Eventually the conference was held October 2023 in Amman, where passionate Arabian horse lovers, including myself, enjoyed an outstanding conference in a remarkable and spectacular country.

Please visit www.waho.org to read about the conference.

Left Page: The theatre necropolis at Petra

Above: For centuries camels have been used for transport in Wadi Rum

Middle: Sunrise at Wadi Rum

Below: View of the Jordan Valley from Mount Nebo

Above: Treasury at Petra

Below: Little Petra

Background: Dog and Donkey at Petra

Above: Arabian mares Hhoor (left) and Jeedah at the Royal Jordanian State Stud

Middle: Tiles depicting horsemen riding Arabians decorate a fountain at the State Stud

Below: Beautiful mare at the State Stud

L eading L adies

NASIRIEH (GB)

DAVID GILLETT

Unqualified praise must be given to those who have the foresight and determination to import Arabian horses to Australia, a country so distant from the rest of the world. For those who imported purebred mares, especially those who have left an indelible mark on the breed, we offer the utmost respect and gratitude.

Mrs. A.D.D. Maclean of Fenwick Stud in Victoria is such a person. She is responsible for the import (by sea) of 18 pure Crabbet Arabians from England and stock produced by the stud have gone on to influence untold numbers of other breeders right up until today. One of her most influential imports was the mare Nasirieh (Skowronek x Nisreen), who heads up our 2023 Leading Dam Lines chart – see page 171.

After the death of her sister in 1924, the young Miss Gibson, as was her maiden name at that time, travelled to Europe and first visited Lady Wentworth at Crabbet. On her first visit, Mrs Maclean was able to purchase the chestnut mare Rafina (Rustem x Risala), and thus realize a long-held ambition to own an Arabian mare, a desire which had been kindled by photos she had seen of Lady Anne Blunt, mother of Lady Wentworth, dressed in authentic Arabian costume with her beautiful horses.

While this article is about Nasirieh, it is worth noting that Rafina features in ninth place on our 2023 Leading Dam Line chart. It is interesting that both the sire and dam of Rafina are today to be found in the pedigrees of Straight Egyptian horses, however we refer to her as Pure Crabbet. By both definitions however, she does qualify as both.

During this same first visit to Crabbet, Mrs Maclean was allowed to handle Skowronek (Ibrahim DB x Jaskolka), a horse whom she admired greatly. Rafina was bred to Skowronek before leaving for Australia, however the journey was hard on the mare and she proved to not be in foal. Mrs Maclean was unable to forget Skowronek, and contacted Lady Wentworth by mail, desperately wanting one of his progeny.

In a return letter dated 20th July, 1926, Lady Wentworth writes ‘Now as to mares for sale, I have not many to sell, and prices are going up every day. Skowronek’s sons and daughters are fetching anything from 1000 guineas to 5000 guineas each. You were lucky to get Rafina when you did. I enclose a list of what I have. I have sold a big lot to America and the number is now very small.’

The list included eight mares and eight stallions, five of which were by Skowronek, ranging from 500 guineas to 1500 guineas, representing a substantial amount of money in that era. While none were purchased at that time, Mrs Maclean’s admiration for Skowronek persisted, and she and Lady Wentworth continued their letters regarding Mrs Maclean’s desire to obtain one of Skowronek’s progeny.

In 1933, Lady Wentworth wrote again to advise that she was ‘ selling off now at very much lower prices than ever before ’. This sale was due to another large sale falling through, and Lady Wentworth had accumulated approximately 30 stallions that now needed to be sold.

In 1935, Lady Wentworth sent another letter to Mrs Maclean outlining which stallions were available in her price range, but most importantly, presented two options for acquiring Skowronek blood;

‘If you want Skowronek blood I will let you have a beautiful grey mare 14.3 out of a full sister to the World Champion Shareer for 150 guineas, 7 years, or a white mare, prize winner 12 years by Skowronek – Nisreen for 100 guineas (if you take a stallion). This is Nasirieh, the one you liked from the photographs.’

It was decided to acquire a stallion and the twelve year old white mare… the stallion being Indian Light (Naseem x Nisreen), and his maternal sister Nasirieh.

Nasirieh was a mare of enormously valuable pedigree and was a show champion here in Australia, including Champion Mare at the 1935 Melbourne Royal soon after her arrival. She was a full sister to Incoronata, a mare exported from Crabbet Park to the USA where she made an impact at the Kellogg Stud. Two of her half sisters by Raseem were also famous broodmares; Indian Crown, dam of Indian Magic and Indaia, dam of Indraff by Raffles, the leading sire at Al Marah Stud for many years.

Nasirieh left in England two chestnut fillies, being Najera (by Rahal) and Nisyana (by Raseem) and several colts. Najera was sold to Tersk, Russia where she produced eight foals over ten years. Nasirieh herself did not fare as well in Australia, and proved to be a challenging mare to breed from initially and had several barren years at stud. In 1941 a breakthrough came when she was bred to Zarafa (Indian Light x Zem Zem) and produced a colt, who was unfortunately kicked and killed as a foal. Nasirieh appears to have had a ‘second wind’ at this time, and went on to produce another five purebred foals over seven years, two fillies and three colts, producing her last foal at 25 years old.

Interestingly, this last foal would prove to be her only pure Crabbet filly born in Australia. Narawi by Rakib (Nax x Rhythama) was another chestnut, not unlike the fillies Nasirieh had left in England. Unfortunately, Narawi’s life was cut short in a paddock accident after producing one colt, Moon Magic, (by Silver Moonlight), who also died young without leaving any progeny.

The only other filly born to Nasirieh in Australia was by Kataf (GB) (Outlaw x Kateefah), an English stallion though not of Pure Crabbet blood. This mating resulted in a chestnut filly named Kassa, born in 1942, who became a pivotal point in establishing the damline of Nasirieh which flourishes today.

Above: Mulawa Bronze Wing (Magnum Psyche x On Angels Wings) pc Glenys Lilley

Middle: Adiva (Crave FF x Avondale Fanfare) pc Samantha Taylor

Below: Kassa (Kataf x Nasirieh) pictured with her filly Moonkas, by SIlver Moonlight. Fenwick Archive

Kassa proved to be a successful show horse, winning first prize at the Sydney Royal in both 1955 and 1956. She was of course, a very prolific broodmare, producing no less than fourteen foals, ten of which were fillies. Her Silver Moonlight (Indian Magic x Silver Fire) daughter Moonkas became a very influential broodmare, eventually making her way to Pam Morris’ Avondale Stud where her daughter Avondale Akhira (by Akhu) beget a dynasty of horses, represented today by such names as Adiva (Crave FF x Avondale Fanfare), whose descendants are among the champion horses that have elevated their ancestor Nasirieh to the top of our leading damline chart for 2023.

Kassa’s 1950 daughter Khalasa by Riffal (GB) (Naufal x Razina) was purchased as a foundation mare by Jean Luckcock of Ennerdale Arabians and would have great success there. Through several tail female generations Khalasa became great grandam of Arabian Park’s famous broodmare Dimity (Banderol x Tamara), dam of 15 foals, many of whom were just as influential in their own right. Her last daughter, River Oak Dimity (by Arjai Summit), is best known the world over for her international championship winning daughter Eagleridge Passionata (by Sanadik El Shaklan). Most recently, this family has been represented internationally by Passionata’s celebrated daughter Noft Al Nayfat (by Ajman Moniscione), 2021 Gold Champion Mare in Paris.

Another Dimity daughter, Arabian Park Lady Constance (by Ivan) would produce a daughter by Banderol named Abanda, who had the good fortune to be owned by Mulawa for several years. There, when bred to Vision (Jamil x Euni), she produced M Angelique, who created the ‘Family of Angels’ at Mulawa, including eight champion get of her own. Her tail female descendants include Australian Champion Mare Always Valentine MI (DA Valentino x Always an Angel), Australian Champion Stallions Vangelis MI (DA Valentino x Always an Angel), and Gold N Wings (Fame Maker R x On Angels Wings), Canadian National Champion and Elran Cup Gold Senior Mare Valentino’s Angel MI (DA Valentino x Always an Angel), Dubai International Gold Champion Filly A Vision MI (Allegiance MI x Always An Angel) and 2023 QLD Challenge Champion Filly Dior DA (Allegiance x Klassical Desire MI).

Below: Noft Al Fayat (Ajman Moniscione x Eagleridge Passionata) is tail female to Nasirieh pc Alessio Azzali

It is indeed remarkable to witness the enduring legacy of Nasirieh and her descendants. The fact that her family has become the leading family of show horses in the country, even after a century since her birth, speaks to the enduring quality and influence of her bloodline.

The success of Nasirieh’s family becomes all the more impressive when considering that originated from just one daughter, Kassa. This also highlights the significant impact that Kassa and her subsequent generations have had on the breed. The longevity and continued success of Nasirieh’s family showcase the importance of strong bloodlines and the lasting influence they can have in the world of horse breeding.

The dedication and perseverance of individuals like Mrs Maclean played a crucial role in the proliferation and success of the Arabian breed in Australia. Despite facing challenges such as drought, war and the geographical isolation of this country, Mrs Maclean’s unwavering commitment to the Arabian breed allowed these horses to flourish. By sharing her beloved horses and demonstrating their exceptional qualities at prestigious events such as the Melbourne and Sydney Royal Shows, Mrs Maclean effectively converted numerous people into enthusiasts and advocates of the Arabian horse. Her efforts, and the influential horses she selected and bred from, have left a lasting impact that continues to shape the breed to this day.

Nasirieh - Australian Breeding Record

1941 Chestnut colt by Zarafa (Indian Light x Zem Zem)kicked and killed as a foal

1942 Chestnut filly Kassa by Kataf (Outlaw x Kateefah)retained at stud

1943 missed

1944 Chestnut colt Zenith by Zarafa (Indian Light x Zem Zem) - sold to Mr Mcintyre Robe SA

1945 Chestnut colt Nekhl by Rashid II (Anchor x Rafina) - sold to Bligh’s Bostocks Stud

1946 Brown going grey colt Nefudh by Rakib (Nax x Rythama) - sold to Dr Tucker in SA

1947 missed

1948 Chestnut filly Nawari by Rakib (Nax x Rythama)retained at stud.

THE AUSTRALASIAN ARABIAN BREEDERS COALITION (AABC)

SCOTT BENJAMIN ALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY GLENYS LILLEY

With an ever-expanding groundswell of support, the Australasian Arabian Breeders Coalition (AABC) proudly launched in early 2022, with the singular purpose to promote the breeding of purebred Arabian horses throughout Australasia. As breeding is fundamental to the future of the Arabian horse, and breeders the essential component that drives not only the breed but the industry forward, the Coalition is wholeheartedly committed to providing educational opportunities, resources, incentives and support to assist all breeders of purebred Arabian horses as they pursue and achieve their breeding goals and objectives within the greater context of the rich history of our ancient breed.

To date, nearly thirty progressive breeders from all across Australia and New Zealand have come together in one powerful community of professionals, joining forces to chart the path forward for the Arabian horse with innovation, inspiration and collaborative action. This trailblazing group of breeders includes:

• Arabier Arabians | Alicia Rosewell (Victoria-AUS)

• Arreton Arabians | John & Jessie Preece, Carolyn Payne (South Australia-AUS)

• Avonview Arabians | Kerry Hammond (Victoria-AUS)

• Azizah Arabians International | Colleen Jackson & John Cranston (Western Australia-AUS)

• DaMar Arabians | Nicole & Damien Henricus (Queensland-AUS)

• Dawn Valley Arabians | Adele Maraki (North Island-NZ)

• Deltree Arabians | Emma Cooper & Nathan Steggles (New South Wales-AUS)

• Espirit Arabians | Annette Vickery & Kylee Anderson (New South Wales-AUS)

• Foxwood Arabians | Glenys Lilley (New South Wales-AUS)

• Hellfire Arabians | Dixie Scaife-Elliott & Matthew Blair

• Istashra Arabians | Sheila Jones (Victoria-AUS)

• Kelaray Arabians | Kelly Mason & Raymond Milich (North Island-NZ)

• Khalid Arabians | Catherine & Gary Cunningham, Aiden Sgro (Queensland-AUS)

• Khizmeht Stud | Sarah & Steve Muco (Western Australia-AUS)

• Krishlah Arabians | Sharon & Max Warke, Shona Young & Olivia Cleary (Victoria-AUS)

• MG Arabians | Greg Liddle & Michael Marrapodi (New South Wales-AUS)

• Mount Franklin Arabians | Frank & Claudia Piacquadio (Victoria-AUS)

• Mulawa Arabian Stud | Greg, Julie & Jane Farrell (New South Wales-AUS)

• Nalla Stud | Allan Preston & Scott Benjamin (New South Wales-AUS)

• Nasahn Arabians | Wendy MacDonald (Victoria-AUS)

• New Horizon Arabians | Paul & Iaana Porter, Karen Mattocks (New South Wales-AUS)

• Noran Arabians | Norm, Nancy & Kylie Wall (Western Australia-AUS)

• Re-Ality Arabians | Ricky Carver & Carlie Beer (New South Wales-AUS)

• Sarowan Park | Rick Brown (Victoria-NSW)

• Sa’Vey Arabians | Sally Harvey & Chuck Wark (Victoria-AUS)

• Shane Edward Arabians | Kay & Phil Edward (Victoria-AUS)

• Simeon Stud | Marion Richmond (New South Wales-AUS)

• Westacres Arabians | Jayne & Trevor Bellchambers (Victoria-AUS)

• Zarahemla Arabians | Peter & Tania Hornby (Queensland-AUS)

The Australasian Arabian Breeders Celebration

The Coalition hosted their first event in December of 2022 in beautiful Boneo Park, Victoria, in generous conjunction with the 50th Victorian Arabian Classic. This inspiring partnership of innovation, the Celebration, with tradition, the VIC Classic, culminated in an enlightening, empowering and resoundingly rewarding event that brought together many of the Coalition Founding members, and their horses, for several days of activities.

Arabian expert and all-around equine ambassador Cindy Reich shared her lifetime of experience and expertise with breeders over two full days of breeding, conformation, formto-function and evaluation seminars. This knowledge was then put to practice using the newly designed Arabian Assessment Scorecard with Cindy as principal assessor. More than two dozen Arabians were assessed in over 200+ categories of evaluation, covering conformation, breed type, athleticism and ridden performance. Modelled after the ultra-successful evaluation programmes of the Warmblood and Friesian that have transformed those breeds, the Arabian Assessment launched with great success and enthusiastic support from breeders, providing objective appreciation of breeding stock and invaluable insight for future breeding progress.

The Australasian Arabian Breeders International Championships

The Coalition was also incredibly proud to host the first ever International Championships, showcasing the best of Arabian breeding both in Australia and New Zealand, on 04-05 February 2023 in the extraordinary venue of Willinga Park on the South Coast of New South Wales. The first event of its kind in the region, the International Championships welcomed a distinguished panel of judges from across the globe, including Chen Kedar and Eliyahu Khaloon (both from Israel), Isaac Taylor (USA), Leonie Williamson and Mark Lilley (both from Queensland).

With the focus on purebred Arabians in both halter and performance classes, the International Championships fulfilled its aims to elevate the standard of excellence in the region to the meet global expectation of achievement by evaluating all breeding and in-hand exhibits with the World Cup scorecard and in comparative finals, and all ridden exhibits with the industry-leading Ridden Scorecard. Ever innovating to encompass as many Arabian enthusiasts in the region as possible, competition both in-hand and under saddle for F1 Arabian Derivatives, Arabian-related equines with one registered Arabian parent (sire or dam), was also included at the event. This welcome addition not only celebrates the amazing Arabian derivatives for which Australia and New Zealand are world famous but continues to support purebred breeders in every generation of production.

The International Championships also shone the spotlight on the Straight Egyptian Arabian, offering a full slate of exclusive championships both in halter and performance. This was also an industry first for the region, with generous prize money support from Simeon Stud to encourage these essential members of the breed to shine ‘Under the Stars’ at Willinga Park.

Looking Forward to the Future

Firmly committed to creating a greater sense of community, connection, support and shared experience for breeders of purebred Arabian horses, the Coalition has also begun to host travel experiences for members. Most recently, an enthusiastic group of breeders attended the World Championships in Paris, stopping over in the UAE on the return trip home to visit local breeders. Ajman Stud, Al Zobair Stud and Dubai Stud welcomed the group with extraordinary generosity, showcasing the broadest extent of their worldfamous programmes with warmth and candour. The Coalition looks forward to more collective travel opportunities ahead, beginning annually with Scottsdale and the Arabian Breeders World Cup early in the year, and Menton, the All Nations Cup, the US Nationals and the World Championships to follow.

The Coalition continues to be inspired by the generous support of breeders, owners, organizations and professionals within the greater Arabian Community around the globe, not only in support of our efforts closer to home, but for the leadership and resources they continue to enthusiastically provide for the progress of the Arabian horse in every corner of the world. As a positive, progressive community of “Breeders supporting Breeders”, the Australasian Arabian Breeders Coalition remains dedicated to advancing the profile and exposure of the Arabian horse as the ‘equine breed of choice’, not only in Australia and New Zealand, but everywhere horses are appreciated and loved the world over.

THE IMPACT OF AI ON ADVERTISING ARABIAN HORSES: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES

GLENYS LILLEY

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the world of art and photography, presenting both opportunities and challenges. The genie is out of the bottle, we can’t put it back and the latest developments have turned the art and photography world on its head. Questions of copyright, is it really still a photo, and are the original creators being compensated? How will it affect people’s jobs?

We are all familiar with the use of filters on social media to alter hair, makeup, age… you name it, there is a filter for it. If your job is behind a computer, you can sit in your PJ’s and present a fully made up appearance to the world… goodbye hairdressers! In turn, the perils of photoshopped Arabian horses, especially heads and necks has actually changed the breed. People strive to breed heads that artists and photographers have portrayed in extreme ways. At some point though the real you, and the real horse, will have to be seen in public, and this is where the dishonesty is discovered.

Photos have been altered since the darkroom days, however ethical photographers continue to refuse to alter a horse’s conformation. Good photographers can make a horse look its best with the right lighting and flattering angles, while expensive cameras and lenses produce quality photos, highlighting your horses best attributes.

While it’s always easier to get it right in camera, AI can be a help to photographers. During photo shoots, photographers select the best backgrounds and light to create beautiful

photos, without excessive editing afterwards. In the show ring it’s not always that easy. There are messy backgrounds, varying light conditions and often people or objects get in the way of an otherwise beautiful photo. The new changes that are available in a testing stage of Photoshop promise to speed up workflow and save a lot of images that may well have been discarded.

It’s still best to start with a good photo, sharp and correctly lit as an AI can only do so much. Photoshop is currently testing a new beta version that uses AI to remove people or objects from photos, extend backgrounds with generative fill, and place subjects on new backgrounds. All of this was possible before, but it took skill, education and hours of work. I won’t bore you with tales of painstakingly cutting out horses, cloning and healing, photographing backgrounds, creating shadows and so on… this can now be done with the click of a mouse and some simple selections.

Some things that it does are amazing and lightning fast like this example of the chestnut gelding (above photos before and after) where the handler was removed, and the grey mare (right page above photos before and after) where the arm and background distractions were removed and a lead rein and clouds added. Maybe the software likes chestnuts because the grey was an epic fail, not cutting out correctly and leaving artifacts in the fur which will take hours of work to possibly make an acceptable photo. It did however choose a background that was a reasonable match.

Of course the program also produces hilarious results, such as creating zombie people ( below photos before and after ) and even goats when left to its own devices or the wrong prompts. If you have photos that you love but they have a problem, or old photos that need restoring, talk to your photographer or designer and see if they can fix it with the new Photoshop programming. It may be enticing to use a quick background change app, but does that really reflect the quality of your stock with the resulting photo, as most are not believable.

Like it or not, you do have to make some effort in promoting and advertising your breeding program or horses for sale. Image is more important than ever and top quality images are what promotes your stud, remember every social media post is a reflection of your stud and the quality of your horses to an ever more discerning public.

AI can now create images from text. Mid Journey, Dall-e and Stable Diffusion use any photos and paintings available on the Internet without crediting or compensating the original creator and rearrange it into a new artwork, which is copyrighted to the AI. It can create logos or cute pictures for your social media posts or T-shirt designs. AI can now write music, therefore evading copyright or payment to artists. It can create videos automatically, create podcasts, take notes on zoom meetings, translate into any language, write books and produce the illustrations, the list is endless.

Like the Internet itself, AI is a double-edged sword, costing jobs however it is speeding up many workflows, and making advertising more accessible to the everyday person. One would hope that the human race will continue to appreciate ‘the real thing’, time will tell. You can no longer believe what your eyes see in photos or videos, or even voice messages.

It all seems so easy. However, I leave you with just one last word of warning – we’ve all seen ‘The Terminator’!

DERIVATIVE DEFINITIONS

For centuries, the Arabian horse has been used in the development of most of the light breeds for horse and pony. In Australia, Arabian Derivative is the collective term for horses registered with the Arabian Horse Society of Australia (AHSA) which have been derived from Purebred Arabian bloodlines and those of another breed. Ideally, the progeny will display desirable characteristics and qualities of both the Arabian and the other breed.

These Arabian Derivative registries, which allow for the formal registration and recognition of crossbred horses of Arabian descent, are relatively new compared with the long history of the Pure Arabian breed, however crossbreeding with Arabian horses is not new. For centuries horse breeders and users have found that mixing Arabian blood with that of other equines results in an improved animal for a variety of purposes. Many other breeds freely acknowledge the contribution of Arabian blood in their makeup. The English Thoroughbred, the Trakehner, the English Riding Pony, the Morgan and the Standardbred are a few examples. Two uniquely Australian breeds, the Australian Pony and the Australian Stock Horse, can point to a strong Arabian influence and indeed in the latter registry, one still finds a small number of Purebred Arabians who are also registered Australian Stock Horses.

Arabian Derivatives are also horses of many colours, so are also eligible for registration in registries specific to Palominos, Buckskins, Appaloosa, Pinto, Roan and so on.

Australia’s first Arabian Derivative registries were established in 1949 for Anglo Arabians and Part Arabians. The Arabian Pony registry was created in 1971. The Arabian Warmblood registry was approved in 1989 followed by the Arabian Riding Pony registry in 1990. In 2003, the Quarab and Arabian Stock Horse registries were approved. More recently in 2015, the Half Arabian registry was introduced in a bid to encourage the use of purebred stallions in derivative breeding programs.

Today, there are eight Arabian Derivative registries in Australia:

• Anglo Arabian

• Arabian Pony

• Arabian Riding Pony

• Arabian Warmblood

• Half Arabian

• Part Bred Arabian

• Quarab

• Arabian Stock Horse

While the eligibility of these registries has changed over the years, today in order to be registered as an Arabian Derivative a horse must trace in at least one line to a Pure Arabian horse registered as such in a recognized studbook for Pure Arabian horses and maintain a minimum 12.5% of Arabian blood. The registry for which it will be eligible will depend on the other breed or breeds in its pedigree. Unlike some other breed societies, which allow for ‘breeding up’ from crossbred to purebred status, the AHSA does not allow for Arabian Derivatives to be upgraded to Pure Arabian status.

Part Bred Arabian and Half Arabian horses may be descended from horses of unknown or unregistered breeding or from registered horses whose registration does not fit within the categories acceptable for the other AHSA Derivative registries.

Arabian Derivatives, because they are crossbred horses, vary enormously in appearance. An Arabian Derivative should be a quality riding horse or pony. Individual animals will differ greatly in appearance depending on the amount of Arabian blood in their pedigree, the contribution made by their other breed ancestors, and the purpose for which they have been bred.They range from tiny fine-boned ponies of 11 hands or less to big-boned Warmblood crosses standing over 17 hands.

The best Arabian Derivative must not be judged as the one most closely resembling the Purebred Arabian. A judge should see the Arabian Derivative as a horse displaying the best characteristics of the other breed that has contributed to its makeup, along with its Arabian qualities. That said, the Standard of Excellence for some derivative registries does prefer certain Arabian characteristics in the show ring. For example, the Part Arabian standard prefers a ‘wedge shaped head, either straight or dished, large eyes, fine nostrils, hair and skin with an extravagant and floating trot’, all of which are prized in the purebred Arabian.

The Arabian Derivative should be judged first and foremost as a riding horse or pony. It should look and move like a good riding horse. The Arabian Derivative should present as a beautiful free moving, quality athletic animal with a kind and willing disposition.

The Arabian Horse Society of Australia has developed a Standard of Excellence for each derivative registry.

The Arabian Stock Horse

An Arabian Stock Horse is one derived exclusively from horses of either Arabian and Studbook Australian Stock Horse breeding or Arabian, Thoroughbred and Studbook Australian Stock Horse breeding where the minimum proportion of Arabian blood shall be not less than 12.5%.

The Arabian Stock Horse is a quality well balanced, versatile, athlete combining elegance with the appearance of strength and substance. Quality is indicated in the sharply defined features of the head and clean-cut tendons and bones of the lower limbs. The head should be in proportion and well set on the neck, with a broad forehead, jowls free of fleshiness with plenty of room between the branches of the jaw. The profile is usually straight though a slightly concave profile is acceptable. The eyes are wide set and prominent and the ears should be neat and in proportion.

A well defined gullet, with a good length rein and a slightly arched neck well set into the flat, long and sloping shoulder. The wither well defined, slightly higher than the croup and extending well back. The chest is muscular and the ribs well sprung, the forearms with free elbows are muscular and well developed. The back is short and strong with short, wide and well muscled loins.

Below: Arabian Stock Horse: Foxwood Aztec Gold

The croup should be long and well muscled with a moderate slope and the tail well carried. The Arabian influence may bring a flatter more level croup, and higher tail carriage but this should not be extreme.

The thighs should appear wide and well muscled and the stifles should be set clear of the body to enhance good free movement. The gaskins are long and well muscled and the hocks are large and flat with points well defined. The knees are broad and flat, the cannons are short with cleanly defined tendons parallel to the bones. The fetlocks are clean cut with pasterns strong and elastic and sloping to match the slope of the shoulder. The hooves, rounded in front and more oval behind, are of a generous size and the heels wide and of adequate depth. Low heels and flat soles are not good in a working horse. The temperament should be calm and tractable and not subject to over excitement.

Anglo Arabian

The Anglo Arabian is an elegant, balanced and refined saddle horse with highly veined skin and fine hair. In profile the head may vary from straight to slightly concave. The head is well set on to a long, elegant neck, with a clearly defined poll and matching arch of throat.

The neck is lightly arched and wither well defined. The short to medium back is strongly coupled to long hindquarters, usually with a rounded croup. However, the Arabian influence may bring a flatter, more level croup and higher tail carriage.

The overall body appearance is of a series of curves with no sharp angles.

Anglo Arabians are usually presented for judging in hand as show hacks. Manes and forelocks are plaited. Tails are banged and either plaited or pulled. English style show halter or bridles are usually used, although Arabian show halters are acceptable.

Quarab

A Quarab horse is one derived exclusively from horses of Arabian and Studbook Quarter Horse breeding or Arabian and Paint breeding or Arabian, Studbook Quarter Horse and Paint breeding where the proportion of Arabian blood shall be not less than 12.5%.

A Quarab is bred to produce a good-looking, versatile horse that is equally comfortable in the English show ring or as a Western performance horse. A Quarab combines the beauty, quality, athletic ability, endurance and intelligence of the Arabian with the substance, strength, powerful muscling, cattle sense and cool mind of the Quarter horse. The head should be attractive with a distinctive jowl and good width between the eyes. The ears are neat and the eye large. The neck should be well shaped but not overly long and never short, well set into a long and sloping shoulder. The body should be relatively compact, with a strong top line and powerful well muscled hindquarter. The tail set should be

lower than that of the Pure Arabian. The gaskins should be heavily muscled and well defined, the stifles low and set clear of the body above large well let down hocks. Forelegs should be straight and have particularly well muscled forearms with strong, large and flat joints and free elbows. Feet should be hard of a good shape with open heels and somewhat larger than the normal Quarter horse feet. The Quarab, while being elegant but never ‘cobby’ should still have strong bone as it is bred to be a tough all rounder. Its elegance should be combined with considerable substance, giving the impression of strength and athleticism.

The Quarab can be presented with a free mane and tail, or plaited, or with a pulled mane which may be banded, and a banged tail. An English bridle or Arabian style show halter, or a western show halter or bridle are all acceptable in led classes.

Below: Anglo Arabian: Sqizzy Tayor (Benji Storm x Inesha)

Bottom: Quarab: Gardenia Park Mercedes (Watch the Duco x Gardenia Park Marlene) pc Sharon Meyers

Part Bred Arabian

The Part Bred Arabian Horse must contain a minimum of 12.5% Arabian breeding calculated from one or both parents.

The overall appearance and body shape of Part Arabian horses will vary greatly, depending both on the proportion of Arabian blood in their makeup and the characteristics inherited from their non-Arabian ancestors.

The overall impression, however, must be of a sound, balanced saddle horse, irrespective of height and build. The head may be straight or dished preferably wedge-shaped, and in proportion to the size of the horse, well set on to a long convex curved neck. Large eyes and fine nostrils, with fine veined skin and hair are indications of a quality Part Bred Arabian horse. The wither is well defined, and the shoulder long and sloping.

The back is short and the hindquarters long, well muscled and rounded. The body should be deep, with well-sprung ribs and a well-muscled chest. The topline should be short and underline long as the horse stands over ground. The tail should be set level with the centre of the back and may or may not be elevated when the horse moves. Hooves should be rounded and relatively large in proportion to the horse’s height and substance. Upright boxy hooves are not acceptable.

Part Bred Arabians may be shown with free mane and tail, or mane plaited and tail plaited or pulled and banged. They may be shown in an English style show halter or bridles, or an Arabian show halter.

Arabian Pony

An Arabian Pony is one derived exclusively from horses of Arabian and Stud Pony blood.

The overall impression of the Arabian Pony is of an attractive pony showing quality. The head is distinctly ‘pony’, short, deep and in proportion to the pony’s body size, exhibiting show quality, with alert ears and large, dark eyes. The neck is well-set, moderately long, naturally crested and with clearly defined throatlatch. The body should be strong and sturdy, exhibiting excellent rib-spring. The back should be short, but not too broad, well muscled loins and the hindquarters are well rounded and proportioned. The tail should be well set on and gaily carried. However the Arabian influence may bring a flatter more level croup and higher tail carriage. The legs are strong, with clean flat, dense bone. The size of the hooves should be in proportion to the pony’s body and should match the slope of the pastern. They should not be small, boxy or upright. Arabian Ponies may show some feathering on their legs.

The manner of presentation for in-hand judging is variable. Arabian Ponies may be shown with free manes or tails or may have manes and forelocks plaited, and tails banged and plaited or pulled. Arabian Ponies that are not clipped or plaited with fetlock hairs (feathers) not trimmed are not to be discriminated against. Arabian Ponies may be shown in English style show halter or bridles or in Arabian show halters.

Arabian Riding Pony

An Arabian Riding Pony is one derived exclusively from horses of either Arabian and Section A Riding Pony breeding or Arabian, Section A Riding Pony, Stud Pony and/or Thoroughbred and/or Riding Pony breeding.

The Arabian Riding Pony is an elegant riding type, fine limbed and resembles the scaled down version of the Anglo Arabian. The head is well set on, refined and short and the profile may vary from straight to slightly concave, with a fine muzzle, eyes large, expressive and small ears. The neck is long, lightly muscled, and elegantly arched, with clearly defined throatlatch and withers.

Above: Part Bred Arabian: Wishlist (Ray of Light x Escarda Spozabella)

Below: Arabian Pony: Yorkston Spellbound (Trincada Striker x Karlamia Spellbound)

The body is smooth and lightly framed. The back is strong, well coupled and the croup is long, deep and rounded. The tail well set on and carried naturally away from the body, but without extreme elevation. Legs should be fine and clean, with no sign of coarseness. Joints should be large, clean and flat. They show no feathering on their legs. Feet should be in proportion to the body, with wide open heels. Flat or upright boxy hooves are not acceptable.

Arabian Riding Ponies are traditionally shown plaited. Tails banged, pulled or plaited, and shown in English style show halter or bridles.

Arabian Warmblood

The Arabian Warmblood Horse is derived exclusively from horses of either Arabian and Warmblood breeding or Arabian, Warmblood and Thoroughbred breeding.

The Arabian Warmblood is a well-balanced horse with symmetrical flowing curves.

It combines sound conformation with substance and elegance. The head should be in proportion to the size of the horse, present a noble air, with a kind, intelligent expression and dark eyes. The profile may be straight or dished. Ears may be thicker and longer. The neck is long, naturally arched and muscular, with a well-defined, clean gullet.

The body is deep with well-sprung ribs, broad medium length back with strongly muscled short loins. The hindquarters are powerful, well rounded with strong muscling. The tail should be set so that it flows smoothly from the croup and is carried well away from the body. It may be carried with a slight elevation. The cannons should display bone and substance in proportion to their height, but without coarseness. The feet should be relatively large, but in proportion to the height and body size of the horse, rounded with wide, open heels.

The Arabian Warmblood is shown with a plaited mane and tail plaited, pulled or banged. A bitted bridle or English-type show halter is used.

Half Arabian

A Half Arabian is one who must have a Pure Arabian parent, either sire or dam. The other parent may be any breed or an unregistered horse.

The Half Arabian is judged to the same standard as the Purebred Arabian, so of course Arabian Type is taken into consideration. Show committee members should be mindful to brief judges to award Half Arabians on Purebred Arabian Type, not Derivative Type as required in other sections. At the time of writing, the Standard of Excellence unique to the Half Arabian was not available to the publisher.

Like Purebred Arabians, the Half Arabian is most often shown with a free mane and tail, however plaited entries are allowed. Horses registered in the Half Arabian Registry must compete in Half Arabian classes where they are offered at a show. Where no Half Arabian classes are provided then horses registered as Half Arabians may compete in the classes offered for their base registry as noted on the Certificate of Registration, for example Arabian Pony breeding and will be judged in those classes as per the rules pertaining to that registry i.e., not with an Arabian type component. Horses cannot compete in both Half Arabian and another registry class at the same show.

Above: Arabian Riding Pony: Karma Park National Girl (Wesswoods Raven Caste x El Raz Tequila Rose)

Middle: Arabian Warmblood: Dreamtime Valentino (Gumbanero x Arneehsa)

Below: Half Arabian: Diamond Road Blond Ambition (Ray of Light x Kie-Al Gypsy Rose)

Photography by Glenys Lilley unless noted

ARABIANS SHINE AT SYDNEY ROYAL 2023

The Sydney Royal 2023 saw a wave of Arabian derivatives sweeping through various breed classes. Here, we celebrate their wins and congratulate their owners on bringing their horses to the general public.

PHOTOS AND TEXT BY GLENYS LILLEY

Left: Paulgren Park Vixen, Reserve Champion Arabian Derivative Mare or Filly

Right: Kyldar Script, Best Australian Saddle Pony Gelding and Childs Show Hunter Pony ne 12.2hh

Top Left clockwise: Callistemon Park Vision, Arabian Pony Gelding winning Partbred Welsh Gelding ne 13.2hh; Champion Australian Saddle Pony Stallion or Colt, Songbird Lodge Kung Fu; Karate Kid, Champion Derivative Stallion or Colt and Champion Riding Pony Stallion or Colt and Reserve Champion Part Welsh Stallion or Colt; Supreme Arabian Derivative Rivoli Magic FF; Purebred gelding Pevensey Dont You Know Its Magic, Reserve Champion Single Horse Turnout

TRINCADA STRIKE

1997 - 2023

DAVID GILLETT

As is often the case, the story of Trincada Strike really begins with a good mare, the 1984 filly Simeon Classic (Simeon Samuel x Simeon Honeybee). At that time, Simeon Stud was still breeding Welsh and Arabian Ponies, and had advertised two weanling Arabian Pony fillies for sale, both sired by the recently imported purebred stallion Simeon Samuel (Jamil x Novina of Tersk) from Welsh Section A mares. Sue Williams, breeder and owner of Trincada Strike fondly recalls ‘I caught up with Marion Richmond from Simeon Stud at the Victorian Classic, as I wanted to buy the chestnut filly Simeon Success. As we sat on a park bench at the Showgrounds, Marion said no Sue, you will buy Simeon Classic. She is what you need for your breeding program.’

Simeon Classic had nerve damage to her left shoulder that was so noticeable, she was sold as a broodmare only, never to be shown. It is unclear what happened to Simeon Success, she was sold as a youngster and has no registered progeny, however Simeon Classic would go on to beget a dynasty.

‘We trusted Marion’s judgement, and my mother soon bought Simeon Classic for our stud.’ Sue began swimming the young filly daily and in time she was sound, and despite her early setback she was shown for many A Class Supreme Championships.

Strikes sire Pinelodge Pride was an Arabian Pony of 75.39% Arabian blood, bred by Heather Potts. Sired by International World Champion Ralvon Pilgrim (Rikham x Trix Silver), his dam was Ennerdale Jilla (Varndell Reveille imp UK x Jilaa). ‘Pride was born at Ralvon Stud in Colo, and I came across him there when he was seven months old. He was offered to me and I turned him down because he was very leggy, and I thought he would mature a little tall for what I was looking for at that time’ remembers Sue.

A year later, a colt was presented at the Bendigo Showgrounds. Sue watched him go around the arena, her eyes following him wherever he went. ‘As he came closer, I realised that it was Pride, and that he was probably not even 13hh. From that moment I pestered Heather every time I saw her to let me take him, and 18 months later was lucky enough to lease him.’

Pinelodge Pride inherited his sires superb shape of neck and hindquarter and in time, it would become apparent that he too would reliably pass these characteristics to his own progeny.

Just a few months after the purchase of Pinelodge Pride, Sue’s belief in the stallion would be forever justified with the birth of Simeon Classic’s first colt foal. ‘I remember looking up the paddock and seeing Classic sitting down, and also noticing there was a foal quite close to her… too close really. It could not have been her foal, as she was not due for another three weeks’. Thinking the mare had colic, Sue rushed to investigate and soon discovered the foal belonged to Classic. ‘ As I got closer, the foal stretched his neck right up and I remember thinking he looked like ET, his neck went forever with this tiny little head on top. I knew he was special.’

Strike named himself when he was just three days old. ‘I saw him strike an Anglo foal’s ear he was paddocked with. Strike’s reach with those front legs was incredible. He has always used his front legs like hands and at times, very quickly. You don’t even see them leave the ground.’

Strike had a personality and presence that made him a perfect fit for the show ring. His first was the Arabian Feature Show when he was three months old, where he trotted away with Supreme Foal. ‘I recall people following him back to his box to get a closer look at him. Strike loved the attention. He was always a people magnet.’

‘As a yearling, Strike was sent to Ron Males for halter training. Ron didn’t say much when I dropped him off at Ralvon the first time, but the pair would immediately develop a beautiful relationship. Ron noted that Strike had a very active mouth. One of Ron’s favourite sayings is a horse with an active mouth has an active mind, meaning the horse is willing to learn new things. Ron also broke Strike to saddle and harness.’

Trincada Strike has collected no less than 34 Australian National Championships, including 14 Halter Championships in a row. He has also won in harness, under saddle, AOTH and Bridle Path Hack. At East Coast he was seven times Supreme Arabian Pony and one year he was Champion Halter Stallion and three of his sons were Reserve Champion two Top Five’s respectively.

During his show career, Trincada Strike amassed more than 100 Championship titles, and is the sire and grandsire of countless champion winning progeny.

‘Strike’s most memorable Australian National Championships would have to be 2014. Emma Adams rode Strike for Champion Ridden stallion followed up by Ron Males driving him for Champion harness. The next day, Anthony Geytemen led Strike to win champion halter stallion for the 14th year in a row. The last day of the championships, I led Strike for champion AOHT in a very large class of ponies. Four Australian National Championships out of four, not a bad effort, but certainly demonstrates Strike’s versatility.’

Left and Right: Trincada Strike

Photos by Sharon Meyers

As well as being registered with the Arabian Horse Society and the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of Australia, Strike is also registered with the Welara Society in America, a society for ponies of Welsh and Arabian breeding. A few years ago, Strike was awarded the first Welara Pony of the Year; an impressive 1000 points. The next pony down from him was shown in Canada and finished with 200 points. The same year, Strike won the overall Amateur Owner Handler and Trainer for winning shows all over Australia.

In 2019 the Board of Directors of the AHSA gave Trincada Strike a Life Time Achievement Award for Derivatives.

During his lifetime, Trincada Strike produced 74 registered foals, with several youngsters still to be registered. He was bred to some of the best mares in Australia, including purebred daughters of some of the worlds most celebrated stallions such as Padrons Pysche, WH Justice, El Shaklan and El Nabila B. He was also bred to his own daughters, producing winning foals.

To list the champion progeny by Trincada would be impossible for this article, however if we take a look at the 2023 East Coast Championships we see that Trincada Maximus Strike was Champion Arabian Pony Stallion, and his little brother Trincada Bronze Strike, was Reserve Champion.

Trincada Maximus Strike was also Reserve Champion Arabian Pony Stallion at the prestigious 2023 Australian National Arabian Championships.

Other Australian Champion progeny include Rokewood Magenta (Trincada Strike x Dunelm Madeline) 2009 Australian Champion Arabian Pony Filly 3 & 4 years. She is joined by such notable progeny as Cool Breeze Charm, a Triple Crown Winner and Australian National Champion in Halter, Ridden and Harness. Avondale Posh, also an Australian Champion and the stallion Arreton Majnoun, whose wins include gold medals in dressage and show jumping at the Masters Games.

It’s never easy to say goodbye to a beloved animal, and it’s important to honour their dignity and comfort in their final days. Trincada Strike had spent many weeks in hospital over his last few years due to a chronic kidney issue.

‘He was such a brave pony, and he never complained. In November last year the vet wanted to euthanise him, however I wasn’t ready, and neither was Strike.’

Sue took Strike home, and each evening gave give his intravenous fluid and ‘asked him if it was time?’ After nearly two months of intensive care, Strike did let Sue know it was finally his time and on January 3rd, 2023, the great stallion was calmly laid to rest as his breeder and lifetime companion Sue sat crying next to him.

‘I cried every day, wondering if I could even go on breeding. I still wonder today. I have lost my best friend, and sometimes the only thing that keeps me going is the thought that perhaps one day I will meet up with him again.”

A week after losing Strike, Sue was struck by a series of events not unlike the birth of her beautiful stallion. One of her mares, Trincada Striking Cami (Trincada Strike x Trincada Precious Cami), had given birth to a foal. Perhaps not unusual on a stud, until you consider that not only had no one known she was pregnant, the season prior to foaling she had unsuccessfully been flushed for embryos by Strike, and after the last unsuccessful attempt, was given a prostaglandin injection to bring her into season for another attempt.

For those who are not aware, prostaglandin is also used to terminate unwanted pregnancies, so the fact that this foal survived both the flush and the termination is indeed a miracle.

A beautiful grey filly, she has been named Trincada Camiracle Strike, and at two and a half months old she attended her first show, only to be awarded Supreme Champion. And thus, the spirit of Trincada Strike will remain with us for many years yet.

Below: Legends at Work. Trincada Strike being driven in hardness by Ron Males. Photo by Tracey Bavinton

FIFTY YEARS OF BREEDING

CINDY REICH

Birds do it, bees do it, even educated fleas do it, let’s do it, let’s fall in love! Since we are celebrating 50 years with this issue, I figure the lyrics of the song ‘Let’s Fall in Love’, written by Cole Porter fit right in for a discussion of the evolution of reproductive techniques over the last fifty years.

While many things we do with horses haven’t changed that dramatically over the last fifty years, advances in equine reproduction have certainly changed the art of breeding horses. It’s hard to believe that something that horses have been doing fine all on their own for hundreds of years has nowadays become rather technological, but our knowledge of equine reproduction fifty years ago was vastly different from today. Some may argue for better or for worse, but it has certainly made things safer for both humans and horses, allowed us to produce foals that seemed impossible, save foals that died repeatedly in the past, and enabled forward progress in genetic selection that couldn’t be imagined in 1973.

Natural Cover

When I was growing up in rural Colorado in the U.S., breeding our mares was relatively easy. In the very early days, a local Arabian breeder in our vicinity would ride his stallion bareback, to our place, where the mare to be bred was tied up and waiting. The stallion owner would hop off, cover the mare with his stallion and head back up the road. Years later, we were breeding to another stallion about 45 minutes away,

and my mother would trailer the selected mare to the stallion owner’s farm to be bred and then bring her back home. Not that different for many horse owners even today. I remember coming to Australia and going to farms 30 years ago where live cover was the norm. As it was for many farms at home as well. But as ‘natural’ and easy as live cover CAN be, there were hazards as well. One of the biggest disadvantages was the possibility for disease transmission. The other was safety for the mare, stallion, and handlers. Ask anyone who has had to do live cover on a frightened maiden mare. I still carry some scars from those encounters. But until the arrival of Artificial Insemination, that is how things were done.

Advent of the Ultrasound Machine

I think one of the biggest game changers over the last 50 years has been the development and use of ultrasound machines. I was working as a student in the early 70’s when the first ultrasound machine was being tested at the University. It was a dinosaur compared with what we have now, but it revolutionized our understanding of follicular development, pregnancy detection and uterine management. Rectal palpation, which was the only option prior to this, was very dependent on the expertise of the veterinarian doing the palpation.

Above: Grand Ridge Royal Fire breeding Nova Bint Serenity in the manner in which it all started. PC Nicole Emanuel

Furthermore, since mares ovulate to the center of the ovary as compared to cows, who ovulate to the outside of the ovary, it was very difficult to estimate the size of a follicle to predict when to breed.

When it came to checking for pregnancy, the first pregnancy check via palpation was around 35-45 days. Now, with ultrasound machines, a pregnancy can be detected at day 10. If the mare is not pregnant, you are not losing several cycles waiting for that information. Thanks to ultrasound scanning, it was discovered that mares have a higher incidence of twinning in early pregnancy than was ever known before. If you don’t have a stallion to tease mares to determine if they are in heat, the ultrasound exam can tell you what stage of the cycle the mare is at any given moment. Silent heat mares can be monitored with accuracy and successfully bred. Granulosa cell tumors, persistent follicles and other structures that were only guessed at can now be seen clearly and dealt with. The use of ultrasound has unquestionably improved the conception rates for horses as well as our understanding of equine reproduction.

Artificial Insemination (A.I.)

Artificial insemination in horses trailed behind cattle A.I. for quite some time. Part of that was because raising cattle was a business and the more you could maximize your output, the greater your success. Horse breeders on the other hand were not producing a ‘product’. They were carefully selecting and matching individuals to breed small numbers of select offspring. Furthermore, cattle are easy to synchronize and breed, as they all ovulate at a set time. Mares, on the other hand, as I am fond of saying, are only consistent in their inconsistency. They can ovulate at any time in their cycle, including after they will no longer accept a stallion for live cover. The key to having a successful insemination was knowing when the mare was ready to ovulate (hello, ultrasound!) since behavior was not always a marker.

There are many other advantages to A.I. It is far safer for the mare and the stallion, there is the ability to stop disease transmission, more mares can be bred per ejaculate and the stallion’s sperm quality can be assessed at the time of breeding.

In the early days of A.I., the mares had to be on the same farm as the stallion. This was fine by stallion owners at the time, because it meant they could still make money from keeping the mares on the farm until checked in foal. In reality, this is still the major reason Thoroughbred farms don’t allow A.I., but that is a story for another day! Overall, the use of A.I. in horses has resulted in higher conception rates, fewer injuries to stallions, mares and staff as well as decreasing the incidence of venereal disease.

Chilled, Transported Semen

It wasn’t a big jump once A.I. was being used to go to chilled and transported semen. This was another game changer in that it allowed the mares to stay on the owner’s farm and have the semen come to the mare, rather than transporting the mare to the stallion.

As a mare owner, I would MUCH rather keep my mare at home than put her on a transport to a distant farm and hope that they take good care of her. Many farms do. But not all farms do. Many transporters are grand. Not all of them are. In my career I saw countless instances of sickness, injury and even death from transporting and/or boarding at facilities that did not do their job. As a result, many mare owners embraced the advent of transported semen. Transported semen also opened up a wider pool of stallions to choose from when breeding. Especially in a country as large as Australia—given the choice of transporting genetics or transporting horses, I think most would keep their horses at home!

It was not without problems, however. I used to print out a booklet that went with the transported semen to the farm to explain in detail how to use the semen. This was in the very earliest commercial use of the technique. Hours were spent on the phone talking to owners and veterinarians.

Above: The use of ultrasound enables us to visualise pregnancies much earlier than by rectal palpation

Below: The use of frozen semen has enlarged access to more genetics

In fact, in those days, we required a conversation with the veterinarian doing the breeding before shipping the semen, because the technology was so new that many veterinarians did not know how to use it. There were clients who heated the chilled semen in the microwave prior to inseminating (spoiler alert — it all died), another farm where they inseminated the bright blue fluid in the ballast bag instead of the bag of semen. And on and on. Now that we have been using this technology for several decades the insemination and handling of the semen is not the biggest problem, its coordinating transportation via airlines and delivery companies!

Frozen Semen

Again, we horse people trailed the cattle and livestock industry in this regard, but for good reason. Cattle sperm is indestructible for the most part. You can freeze it, dance a jig on it and then inseminate with it and voilá the cow is pregnant. If you look at a stallion spermatozoa sideways, it will curl up and die. Well, not really, but stallion spermatozoa can be quite fragile when freezing and the success is stallion dependent. Some stallions freeze really successfully, and others do not. No one knows why, really, but I suspect one problem is that we select horses based on emotion and other criteria, which usually does not include fertility. Livestock, on the other hand have always used fertility as a selection factor, so any animal that is not exceptionally fertile is taken out of the gene pool.

Freezing semen from stallions that could freeze allowed for many possibilities. Valuable genetics could be saved and stored indefinitely. Stallions that were being shown could be on the road, yet mares could be bred with frozen semen. Semen could now be used from stallions from other

continents rather than just within Australia. It was more convenient to breed mares at any time without having to arrange transport to arrive exactly at ovulation. The drawbacks to using frozen semen is that it can be labor intensive when trying to pinpoint ovulation for insemination. The pregnancy rate is lower than with fresh or chilled semen in general, and of course, the cost of importing genetics with all the regulations and paperwork continues to be a challenge for Australia.

Embryo Transfer

OK, I wasn’t going to say it, but cattle were first. Cattle can be super-ovulated (horses, not so much) and I spent much of my senior year of college assisting with cattle embryo transfers. Fifty years ago, with super-ovulation in cows, 30 or more embryos could be produced from one dairy cow. In those early days, the embryo transfer was surgical, meaning we could be doing 30 surgical transfers into 30 bovine recipients from one cow’s flush. It made for long days, but the whole process was fascinating.

Horses lagged behind, but not for long. I can remember working in bovine embryo transfer early in college, because horse embryo transfer was not being done at that time, yet by my last year of college, I was assisting in the flushing of mares for embryos. Surgical transfer was first, with the recipient mare standing in stocks and surgically going through the flank to the uterine horn. Embryo transfer allowed for mares that could no longer physically carry a foal (laminitis would be one example) to continue to produce. That was the original intent.

Below: Australian National Champion Vesuvio (Azteq LBA x Valouria) pc Stuart Vesty

However, it progressed on to being used for producing more offspring from genetically important mares in a single season, as well as producing foals from mares too young to carry a foal.

It wasn’t the most practical technique early on, as the cost of the procedure was high, and one had to have access to multiple recipient mares who had been synchronized with the donor mare in order to have a successful transfer. This necessitated managing large numbers of recipient mares which required a lot of space and was costly. Furthermore, in the days of surgical transfer, a recipient could only be used two times at most, due to the scarring from the procedure. Once embryos could be successfully transferred nonsurgically, embryo transfer became more mainstream. But the maintenance of recipient mare herds for embryo transfer facilities continues to be a challenge worldwide.

Oocyte Transfer

This is one of the more recent techniques but has gained ground in the last ten years. In oocyte transfer (O.T.), oocytes (the fluid filled structure in the ovary that contains the egg) are recovered from the ovaries of a mare standing in stocks. All oocytes contain an egg. In the early years, only the largest (dominant) follicle was harvested.However, with advances in the technology, younger oocytes are now harvested for eggs that can be successfully matured in a specialised incubator. Originally in oocyte transfer, oocytes are recovered from the donor mare, surgically transplanted into the oviduct of the recipient mare and the recipient mare is then bred with the semen of choice. Fertilisation takes place in the recipient mare. Now oocyte recovery is used primarily for ICSI (Intracytoplasmic sperm injection) procedures or as a last-ditch attempt to produce a foal from a mare that has died.

While miracle foals have been produced by O.T., its usefulness is related to having trained personnel to carry out the procedure. Australians have always been in the mix, as many Australian veterinarians trained in the U.S. at the universities where these techniques were developed. As one of the newer technologies, it still requires more trained personnel to make it more accessible.

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)

This is another recent technology made possible by the ability to recover oocytes from mares reliably. ICSI involves taking an oocyte from a mare and mechanically fertilising it with ONE sperm cell with the use of micro-manipulators under a specialized microscope. The egg, if fertilised, is matured to embryo stage and transferred as a regular non-surgical embryo transfer into the mare. This technique initially was used as a means of getting foals from a stallion who had very little frozen semen available, as one straw could be used for multiple procedures. It has also been used for stallions that have low conception rates with his semen although the argument can certainly be made that this might not be the best use of the procedure. A lot of stallions have foals on the ground decades after their death via this procedure, potentially bringing back combinations of genetics that would not have been possible otherwise.

What I did not expect was how quickly this procedure would be embraced by the Warmblood and polo horse breeders. ICSI, which has been used moderately in the Arabian industry is now used as commonly as A.I. in these other industries.

Epidydimal Sperm Harvesting

This procedure came about primarily as a means of salvaging semen from a stallion that has died or is going to be put down. Immediately upon death, the testicles are harvested, and the epididymis (major sperm storage structure of testis) is flushed and recovered mature spermatozoa are frozen for future use. For some people, this has been the only way to produce foals from their stallion if semen had never been frozen prior to death.

No doubt, as more knowledge is gained about equine reproduction and how to maximize its potential, more procedures and techniques will follow. It is up to us as breeders, owners, and veterinarians to use these techniques for positive breed improvement.

Above: The specialised equipment needed to do the ICSI procedure

SPOTLIGHT ON UNDERSTANDING

COMPLEX BEHAVIOUR

JESSIE RAE PREECE

As horse owners, we sometimes have beautiful but complex horses come into our lives who can end up being our greatest teachers. Jess Preece from Arreton Arabians shares such an experience of a special horse that came into her life. This is the story of Kasdell Dove.

Dovey came to us on lease in 2020, a dapple grey mare (Volcano x Indian Melody). When she stepped off the truck I knew she wasn’t leaving us. She had the same air as my much loved clumper mare Fergie, whom a vet once described as ‘the sort of horse who just made you say Ahhh’.

When Dove arrived it was quickly apparent that there was ‘stuff’ to deal with. She was highly sensitive and reactive to basic handling. At that stage we assumed it was possibly a training and handling issue. I contacted all parties involved at the time to discuss it, to ask if there had been any injuries, and when they may have happened. Piecing things together, we thought maybe something had happened in transit to WA. Dove had travelled extensively as a young horse. Making a trip from Tasmania to Adelaide and back as a foal at foot, and then the long haul from Tasmania to WA as a filly.

The original intention was to start her under saddle and have the option to breed with her. From Day 1, I observed Dove carefully in the paddock and noticed some subtle but slightly unusual behaviours. From the time she arrived with us she had a head flick/tilt/shake she would do when trotting or cantering, it was quite distinctive, and it was best described as if she were trying to shake something out of her ear. As time went on, this would become more of an issue on windy days.

We planned on working through the handling, and continued to work with her, and work around the issues. I could touch her ears and put fly masks on, and was mouthing her while working around the poll sensitivity. She had some soft tissue focused body work as she was far too sensitive around the neck and poll to cope with other types of therapies. We were able to attend to her routine foot trimming, and things were progressing well.

We quickly found that rugging was not an option. She coped with us gently and carefully putting the rug on at rest. However the first time she was turned out with the rug on, she galloped through three fences in a complete panic.

In November 2021 Dove went for training with Lizzy Ritchie at Lizzy Ritchie Equine Coaching in the hope of starting Dove under saddle. Lizzy called after the initial assessment to say that something wasn't right, and pointed out that Dove was uncomfortable working on one side, and had a slight but consistent head tilt.

Lizzy made the following observations. ‘Occasionally when a horse comes into training, things just feel a little off. Sometimes it’s easy to put your finger on, sometimes it isn’t.’ Lizzy had spent time with Dove at Arreton Stud prior to her coming for training and noted her sensitivity however this didn’t to raise alarm given she was a little older and up until then she had spent most of her life in the paddock.

Lizzy also noted that Dove had some hesitancy to go on the float, but this was not abnormal for a horse that had been exclusively transported on trucks previously.

Lizzy also notes, ‘At the time Dove came to me for training, the stud had let me know about a couple of unfortunate instances involving rugging her where she had become seemingly scared of the rug flapping on her, another situation that could be explained away due to her lack of life experience and didn’t raise alarm.’

‘I began to work with Dove, she was very sweet, willing and she really enjoyed playing with me at liberty and was a very connected and engaged horse. She was very ear shy, but again, nothing that particularly raised alarm - another clue that was explained away easily. And I also notice some imbalance in the way she was moving so we arranged a veterinarian with an interest in bio mechanics to assess her.’

Previous Page: Kasdell Dove

Below: Kasdell Dove and Lizzy Ritchie - Trainer

Dove was examined by Dr Lisa Walter, a veterinarian who has undertaken further studies in equine anatomy and bio mechanics and is certified in veterinary acupuncture. Dove was exceptionally difficult to undertake a basic physical exam and it was clear to both Lizzy and Lisa that there was more going on than just a lack of handling. Dr Lisa confirmed the restricted range of motion in the left poll and the former shoulder injury (sustained from a suspected kick at our property) which was resulting in reduced nerve function of the left forelimb. She also found a reduction in general proprioception and noted the extreme anxiety and hypersensitivity to touch, particularly around the neck.

After chatting with Lizzy we decided to bring Dove home so we could try and work through things at her pace, while continuing to work with our vet and body workers.

We worked on gentle balance and proprioceptive exercises and progressed to some in-hand pole work. Dr Lisa suspected an underlying neurological problem contributing to Dove’s movement dysfunction and behaviour and prescribed a medication to assist with this. We also treated Dove for gastric ulcers as these are common and can be associated with hypersensitivity and reactive behaviour.

In January 2022 we moved properties, and that move was when we went from being able to do Dove’s feet, to not being able to touch her below the shoulder at all. Even when touching her shoulder she was highly reactive, and it did not matter who was handling her, whereas before she had been okay with people she knew.

Vet work and ground work continued, however we reached the point of no further progress, then Dove’s symptoms slowly got worse.

We took her for an outing to an obstacle course in the Adelaide Hills. She had a wonderful time exploring the obstacles, but would not interact with any that required her to step on any surface she was unsure of. This included stepping up or down. The obstacles she was comfortable with she was quite bold with. I will never forget the way she marched me around so that she could look at every single one before she decided what she wanted to try. That was the last time we were able to float her, and we did not have a single issue with her loading that weekend.

In late 2022 she colicked, and this was the point that I realised the situation was serious. When we could not safely do basic vet treatment which was in her best interests to treat the

colic, I realised that this was a big problem if we were not going to be able to provide for her basic care. I knew that was definitely not a temperament issue: this mare was the sweetest, most kind-hearted mare. She loved the foals, she loved to learn, she loved to be around people.

In October 2022 Dove had a routine dental exam by our Specialist Equine Dental Vet, Dr Simone Herbert. The veterinary handling had worsened as this time we had to give Dove a high dose oral sedative just to be able to handle her for an intravenous injection. Dr Simone noted that under sedation, Dove had abnormal reactions to movement and light, so she examined her eyes. She found that Dove’s near side eye was normal and healthy but her off side eye had some sort of trauma: the retinal nerve was butterfly shaped instead of round, and there was an L shaped crack or scratch to the lens. On top of this, Dove was showing regular rings on her hooves: a clear neurological indicator in horses that are constantly trying to balance themselves. While under sedation, Dr Simone also noted the lack of movement through the left poll.

At this point I went back to Dove’s owner Sophie and we discussed Dove’s future options with Dr Lisa. It was clear that with a horse who was becoming dangerous to handle, even for a basic examination for routine veterinary care, we were fast running out of options.

Dr Lisa explained that she was suspicious of an underlying nerve pathology originating from the upper neck and that there appeared to be a significant component of neuropathic pain which is a type of pain that is associated with compression and/or inflammation of the nerves. It was apparent that Dove’s condition was worsening despite our best efforts at medical intervention, physical therapy and therapeutic exercise. Additional odd behaviours were appearing such as behaving explosively in high winds and becoming more reactive in the paddock. We’d also observed her to only lay down twice to sleep in the years that we owned her.

With the information we had at hand from Lizzy, Lisa and Simone, it was concluded that Dove had experienced some sort of significant trauma to her head and/or neck, and that any further investigation would not change the outcome. So we made the very difficult decision to give Dovey the dignity of her rest, while she was safe and happy.

Above: Kasdell Dove and Jessie Rae Preece at Antola Lodge

We made the decision to have an anatomical autopsy done as we live close by to the local veterinary school, to see if there were any visual abnormalities affecting the neck and spine.

Dove was given sedation for safe transport, and to keep her calm, as any sort of raised energy made things dangerous. We cannot thank Lisa and the Roseworthy team enough for the care and management at that time. There was extensive discussion about the safest and lowest stress option for Dove, and multiple scenarios were considered.

Dove’s autopsy showed that she was very tight through the first and second cervical vertebrae (atlas and axis), and this joint lacked any movement through the left side. The vertebrae were not fused or malformed, but the connective tissues were so tight that it did not allow the vertebrae to move normally. We do not know if it was from trauma or something else, but the joint space was narrowed, and the spinal nerves exiting from the spinal column on the left and right were noticeably different. The nerves to the left were thicker and the structures were different, as well as appearing inflamed.

Dr Lisa referenced a recent study* undertaken by specialist veterinarians in the USA that found an association between horses exhibiting dangerous behaviours, and having inflammation in a particular area of the spinal nerve where it exits the spinal cord (the nerve ganglion, which plays an important role in relaying sensation between the spinal cord and the peripheral nerves). She thought that this was likely the situation for Dove as it would explain the left-sided signs, the neurological changes, as well as the hypersensitivity and behavioural changes which are thought to be associated with a worsening neuropathic pain syndrome. Unfortunately it is difficult to diagnose these areas of nerve inflammation with the existing medical imaging technology that we have available for horses.

It was also found that Dovey’s skin twitch muscle, which is usually a thin layer over the back and sides, was thicker than normal and covered a larger surface of the body and went right down her sides and down her legs. This may explain the hypersensitivity and reaction to rugging.

Looking back and putting together all of the subtle signs over time, helped us to build the picture of what was going on with her. I am grateful for our professional team who listened and took the subtle signs seriously, as well as working with each other to put such a comprehensive picture together.

I don’t know what more we could have possibly done for her. My heart is broken, my days are quieter, and there is a pink mooshy snozzle missing from my routine. However, the information that Dovey has contributed will hopefully help horses and horse owners into the future.

I would like to thank all the professionals we used along the way for their understanding, patience, and kindness with Dovey, and for them not writing Dove off as just having ‘bad behaviour’.

Our beautiful Dovey drew a short straw in the lottery of life, with a body that didn’t function right. This was not a temperament issue: Dovey was the sweetest mare, who never did anyone wrong. Like most horses - she just wanted to eat and hang out in the sunshine.

*Story, MR, Nout-Lomas, YS, Aboellai TA, Selberg, KT, Barrett, MF, McIlwrait, CM and Haussler, KK. (2021) Dangerous Behaviour and Intractable Axial Skeletal Pain in Performance Horses: A Possible Role for Ganglioneuritis (14 cases: 20142019). Front Vet Sci, 8:734218.

Photography by Jessie Rae Preece

Below: Kasdell Dove

2023 LEADING SIRES & DAMS OF CHAMPIONS

The following pages represent in numbers, an analysis of the most successful bloodlines currently on the Arabian show scene.

Based on results from leading shows around the country, the points on the following charts are awarded as follows: CHAMPION = 10 points; RESERVE CHAMPION = 7 points; TOP FIVE/TEN OR PLACING UP TO THIRD PLACE = 2 points.

Classes in this study include all age group halter classes, and excludes speciality classes such as Classic Head or Classic Trot, or any jackpot or sweepstakes events. The ridden section is calculated from Ridden Breed classes only, it does not include for example Bridle Path Hack or Western, it does include Ridden Purebred Mare, Gelding and Stallion classes. The results have been deemed correct as supplied, and we do not make any claim that the horses represented here are ranked in other system than which we describe in these pages.

The dam line chart is based on the first mare imported to Australia from the line. Imported horses who achieved points during the year do not have points allocated to themselves, however their dams are included in their relevant section.

Results have been calculated from the East Coast Arabian Championships, Australian National Arabian Championships, Victorian Classic, Double Diamond, Tasmanian Championships, VIC Barastoc, WA Championships, SA Championships, International Championships (Purebred Only), Top of The Range and The QLD Challenge. The full results from the NSW State Titles and National Stud Horse Show were not complete, however rather than not include these shows at all, we have included as many as were possible. If your show would like to be involved next year, please contact the editor.

Above: Allegiance MI (Magnum Forty Four x Audacia)

2023 LEADING SIRES OF PUREBRED CHAMPIONS

A total of 117 stallions contributed to our leading sires for this past year. Of the Top 30, fourteen are from Australia, thirteen have been imported and five have produced winners through frozen semen, or have progeny imported. Five Straight Egyptian stallions are featured in our Top Ranking Sires this year.

OVERALL LEADING SIRES OF DERIVATIVE CHAMPIONS

A total of 222 stallions contributed to our derivative chart this season. Of our Leading Stallions, eight are Purebred Arabians, the same result as the previous year. Three stallions do not carry any Arabian blood, while ten of our leading stallions carry over 50% registered Arabian blood.

2023 LEADING DAMS OF PUREBRED CHAMPIONS

2023 LEADING DAM LINES OF PUREBRED CHAMPIONS

A total of 81 individual mares created dam lines that featured in our study for 2023. Combined with those that featured last year, and didn’t this year, the total number of mare families with tail female descendants showing today is 97. An interesting statistic when one considers a common discussion today centres around genetic diversity.

Another aspect of the study that I find fascinating is the number of mares who had only one daughter, who now have a large family. Take for example our leading mare Nasirieh, imported by Fenwick from Crabbet Park, and the only daughter of Skowronek to reach Australia. She had just one filly, the chestnut Kassa (by Kataf). Kassa gave birth to an astonishing nine fillies, and thus her legacy was set.

I thought it was interesting to see that popular and successful dam lines range from mares born in the 2000’s, such as Ivory MI (who was born in Australia, after being imported inside her recipient dam) through to the very oldest surviving damline in Australia of Dahna, an 1883 mare imported by Sir James Penn Boucatt in 1891.

We all owe a debt of gratitude to the breeders who had the foresight to import these illustrious mares to Australia.

Left page:

Top left: Ulysium (US) pc Trevor Belchambers

Top right: Harmony Hill Anakin pc Narelle Wockner

Middle left: Echos of Marwan (US) pc Jess Wilson

Middle right: Ray of Light pc Tracey Bavinton

Below left: Chelleason Crown Jewel pc Sharon Meyers

Below right: Crave FF pc Samantha Taylor

Right page:

Top left: DM Marcedes True Love (US) pc Stuart Vesty

Top right: Nasirieh (GB) pc Fenwick Archives

Middle left: Mustang's Magnum pc Stuart Vesty

Middle right: Karmaa (US) pc Stuart Vesty

Below left: Always Valentine MI pc Stuart Vesty

LEADING ENDURANCE HORSES 2023

Marlou Park Billy's Alibi Newhaven Desert Dreamer Taywoona Shahn Al Marta Majid Shah (Neshan x Dynasty Saheeda)

Brynjell Dynamo Uther J Pendragon Ledarb Farm Nadjarl T Nadji (Simeon

Rocky Point Sands of Cymophane Shifting Sands Braveheart Kazoo Park Silver Rosaleeah

Oso Enigma SDA Silver Legend

Boy (Arabian Park Ibn Saweeha x Rothlynne Wind N Fire)

(Hadban Enzahi x Masarrah)

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INDEX

Simeon Seis (out of Simeon Se) Reserve champion yearling filly 2011 East Coast championships

Simeon Se (out of Simeon Seda) ReserveChampionmare2010East Coast championships

Simeon Seda (out of Raffalaa)

Raffaalaa (Dalul x BF Bahaala)