Arabian Studs & Stallion 2014 by Vink Publishing

40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION ANNUAL 2014 • VOLUME 40 A U S $15 . 0 0 N Z $17.95 [ I N C

GS T]

B r e m e rva l e a r a B i a n s

Jenni Ogden

Anyone who’s been around Arabian horses for any length of time is going to recognise the name Bremervale Arabians. For over fifty years, the Toft family have been producing Arabians possessing both beauty and functionality, and who have won accolades at some of the most prestigious events in the world. The story of Bremervale Arabians, through the words of Warwick Toft, starts as a tale of one woman’s determination to live her dream, and continues on today with three generations of her family now continuing the dream and living it with her. In London, during the darkest days of World War II, a little girl spent her time dreaming of one day owning and breeding Arabian horses. It was a dream she held onto into her adult life, through getting married, through producing six children, through the hard times of running a dairying business while the Queensland dairy industry was facing decline. Though all those years and milestones had passed, Jill Toft remained determined, and eventually, with the support of her husband Gordon, she decided to follow her dream and buy her first Arabians. The process was not an easy one. First, the search for Arabians in the early 60s was difficult to say the least. Very few Arabian mares were for sale, and quality ones were even harder to find. Secondly, with little money, there was no simple process of writing out a cheque. There were major sacrifices to be made to pay for the horses, and a commitment that would take many years to pay off. In spite of the difficulties, Jill and Gordon were able to purchase three outstanding mares – Electric Ray (Electric Silver x Nasifa) and Julia (Riffal x Electric Ray), purchased from Sir Clarence Leggett of Oxford Stud, and Zena (Diomedes x Zateyma), purchased

from Dr. Youngman. The two mares Electric Ray and Zena would make an enormous contribution to the breeding program. These two mares along with Polaca, Gual Boukra and Piconera would be the five major tail female lines on the farm. The stallion Lord Gold-N-Glo (Crystal Fire x Lady Blunt) also played a significant role at the time, however it would be the next stallion to come on to the farm, Oxford Decimus (Risaldar x Oxford Sunset) who was to play a truly pivotal role in the farm's future. He consistently produced daughters with great shoulders, necks, legs, feet and dry faces with beautiful dark eyes. Consequently, most of the horses on the farm today have the blood of Oxford Decimus running through their veins. While the dairy industry continued to decline, the demand for Bremervale Arabians increased. Change was necessary, and while initially putting enormous strain on the family’s finances and lifestyle, the move from breeding Arabians as a part-time hobby to a business was undertaken. With this change, it became apparent Bremervale needed a new outcross for the breeding program, and Jill made plans to visit the USA. The direction taken on that trip was to take the farm down a road somewhat different to many of the other breeders of the day. Jill’s search took her to Wayne Newton Arabians, where she fell in love with some of the resident Steen Mares that had been imported from Spain many years earlier. Although very old, these mares showed many of the qualities that the farm had been searching for, so Jill immediately made plans to visit Spain. The visit was fruitful, and three mares, Polaca (Hacho x Batista), Gual Boukra (Galeon x Rumbosa), and Piconera (Hacho x Veleta), along with the stallion Gual Diman (Uzacur x Gurab), were to become the first Arabian horses imported from Spain into Australia.

Later, Jill imported another stallion; WN Dasjmir (G G Samir x Arawiszja). The significance of this purchase and importation could never be overstated. He is one of the most beautiful and functional Arabians ever to come into Australia. His son Desperado (WN Dasjmir x Bremervale Aquarius), is Bremervale’s leading breeding stallion and is the sire and grand-sire of too many National and International champions to name, in a multitude of disciplines. His magic truly lies in producing progeny that give their owners success, whether they are a child starting out on their first Arabian or a dedicated breeder. In the nineties, Bremervale purchased Rave VF. We had always been excited about Rave’s breeding, not just because of his sire Bey Shah, but also because of his dam Raffoleta-Rose – a mare we consider to be one of the most outstanding in the world. The breeding of Dasjmir and Rave VF to the beautiful Decimus mares, enabled the farm to produce many outstanding broodmares with Decimus close up in their pedigrees. Rave VF was sold for a few years, before being repurchased in late 2005. The crossing of Desperado over the Rave daughters has been a truly outstanding success resulting in many Australian National Champions, and the return of Rave will give us the opportunity to breed him to a new generation of mares – including the Desperado daughters. The introduction of Opus Comet JP (Laddin BA x Key Maali JP) has further added a new dimension to the outcrossing of the Desperado, Rave cross with outstanding success. Bremervale Fortune Queen (Opus Comet JP x Bremervale Deserree) is one of the best examples of this cross. Bremervale has always been looking for the next stallion, seeking those that will complement its present program without introducing any undesirable

characteristics and faults. In late 2011, after looking for close on ten years we found not one but two outstanding stallions: WN Majestic Sumara and Chippendale V. Both not only possessed the qualities and characteristics that we needed to continue going forward, but also just as importantly, they did not have the undesirable characteristics and faults that we have worked so hard to ensure have not been introduced into our breeding program. WN Majestic Sumara is by Monogramm, who has had an outstanding impact on the breeding program of the Polish State Studs. Sumara’s dam, WN Samsara is one of Wayne Newton’s most beautiful mares. Chippendale V, a USA regional Champion, is by the Fame son Audacious PS, a stallion whose progeny are winning profusely in the USA show ring. Chippendale’s pedigree is mainly of Varian breeding, based on Polish and old American breeding lines. He will enter the show ring later this year. Both stallions will have their first foals born in August and we will be looking forward to showing them to visitors. Today there are three generations of family members who enjoy the day to day running of Bremervale, with many of Jill’s grandchildren enjoying time on the farm, and three in particular – Georgia, Maddie and their cousin Alexandra, are avid endurance riders with very competitive spirits. Georgia and Maddie are also making their way in to the show ring, as well as helping their grandmother Jill in foaling down the mares on the farm. Looking forward, we are planning to have more horses competing overseas in the coming year, while the enthusiasm of the grandchildren will mean an ever increasing number of Bremervale horses are out competing under saddle in both the show ring and endurance. Last season Bremervale had over a dozen horses competing in these fields. Bremervale will also be holding an Open Day in the not too distant future, in conjunction with informative seminars for attendees. Looking back, one of the great things about the journey with Arabian horses has always been the wonderful people you meet along the way, many of who become lifelong friends. I have so many childhood memories of sitting around the dining room table with family and other Arabian enthusiasts in lively discussion. Not only did we solve the problems of the Arabian industry, but also world poverty and peace on earth! Well that’s what we thought at the time... Overseas trips not only leave you with worldwide friendships, but with memories of some of the great stallions of their times. Whether overseas or at home, the first time you see a great horse always seems so vivid: such as the first time we saw Dasjmir, Rave and Comet, and the night Desperado was born. Other special moments include seeing the

first Spanish imports arrive at the farm, walking in to the show ring for the first time at Brisbane Royal, and putting Georgia on her first horse when she was only a few months old (The horse was Polaca). There is something very rewarding about watching foals grow up to be successful show horses, then broodmares, then watching them live out their lives at Bremervale – some with as many as five generations of progeny residing on the farm with them. We have many great memories, from exporting our first horse over thirty years ago, and seeing an ever increasing number of our horses take this journey, to watching

the Desperado sons Andronicus and Rahere win US National and Scottsdale Championships. Since Bremervale’s establishment there have been many forks in the road, and each has influenced the breeding program. However the focus on breeding beautiful Arabians that are functional and tractable with wonderful dispositions, is a vision that hasn’t changed – and it is a vision that has become a reality. Bremervale horses are the result of the dedication, hard work and dreams of three generations of family, and as a family, we look forward to the challenges of breeding for the future. ♦

Welcome to

Bremervale

Jenni Ogden

Chippendale v USA Regional Champion Sire Audacious PS Dam SC Crystal Pistol

Desper aDo

(* W n Da s j m i r x B r e m e r va l e aq u a r i u s â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ta i l f e m a l e l i n e r u m B o sa s pa i n )

austr aliaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leaDing Contempor ary sir e

a u s t r a l i a' s l e a D i n g C o n t e m p o r a r y s i r e Desperado is one of the most influential stallions in the breed. He is the sire and grandsire of Australian National Champions, US National Champions, Scottsdale Champions and Regional Champions. He is the sire of winning 3*** endurance horses throughout the world.

w n Da Sj m i r

i mp uSa

( G G S a m i r x a r aw i S z j a ) au St r a li a n nat iona l Ch a m pion

opus Comet jp

imp Br

(Laddin BA x Key Maali JP) Australian and Brazilian Champion

rave VF

imp uSa

(Bey Shah x Raffoleta-Rose) US National Champion Western Pleasure

C h i ppen da le V

Fame VF Audacious PS

Chippendale V imp USa

Hal Flirtatious Desperado V

SC Crystal Pistol Kiss ofthe Shah

Bey Shah Raffoleta-Rose Hal Gazal Al-Ra Pentar Huckleberry Bey Daraska Bey Shah Kiss Afire

B R E M E R VA L E B E Y A N G E L

Bremervale Duchess

Bremervale Bey Giselle

Bremervale El Capitan

WN M AJEST IC SUM AR A

Bremervale King Of Hearts

Bremervale Bey Rafael

I M P USA

Bremervale Bey Jasper

B r e M e r vA l e c h i e f j u S t i c e

So many people today love the Arabian horse for their versatility, beauty and disposition. During 1976 Bremervale was the first stud in Australia to import Arabian horses from Spain. Today, horses at the stud consist of English, Spanish and Polish bloodlines.

Bremervale Adele

WN Majestic Sumara

Sue Crockett

B r e m e rva l e a r a B i a n s

“Birthplace of Champions” est 1962

Jill Toft & Warwick Toft “Oxford” * E. Summerville Rd, M.S. 1020, Fernvale QLD 4306 For information on our stallions and sale horses contact: Warwick Toft 0400 546 407 or (07) 5464 3704 or evenings (07) 5464 3886 Email: bremervale@bigpond.com Ph otos by Sharon Meyers unless noted

CONTeNTS

AnnuAl 2014 • VoluME 40 dedication: this issue of arabian Studs & Stallions is dedicated to the memory of its founders, Judith and Herman Vink.

Michael Vink, Publisher P: (07) 3334 8000 (michael@vinkpub.com)

SaRah BaRRie, Editor (sarah@vinkpub.com)

Production Team

Wendy deng, Melinda PaRk, Jonathan neVin & kaRen Belik cover photo: Simeon Shifran – Straight egyptian Stallion (asfour x Simeon Shavit) with elisha owner Simeon Stud Stuart Vesty, Photographer

ArAbiAn StudS & StAllionS: Po Box 8369, Woolloongabba Queensland 4102 australia Phone: (07) 3334 8000 Fax: (07) 3391 5118 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.

Welcome to the 40th Anniversary Edition of Arabian Studs & Stallions The Legend of the Arabian Ivory, Gold and Bronze…KA Damascus Young Stallion Spotlight: Anastazi MI The Arabian: Through the eyes of master photographer Suzanne Sturgill An Interview with Cameron Bonney Shatana Arabians Valinor Park Extravagance VO Pure Polish Colt Georgian Arabians What makes an Arabian a Legend? What makes a stallion legendary? Simeon Shifran The Egyptian Arabian Horse and its Mysteries A Balanced Approach How to make the Arabian Horse Industry relevant in the ‘new normal’ Arabian Racing from start to finish Arabian Racing: An Overview Breeding Arabian Racehorses Identifying and Training The Arabian Racehorse A New and Exciting Direction for Swiftwood Arabians Gotcha from the Past Arinya Park Promoting our Arabians West Coast Acharon + S Workmates and Friends….Special memories of Hume Creek Arabians The Life, Legend and Legacy of Magnum Forty Four Stallion Directory Breeding and Management Journal Tricks, Tools and Techniques for Breeding Arabians Is Your Stallion Ready For The Breeding Season? When it all goes wrong Placentitis: A devastating threat to your unborn foal Exercise for young horses – is it a good idea? Hendra Virus: Should your horses be vaccinated? Advertisers Index

10 14 25 32 41 69 81 88 102 114 124 125 126 130 152 158 165 167 168 171 178 180 182 186 194 198 202 209 210 211 214 218 220 221 223 225

AR ABIAN STUDS & STALLIONS

Welcome to the

40th Anniversary Edition of Arabian Studs & Stallions

editor: sarah barrie

A lot can change in forty years. For those that were around, let’s take a look back; for those of us that weren’t, let’s at least get a feel for the era.

1974 The year the world’s population reached 4 billion // Pocket calculators appeared in shops and word processors appeared in offices // The Prime Minister was Gough Whitlam // Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin // Australia’s road signs switched from imperial to metric // The first Australian credit card, Bankcard, was introduced.

Want more? Think Big won the Melbourne Cu. //The music program Countdown debuted // Popular musicians included ABBA, the Beach Boys and David Bowie // The top-selling single in Australia was My Coo Ca Choo by Alvin Stardust // Popular films included the Sting, the Exorcist and blazing Saddles // The most popular TV programs included the Price is right, the Waltons and the Six Million Dollar Man. Photo: Shiekie courtesy of Directory of ArAbiAn StAllionS in Australia.

A number of stallions you might recognise were imported to Australia, including: Ansata El Hakim, Ansata El Shahwan, Cool Hand Luke, Hamana, Kamil Quartz, Shadan, Dresden, El Sherif Nazir, Gromyko, Mushtaq, Prince of Seasons, Regal Crystal and Wenceslas. Of course, last but by no means least, the first Directory of Arabian Stallions in Australia, which would later become Arabian Studs & Stallions, was printed. While ‘40’ is traditionally the year one starts receiving those supposedly-humorous birthday cards with their references to being over-the-hill or their portrayal of firefighters appearing to put out birthday candles, Arabian Studs & Stallions is better than ever. However, it has enjoyed some middle-aged spread. It now boasts an impressive two-hundred pages – one-hundredand-fifty more than its original counterpart. I guess this is, at least partly, a reflection of the number of stallions at stud, with numbers rising from less than fifteen hundred, to around seven thousand – and that’s not to mention the overseas stallions we have access to these days. So what has changed in the Arabian Horse industry since 1974? Too much to mention here, but there are a few interesting points I’d like to share with you, based on the information from the Directory of

40th AnniversAry edition of Ar AbiAn studs & stAllions

Arabian Stallions in Australia. Before we begin, let’s put away the term ‘inflation’ for the moment – it just takes all the fun out of it. In 1974, the average service fee was $160. Agistment was generally free – at least until the mare was tested in foal at 42 days. If agistment was charged, the average figure was $3.50/week. Some studs even threw in free pregnancy tests and many, free returns. Today we predominantly see horses’ advertised achievements relating to halter, English-style saddle classes and endurance. Back then, we still had the halter, the saddle classes and the endurance, but we also, just as frequently, saw references to dressage, stock work, trail classes, cutting, mustering, eventing, show jumping and even novelty events! And isn’t that wonderful? Take a look at the late R M Williams’ stallion, Shiekie (pictured above). The magazine exploded with multi-talented horses. You just can’t look at it and not recognise the true versatility of the Arabian horse. Out of curiosity I ran some comparative figures based on the 1974 magazine and today’s. Of those studs that listed their stallions’ achievements in their ads:

Achievements

1974

2014

Halter only

30%

51%

Performance only

17%

19%

Halter and performance

36%

22%

Three or more disciplines

17%

Is the average Arabian becoming less of an all-rounder? Or perhaps it’s us as owners, not the horses that are becoming less versatile. Surely it can’t be the case that more than half of all our advertised breeding stallions are only capable of running around on the end of a lead? Now, just hold on – I can hear you shouting at me already. I just said “Surely it can’t be,” remember? Perhaps our advertising priorities have changed. Certainly, most of us don’t have cattle to muster. But it was nice to see so many different disciplines mentioned in these early advertisements. Because our Arabians are multi-talented, wonderfully versatile horses. And if we don’t tell people, how will they know? In the very first edition of this magazine, Gloria Lanigan wrote an introduction to the Arabian horse which has been reprinted on page 11. Enjoy her article, forty years on, and enjoy this anniversary edition of your magazine. ♦

AR ABIAN STUDS & STALLIONS

Like ďż˝ather

Thaqib al Nasser imp. qatar ansata halim shah x imperial Madanah qatar National Champion

Like ďż˝on Khalifah al saba

Thaqib al Nasser x simeon siboni australian National Championships Top 5

Sam Pearce

available aT sTud iN ausTralia

Like ďż˝aughter

Jennifer Ogden

Like Grandson

Suhalia al Saba Exp. belgium Thaqib al Nasser x Simeon Siboni australian National Champion & international Champion OwNEd by al waab Stud, Qatar

MĂŞNE-Shah al Saba (belgium) Thaqib al Nasser x Suhalia al Saba international Champion availablE at Stud iN italy

t h r E E

G E N E r at i O N S

O f

u N i Q u E

d E S E r t

Louise Cordina and Glenn North 22 Crosslands Road Galston NSW 2159 Australia Phone: +61 2 9653 3582 Fax: +61 2 9653 2976 email: louise@cordina.com.au

www.saba-arabians.com

t y p E

The Legend of the Arabian Version as published by h.C. and J.A. Vink 1974 When God was about to create the horse He said to the South Wind: “Become solid flesh, for I will make a new creature of thee, to the honour of My Holy One, and the abasement of mine enemies, and for a servant to them that are subject to Me.” And the South Wind said, “Lord, do Thou so.” Then God took a handful of the South Wind and he breathed thereon, creating the horse and saying: “Thy name shall be Arabian, and virtue bound into the hair of thy forelock, and plunder on thy back. I have preferred thee above all beasts of burden, inasmuch as I have made thy master thy friend. I have given thee the power of flight without wings, be it onslaughter or in retreat. I will set men on thy back, that shall honour and praise Me and sing Hallelujah to My name.” In the black tents of the Bedouin it was told from father to son that their ancestor Ishmael, son of Abraham, was the first of mankind to ride a horse, whereupon the Archangel Gabriel appeared to him and announced: “The living God presents thee with this noble creature, as a true helpmeet in the desert. God will reward thee for thy faithfulness to the creed of thy father, Abraham, and for not erring after false gods.” The mare bore a colt, and of these two were begotten all Arab horses from that day to this.

The Legend of The Ar AbiAn

AR ABIAN STUDS & STALLIONS

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve come a long way since 1972. A journey best measured in countless miles and loyal customers.

Sydney Airport, 1973

To find out more about IRT and how we can help you and your horse, call +61 3 9643 3000 or visit our website. www.irt.com/40-years

Mulawa ARABIAN STUD

Kavalle MI

Gazal Al Shaqab x Karess (by Magnum Forty Four) 3rd Generation Mulawa bred Stallion 2013 East Coast Champion Yearling Colt 2013 Australian Champion Yearling Colt (Unanimous) Kavalle MI is a young stallion of supreme quality and type.

Valentinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Angel MI

DA Valentino x Always An Angel (by SK Shakla Khan) 5th Generation Mulawa bred Female 2012 National Stud Show Champion Yearling Filly 2013 East Coast Champion Yearling Filly 2013 Australian Champion Yearling Filly (Unanimous) A beautiful combination of elegance, flair and movement.

Mulawa ARABIAN STUD

Klassical Dream MI

Klass x Mustangâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Magnum (by Magnum Forty Four) 2nd Generation Mulawa bred Female 2011 2012 2013 2013

Australian Champion 2 & 3 Year Old Filly National Stud Show Champion Mare East Coast Champion 3 & 4 Year Old Champion Mare Reserve Australian Champion Mare

The epitome of Arabian beauty and type.

Konquest MI

Guiliano x Mulawa Karismaa (by Magnum Psyche) 2nd Generation Mulawa bred Colt 2012 National Stud Show Champion Junior Colt 2013 East Coast Champion 2 Year Old Colt A dynamic combination of size, conformation, movement and charisma.

Mulawa ARABIAN STUD

MI Harmony

Guiliano x Fames Harmony (by Fame Maker R) 5th Generation Mulawa bred Female 2012 Australian Champion Yearling 2013 East Coast Reserve Champion 2 Year Old Filly 2013 Reserve Australian Champion 2 Year Old Filly An elegant, captivating filly of exceptional quality.

Mulawa ARABIAN STUD

Mulawa Aspiring Magnum Forty Four x Jiah Aspire (by GLF Apollo) 4 Generations of Mulawa Bloodlines 2006 Victorian Classic Supreme Champion Female 2012 Queensland Challenge Reserve Champion Mare 2013 East Coast Reserve Champion Mare 2013 Australian Champion Mare Dam of National Stud Show Champion & 2011 Australian Reserve Yearling Champion Filly Aspiring Valentino MI Aspiring is a beautifully balanced, elegant mare with great movement and possessing the huge luminous eyes so characteristic of the progeny of Magnum Forty Four.

Magnum Forty Four Magnum Psyche (by Padrons Psyche) Three Times Leading Sire at the Australian Championships 2010, 2011, 2012 44 leaves an indelible legacy at Mulawa, a legacy that will endure and enrich the breeding programme for generations.

Artistry MI Magnum Forty Four x M Angelique (by Vision) 2nd Generation Mulawa bred Stallion 2013 Australian Champion Hunter 2012 National Capital Arabian Show Reserve Champion Stallion Ridden by Kristian Akehurst

Fames Phantom MI Fame Maker R x Mustangâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Magnum (by Magnum Forty Four) 2013 East Coast Cup Purebred Champion 2012 National Capital Arabian Show Champion Ridden Gelding 2012 National Stud Show Champion Arabian Snaffle Bit Maturity. Reserve Champion Ridden Gelding (Res. to Champion Mulawa Inspired owned by Peta and Ashleigh Meagher). Ridden by Kristian Akehurst

Allegiance MI

Magnum Forty Four x Audacia (by Parkview Audacious) 3rd Generation Mulawa bred Stallion Whilst his own show career ended prematurely through accident, watch out for the first progeny of this sensational young sire as they make their show ring debuts in 2013.

“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work and determination. Remember all things are possible for those who believe” Gail Devers – Three time Olympic Champion

Mulawa ARABIAN STUD

Greg and Julie Farrell - Jane Farrell Berrilee, Sydney, Australia | + 61 412 517 188 | julie.farrell@mulawa.com.au | www.mulawaarabians.com.au

Jenni Ogden

Ivory, Gold and Bronze…

KA Damascus

Ivory, Gold and Bronze. Precious substances. Shimmering in a stallion so exotic you check your vision to see if he is a dream. Indeed, KA Damascus is a dream horse for Colleen Jackson of Subiaco, Western Australia. Searching for her vision of an Arabian stallion to complement her growing farm, Colleen embarked on a trip to Kehilan Arabians, and the exotic, shimmering gold and bronze stallion with the spectacular ivory mane and tail pranced his way under the hot Texas sun right into Colleen’s heart. “The first time I saw him he just took my breath away. He was the horse I’ve always dreamed to someday own,” remembers Colleen. At the time, Damascus was not for sale, as he was scheduled to become the junior sire for the respected Kehilan Arabians, and help headline

their impressive roster created over thirty years of passionate breeding. But Colleen’s persistence paid off, and wisely he has become the foundation for her new Straight Egyptian breeding program. As with the ancient heritage his name signifies, Damascus’s ancestry is royal. His sire is the National winning, world renowned senior stallion at Kehilan – Makhnificent KA, who has winning offspring on most continents around the globe. He remains to date the only Straight Egyptian stallion in the U.S.A. to have won U.S. National Top Ten honours as both a yearling and as a three year old Futurity Colt. Makhnificent is sired by the ethereal, alabaster white Makhsous, who was also a sire of National Champions in both Performance and Halter, as well as World Champions globally. The striking liver chestnut colour that Damascus sports is inherited from the sire of Makhsous, the Sameh son named Sultann. Sultann was an American import from Egypt who sired three U.S.

By Becky Rodgers National Performance Champions from only fifty registered foals in the U.S.A. He also sired the U.S. National Champion Halter and English winner Asadd, himself a liver chestnut. And no mention of Sultann as a sire is complete without a nod to one of the top winning Arabian stallions of all time, the multi National Champion in Halter and Performance, Sakr. The dam of Damascus, Rahimah KA, is no stranger to producing globetrotters herself. Her children and grandchildren are well represented in many stud farms around the world. She has two sons standing at stud in Italy, including the full brother to Damascus; Royal Spirit KA. Royal Spirit is a Reserve Champion Colt at the Egyptian Event Europe, the Italian Egyptian Event Champion Colt and the Reserve Champion Futurity at the Egyptian Event in Lexington, Kentucky. Royal Spirit is owned by El Precioso Arabians. Rahimah has two full siblings to Damascus in New Zealand: A daughter named Azizah KA and one of the

Above: KA Damascus

AR ABIAN STUDS & STALLIONS

head sires at Rhodium stud – Rajah KA. Rajah was shown twice in Australia to Champion Stallion at the Western District Champion Show and to Champion Stallion and Supreme Champion Purebred at the Victoria Classic. Rajah unfortunately was injured on his way to the East Coast Championships, and now resides back home in New Zealand. Kehilan Arabians has retained two of Rahimah’s exotic daughters by Marquis, and I count them among our very best producers. These two mares are 3/4 siblings to Damascus and have produced sons and daughters that are foundation horses for discriminating breeders worldwide. One of these sisters, Simpli Iresistibl, has a daughter named Maarakesh KA that is owned by Al Jood Stud in Qatar, and has been shown to a Top Five Egyptian Event, Qatar, as well as a Top Ten Egyptian Event in the U.S.A. The other sister, Marquisah KA, has a daughter named Maheebah KA owned by Al-Jenan Arabian Stud of Kuwait and named a Top Five Egyptian Event Kuwait winner. Marquisah has a son named Marajh KA who is a 7/8 brother to Damascus. He is owned by Mohamed Jaidah of Qatar and stands at Silver Maple Farm in California. And also a world traveller from this family is the gorgeous filly Athenna KA (Maariq KA x Marquisah KA) who is a 7/8 sister to Damascus and now resides in Egypt with Alaa Ayoub at El Karma stud. We can see that Damascus has a well-connected family!

The tapestry of life is woven with threads from many colours and Damascus is no exception. His lineage contains many of the most noble examples of Straight Egyptian blood including; Makhsous, Nabiel, Tuhotmos, The Egyptian Prince, Ansata Ibn Halima, Ibn Hafiza, Alaa El Din, Moniet El Nefous, Rawayeh, Dahmah Shahwaniah, and Magidaa. His tail female line is to the Mesaoud daughter Risala. Thus, the strain is the sought after Kuhaylan (or Kehilan) Ajuz Rodan. The Kuhaylan strain is often noted for its powerful bodies and dry, desert look. Damascus is no exception to that descriptor, while in addition exhibiting the elegance and exotic type from his Saklawi and Dahman bloodlines. This stunning young horse is a vision in bronze with a seahorse profile, high flag tail, curvaceous neck and captivating expression. Recognising the unique opportunity Damascus has created, Colleen has begun to collect precious jewels by way of Straight Egyptian mares for her stallion. Recently acquired from Kehilan is the diamond gem, Saahara KA (MB Talmaar x Imperial Saahoura). A Dahman strain mare that has produced one champion after another, Sarah as she is called, is also the AHA of America’s “Cover Girl”. Gracing the cover of their current Arabian Horse Guidebook is a photo of Sarah being kissed by Kehilan owner Nancy Blankenship’s granddaughter, Emma. This photo has won hearts the world over. And one only has to see Sarah in person

to see why – the huge luminous eyes that radiate kindness combined with her beautiful face are an endearing combination. She traces in tail female line to Ansata Nile Mist and has been a proven producer of Event Champions and Canadian Top Ten winners with Makhnificent KA, Marquis I and Makhsous. Sarah is currently in foal to Marquis I and will be bred to Damascus for a highly anticipated 2014 foal. The future is exciting for this gorgeous stallion. Damascus has spent the last eight months in saddle training, where he presents a stunning profile as a Hunter horse. He is now heading off to prepare for an appearance at the Egyptian Event in Lexington, Kentucky. Following that he will begin to breed his first book of select mares. The anticipation of his first foals is a thrill for Colleen as well as for Kehilan. Colleen remarks, “I’m hoping he will breed on his beauty, charisma and that magical look. I expect him to be as successful at producing extraordinary foals as his sire Makhnificent KA and dam Rahimah KA have been. The combination of phenotype and genotype bolsters my confidence!” That magic of her dream horse has come to life in KA Damascus. The painting continues. Strokes of gold, big eyes, tippy ears, short backs, darling faces, flag tail carriage and just possibly some ivory and bronze! ♦

Above: Saahara KA in the photo that has won hearts the world over Ivory, Gold and Bronze… K a damascus

40th edition of Ar AbiAn StudS & StAllionS

AR ABIAN STUDS & STALLIONS

EA pollonique minem

GLF Apollo x Magnifique [Magnum Forty Four]

Samantha Taylor

Multi Supreme Champion Filly

Look out for her this year with JH Training Centre

Eminem Dasharvoo Megan Menzies

Black Purebred Colt by Arabian Park Desert Dashar out of Al-Dahma [Maf-Ue Shaienne]

Samantha Taylor

Young stock available for sale

Megan Menzies â&#x20AC;&#x153;Craig Gowanâ&#x20AC;? 243 Menzies Lane COOLAMON NSW 2701 Home Telephone/Fax: 02 69278536 Megan Mobile: 0428 278536 Email: rmmenzies@bigpond.com

w w w.e m inemar abi ans.com E st . 1999

Maraj El Dakar Producing Champions such as Espirit Exquisite

(Imp USA)

Espirit Exquisite

Unanimous Australian Champion Mare AO

Espirit Arabians For breeding enquiries to Maraj El Dakar (Imp USA) contact Annette Vickery

344 Hilldale Road, Hilldale, NSW. 2420 02 4995 6169 or 0418 251 580 espirit@ bmr.net.au

Young Stallion Spotlight:

Anastazi MI (or ‘The Amazing’ as we call him at home) is a 4 year old bay stallion by the internationally renowned sire and show champion Magnum Forty Four, out of the stunning, multi-award winning Mulawa Anastazia. An outstanding halter horse in his own right, Anastazi has enjoyed an impressive halter career, winning National Stud Show Champion Junior Colt in 2010 as well as East Coast Champion Two-Year-Old Colt and Australian Top Ten Champion Two & Three Year Old Colt in 2011.

Anastazi MI so calm and relaxed, happily chilling out in his stable. His attitude remained laid-back as he was brought out for me and lunged, long-reined and shown free. Even after being chased around a round yard he was more than happy to come straight back to us for cuddles.

When in May last year I made a decision to move back into showing purebreds, I was faced with the daunting task of finding the perfect stallion. I needed an all-round superstar, something special, with the temperament, personality and physical attributes to be highly competitive both led and ridden, in open and amateur classes. But where to start? Having been a great admirer of Mulawa horses – especially of the Magnum Forty Four line – for some time, I began my search there.

Of course, I quickly bought him, and since his purchase in May of 2012, Anastazi has commenced his saddle training with Andrew Buckley of EB Lodge. Although right at the start of his saddle career, he competed beautifully in the Open Ridden Stallion class at the Nationals and was placed highly against the older, seasoned stallions. At the East Coast Championships, Anastazi placed Reserve Champion Ridden Young Horse, Top 5 Led Amateur Stallion and Top 5 Colt 3-4 years. His most recent achievements at the Australian Arabian Championships were even more impressive. After receiving a finalist placing in the Arabian Stallion Under Saddle class, he worked spectacularly to win the prestigious Silver Snaffle class.

I viewed three horses by Magnum Forty Four, two of which had just come in from a spell to be broken-in. The stunning Anastazi was one of these horses and I fell in love with him the instant I saw him. He was just

Anastazi is truly an exciting young stallion with a big future ahead of him. He’s proven, through his quiet temperament, endearing personality and superb talent, that he’s the perfect amateur-owner stallion, capable

By alexandra trotter

of achieving success at the top level of competition. I cannot thank Mulawa enough for allowing me the privilege of owning this amazing horse. ♦

horseography.com.au

Top: Anastazi MI Above: At the 2013 Australian Arabian Championships Young Stallion Spotlight: anaStazi Mi

The Arabian: Through the eyes of master photographer Suzanne Sturgill

AR ABIAN STUDS & STALLIONS

Suzanne Sturgill is a truly gifted photographer. Her love affair and personal experiences with horses since early childhood has culminated into a unique ability to see into the soul of the horse and capture the beauty and spirit of this magnificent creature to share with others. Her stunning photos have graced the covers of Arabian Horse World magazine, Arabian Horse World Quarterly, Arabian Horse magazine, Arabian Horse Times, Equestrian magazine, Tutto Arabi, The Arabian Horse magazine (UK), Cheval Arabe, as well as publications in Canada, South America and South Africa, to mention a few. While her photos have contributed to the marketing plans and success of many horses and farms, they are also treasured art pieces for the owners. Here she shares some of her favourite photographs from over twenty years of capturing the true spirit of Arabian horses. â&#x2122;Ś

The Ar AbiAn: Through The eyes of mAsTer phoTogr Apher suzAnne sTurgill

AR ABIAN STUDS & STALLIONS

The Ar AbiAn: Through The eyes of mAsTer phoTogr Apher suzAnne sTurgill

AR ABIAN STUDS & STALLIONS

The Ar AbiAn: Through The eyes of mAsTer phoTogr Apher suzAnne sTurgill

AR ABIAN STUDS & STALLIONS

The Ar AbiAn: Through The eyes of mAsTer phoTogr Apher suzAnne sTurgill

Bringing the world to you

www.futurefarmsarabians.com Kate & Doyle Dertell | PO Box 482, Romsey VIC 3434 | P: +61 3 5428 5255 | F: +61 3 5428 5277 | E: info@futurefarmsarabians.com

Bringing the world to you

World Class Mares Fantasy FF

Derivative Mares

Double TT Fevia - IFT SF Sir Real (Imp/Exp USA) (Penmarric Killarney x Baxters Sensation)

Sea Script FF - IFT Fever FF (Sea Road x New Day Dawning)

Krystal Park Buckwheat - IFT Crave FF (Waranora Tamin x Waranora Harmony)

Dreaming FF (SF Sir Real (Imp/Exp USA) x Reddy to Dream)

Sia-Nara - IFT Crave FF (Imperial Journal x Harmony Hill Imagine)

Glorious FF (Crave FF x Greed Is Good)

Romance FF - IFT Fever FF (BruMarBas Future (Imp USA) x Aloha Symphony)

Temptation FF (Fever FF x Meridian Tempest)

Geasha Girl FF - IFT SF Sir Real (Imp/Exp USA) (Burren-Dah The Wizard (Exp) x Sia-Nara)

Sedona FF

Future Farms Tinkerbell - IFT Crave FF (Dalhope Kaotic x Burren-Dah Salt N Pepper)

Electra FF

Fantasy FF (Crave FF x Double TT Fevia)

Derivative Mares Leased

Eternal Star (Homestead Park Silverado x Eternal Love) Greed Is Good - IFT SF Sir Real (Imp/Exp USA) (Monde Bleu x Mercenary)

(Fever FF x Lendemars Sharnay) (Crave FF x Eternal Star)

Double TT Gabriella - IFT Crave FF (Penmarric Killarney x Zephyrs Destiny)

Most foals will be available for purchase your enquiries are welcome.

Reddy To Dream - IFT Fever FF (Redding (NZ) x Fleeting Dream)

Bringing the world to you

would like to thank their loyal sponsors: Tails by Simone

Bringing the world to you

World Class Mares Princess Of Passion FF

Audrey H JCA Imp USA

Purebred Mares

Audrey H JCA (Imp USA) - IFT Vitorio (USA) (Falcon BHF x Von Herte Only One) Bremervale Charmed (Desperado x Bremervale Spellbound) Fames Passion - IFT BruMarBas Future (Imp USA) (Fame Maker R (Imp USA) x A Passion) Princess of Passion FF (Crave FF x Fames Passion) Mystica Sunshine (Imp USA) - IFT Crave FF (Eden C x HED Caramba) Mystica Abia - IFT Crave FF (WH Justice x Windella Precious As Gold) Mystica Jamarlee - IFT SF Sir Real (Imp/Exp USA) (Marwan Al Shaqab x Mystica Jameelah) Athena FF - IFT SF Sir Real (Imp/Exp USA) (BruMarBas Future (Imp USA) x Audrey H JCA (Imp USA))

Ambrosia FF

Pandora FF (Brandon Bey JCA (US) x Fames Passion)

Bremervale Charmed with foal

Abha Sharquiyah (Imp ES) (Marwan Al Shaqab x Gual Bassoram) Ambrosia FF (Crave FF x Audrey H JCA (Imp USA)) Mystica Nizana (Focus OnMe (Imp USA) x Coolong Park Nizreya) Mianaibara Angel of the Morning (BruMarBas Future (Imp USA) x Mianaibara Susan Naadir)

Farrah KA (Crave FF x Avondale Flamingo) Shimmer FF (Crave FF x Mystica Sunshine)

Leased/Partnership or Embryo Transfer Mares

A Real Princess (SF Sir Real (Imp/Exp USA) x Princess of Passion) Vanity Fair FF (A-Jakarta x Bohemea Estopa)

Lovely Iimage (Imp USA) - IFT Crave FF (Iimagine x Love Ever After)

Pandora FF

Clarissa FF (USA) (Crave FF x Caro Lynn DPA) Gabreala (SF Sir Real (Imp/Exp USA) x Gameelah KA (Exp UAE)) Breathless Vision PCF (Imp USA) (PCF Vision x Breathless Vision) RD Caprice (Imp USA) (Bey Ambition x Gysselle) Beguine Oh (Imp USA) (Versace x Clio Belize)

www.futurefarmsarabians.com Kate & Doyle Dertell | PO Box 482, Romsey VIC 3434 | P: +61 3 5428 5255 | F: +61 3 5428 5277 | E: info@futurefarmsarabians.com

Bringing the world to you

Arabian Breeding and Training Facility

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Training horses (halter, saddle - both English and western, dressage, weaning)

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Training people (seminars, lessons, youth and amateurs)

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• •

Facilities Include: •

Indoor arena

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45 indoor stables

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Viewing area / Entertainment area

Marketing - both selling and buying horses on behalf of clients nationally and internationally

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Round yard

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Hot walker

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Show arena

Promoting horses nationally and internationally, showing, open days

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Wash bays

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Post and rail day yards

Breeding - Stallions at stud / International frozen semen / Collecting and freezing / Embryo transfers

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Double fenced post and rail stallion yards with shelter sheds

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Large group paddocks

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Full vet / Breeding lab

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Indoor dummy and 3 horse crush

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Foaling yards

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Riding track around farm

www.futurefarmsarabians.com Kate & Doyle Dertell | PO Box 482, Romsey VIC 3434 | P: +61 3 5428 5255 | F: +61 3 5428 5277 | E: info@futurefarmsarabians.com

Bringing the world to you

Fever FF (Crave FF x Double TT Fevia)

16hh Black Brown Arabian Warmblood Stallion Multiple championship winner at Royal, State, National and East Coast Championships Full brother to the outstanding Fantasy FF Proudly owned and bred by Future Farms Arabians and standing the 2013/2014 breeding season at $1320 (inc GST)

www.futurefarmsarabians.com Kate & Doyle Dertell | PO Box 482, Romsey VIC 3434 | P: +61 3 5428 5255 | F: +61 3 5428 5277 | E: info@futurefarmsarabians.com

Krishlah Arabians www.krishlaharabians.com

Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;diva

(Crave FF x Avondale Fanfare)

Obi Wan KA

(Crave FF x Avondale Tess)

Cruze Ka

(Crave FF x Breathless)

2013 Filly

(Magnum Chall [US] x Gameelah KA)

bred & owned in conjunction with Future Farms

Sharon Warke, Olivia Cleary and Shona Young | 51 James Court Smythes Creek VIC 3351 | P:03 53424633

www.krishlaharabians.com

www.futurefarmsarabians.com Kate & Doyle Dertell | PO Box 482, Romsey VIC 3434 | P: +61 3 5428 5255 | F: +61 3 5428 5277 | E: info@futurefarmsarabians.com

Bringing the world to you

Crave FF

(Mash x Bremervale Charmed) Bay purebred Arabian stallion. CA/SCID/LFS Clear State, National, Vic Classic, QLD Challenge, East Coast and Australian Champion. Sire of Championship winners at State, Royal, National, East Coast, Australian Championship, Scottsdale, Vegas World Breeders Cup. Bred and Owned by Future Farms and available at public stud $2200 Frozen semen available worldwide! NZ Agent: Kelaray Stud - Kelly Mason Ph +6421582070

www.futurefarmsarabians.com Kate & Doyle Dertell | PO Box 482, Romsey VIC 3434 | P: +61 3 5428 5255 | F: +61 3 5428 5277 | E: info@futurefarmsarabians.com

Deor Farms

www.deorfarmsarabians.com

A Jakarta

(USA)

(Jullyen El Jamaal x Gai Schara)

Bay purebred Arabian stallion. Regional Champion, Scottsdale Champion, Reserve National Champion. Available via frozen semen to Australia $2200 Australian Agent: Future Farms Owned and Bred by Deor Farms USA

A Jericho (A Jakarta x Destiny VF by TF Psymreekhe) Scottsdale And Vegas Gold Champion!

www.futurefarmsarabians.com Kate & Doyle Dertell | PO Box 482, Romsey VIC 3434 | P: +61 3 5428 5255 | F: +61 3 5428 5277 | E: info@futurefarmsarabians.com

Prince Charming Partnership Temar Arabians

Prince Charming FF

(BruMarBas Future (Imp USA) x Bremervale Charmed) Grey purebred Arabian stallion. CA/SCID/LFS Clear Multi State, Royal, National, National

Capital, QLD Challenge, Vic Classic, East Coast and Australian Championships both/and or Led and Ridden Stallion! First progeny are outstanding!! Special rate for the first 10 purebred and derivative breedings Purebred $880 and Derivative $550 Owned by the Prince Charming Partnership - Terri Love of Temar Arabians and Future Farms

www.futurefarmsarabians.com Kate & Doyle Dertell | PO Box 482, Romsey VIC 3434 | P: +61 3 5428 5255 | F: +61 3 5428 5277 | E: info@futurefarmsarabians.com

Oak Ridge Arabians www.OakRidgeArabians.com

www.futurefarmsarabians.com

Oak Ridge Arabians www.OakRidgeArabians.com

www.futurefarmsarabians.com

Bringing the world to you

SF Sir Real (Imp/exp USA)

(Sir Fames HBV x Veronica GA) Bay purebred stallion. SCID/CA Clear Multi Champion including Regional Champion, Scottsdale Champion, Reserve Canadian National Champion, Australian National Stud Show Champion, National Capital Champion Stallion. Available via frozen semen at $2200

Brandon Bey JCA (USA)

(Versace (USA) x Hushahby Bey (USA)) SCID/CA Clear Black brown purebred Arabian stallion. Scottsdale Champion, US National Champion, Canadian National Champion, World Breeders Cup Champion Stallion. Owned by Jade Creek Arabians Available via frozen semen to Australia through Future Farms at $2200

www.futurefarmsarabians.com Kate & Doyle Dertell | PO Box 482, Romsey VIC 3434 | P: +61 3 5428 5255 | F: +61 3 5428 5277 | E: info@futurefarmsarabians.com

Bringing the world to you

Concherto FF

(Burren-Dah The Wizard (Exp NZ) x Aloha Symphony) Multi State, Royal, National, 15.2hh Brown Anglo Arabian Stallion Vic Classic, QLD Challenge,

National Capital, East Coast and Australian Champion both led and ridden (many of these multiple times). Sire of championship winners at all major shows. Bred and Owned by Future Farms Available at stud $1320 (inc gst) Frozen semen available in New Zealand Gold Park Showhorses - Suzanne Kloogh Ph +64212222868

www.futurefarmsarabians.com Kate & Doyle Dertell | PO Box 482, Romsey VIC 3434 | P: +61 3 5428 5255 | F: +61 3 5428 5277 | E: info@futurefarmsarabians.com

Mylani lodge Arabians & Derivatives

Mylani Stawm Partbred Arabian Stallion

Mylani Yo-Yo

(Mylani Stawm x Coleemyn Park Gaiety) Welsh mare FINALIST (3rd) in Partbred Arabian Gelding Any Age led by an Amateur Owner

JON & NAdINe HOLLANd | 139 Hollands Lane, Newbridge VIC 3551 | P: (03) 5438 7366 | e: mylani@bigpond.com

www.mylanilodge.webs.com

www.futurefarmsarabians.com Kate & doyle dertell | PO Box 482, Romsey VIC 3434 | P: +61 3 5428 5255 | F: +61 3 5428 5277 | e: info@futurefarmsarabians.com

Bringing the world to you

Roseglen White Knight

(Legends of Excalibur x Roseglen Shaakira) White Knight has been a super Cremello 74.2% Arabian 15.1hh stallion show horse during the last

season, winning at the highest levels including multi A and AA class champion and Supreme winner in both Arabian and Coloured classes. He offers super movement, great type, a smooth body and COLOUR! His first babies are due in 2013!! Available at public stud $1100 solid coloured mares only Owned by Shambala Arabians and standing at stud at Future Farms

www.futurefarmsarabians.com Kate & Doyle Dertell | PO Box 482, Romsey VIC 3434 | P: +61 3 5428 5255 | F: +61 3 5428 5277 | E: info@futurefarmsarabians.com

TOLL FREE: 1800 727 217 Email: info@ranvet.com.au Website: www.ranvet.com.au

Maximise genetic potential

Future Farms proudly sponsored by Ranvet Audrey H JCA

Future Farms have won over 100 National Championships, East Coast Championships and National Stud Championships

(Imp USA)

Kate Dertell and Concherto FF

Concherto FF

Ranvetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Winning Formula

Funkia Imp Poland

G a z a l A l S h a q a b x F a n t a zj a

has arrived at

Foxridge Farm Jenni Ogden

Foxridge Farm .. breeding Pure Polish bloodlines

Extravagance VO

Imp USA

Emigrant PASB x Erotika PASB Champion intermediate colt 2013 Qld Gala

Foxridge Farm Lisa and Ray Smith

Coffs Harbour NSW ph: 02 6653 8117 m: 0419 225 633 e: foxridgefarm@bigpond.com www.foxridgefar m.com.au

Titanium FX

Sired by Ekstern (Monogramm x Ernestyna)

Hideaway Farm Arabians

We Cherish Our History

Michael Vink

Marian Duncan

Hideaway Farm Arabians

Phil Wild and Phill Ryan hideawayfarm@bigpond.com or hideawayfarmarabians@icloud.com Tel: +61 3 6496 1213 Mobile: +61 0409 719 247

Hideaway Farm Arabians

We Embrace Our Future

For forty years we have been breeding beautiful Arabian horses! Arabians owned or bred by us, have won Championships at every major show on the East Coast of Australia, in both the halter and performance arenas. It is with excitement that we embrace the future; we have incorporated the blood of the Incomparable Ali Jamaal into our breeding program through his grandson Gai El Jullyen, and the resulting progeny are outstanding, they have indeed rekindled our passion. We invite you to be part of our future, we have several purchase opportunities available. We would welcome your visit and the opportunity to show you our beautiful Arabian horses.

An Interview with

Cameron Bonney By Scott Benjamin What is your earliest memory of a horse? My first memory of a horse was at the age of eight. My twin brother and I were invited to go on a trail ride at a local riding school for a friend’s birthday party. We absolutely loved it! In the weeks that followed, both my brother and I constantly pestered mum and dad to take us riding again. Our parents eventually gave in and took us riding, not realising at the time the lifechanging impact these events would have on all our lives. Our family had been bitten by “the horse bug” – all of us – and our lives would be forever changed. Ignited by our newfound passion for horses, we continued to go on trail rides during the weekends for several months after our first horse exposure. Impressed by our excitement and dedication to the horses, my father, all on his own, made the bold decision to surprise his sons and buy us a horse. He came home one day with a Quarterhorse/Appaloosa/ Arabian cross named Crystal, a supposedly quiet six-year-old mare, who was assured to be broke to ride and easy to handle. Our first time up on her we quickly realised she was anything but quiet, broke and easy to handle, so my father approached the local Top: Cameron with 2013 Australian Champion Yearling Filly, Valentino’s Angel MI (DA Valentino x Always An Angel by SK Shakla Khan x Angel of Fame) Above: The Bonney boys spent many happy days on horseback

AR ABIAN STUDS & STALLIONS

stockman for some much needed help before one of us was seriously hurt. His approach was completely no-nonsense. “I can teach you to ride if you can stay on her when she bucks,” was what he told me, before he chased me around the bullpen cracking a stock whip! I proved I could indeed ride because I stayed on and lived to see another day on horseback. Soon after, we realised that twin brothers needed more than one horse to ride, so my parents purchased a little 12.2 hand Welsh Mountain Pony named Pumpkin for my brother Matt. From sunup to sundown for many years to follow, the Bonney boys would spend many happy days on horseback with Crystal and Pumpkin.

What was your first experience with Arabian horses? My family and I were first exposed to purebred Arabians a few years after our initial exposure to horses. It was through the local Ford dealership where my mother had recently purchased a new car. In the course of conversation with the car dealer, the subject of horses came up. Ford happened to be a sponsor for the East Coast Championships, so the dealer invited my mother to attend Finals Night as a VIP guest. Needless to say, my mother was blown away by the whole experience and for days and weeks after, all she could talk about was “I want an Arabian horse!” Fortunately, mum had a colleague at work, Christine Stewart, who was very involved with Arabian horses, which fuelled her own desire to be involved with Arabians all the more. Mum eventually went out and bought herself a purebred yearling gelding, intending to care and show the young horse herself. After a few days, she quickly realised the horse was more than she could handle, so she asked her resident expert twelve-year-old son, yours truly, to give her a

hand. Soon after he had a little handling, we made the decision to exhibit our new little gelding at the French’s Forest Agricultural Show. I took our little prize into the ring with absolutely NO idea about what I was doing. I was struck, bitten and thrown around during the entire class, but we still managed to win first place. We were so proud of this moment, capturing the whole debacle on video, which we later showed to his breeder. Horrified by his conduct and realising we were in desperate need of help, she introduced us to Richard Sharman, with whom we began weekly halter lessons.

Egyptian Event Supreme Champion Anaza El Farid and the horse that would forever change the breed as the sire of Gazal Al Shaqab. Eager to see the recently arrived superstar stallion, we flew up to Queensland to see the horse in person at Axel Renz’s El Arab Stud. It was here that we would discover the horse that would forever change our lives. The filly was just six weeks old and her name was Aliha Bint Nizr. It was love at first sight! Rather than spend money on breedings, my mum made the decision to invest those funds in Aliha. Little did we know at the time that this decision would define the destiny of Parkview Arabians.

With a lot of help and encouragement from Richard, we continued to train our little gelding, making the bold decision to enter him for the National Stud Show in November. At the age of 13 in my rented suit and tie, I made my Nationals debut coming in fourth out of eleven in the yearling gelding class. My family was over the moon with this modest success. As I look back, I credit this day as the moment in which I became obsessed with the Arabian horse.

Aliha came home just after weaning. I was responsible for all her training and conditioning as we prepared once again for the National Stud Show. We entered her with high anticipation and were thrilled when she won the class for yearling fillies and was named Reserve Junior Champion with me on the lead. A few months later, Aliha was named Top Five at the East Coast Championships, the show where my mother was first introduced to the excitement of the Arabian horse industry. The following season, Aliha was named Junior Champion at the NSW State Titles Show as well as the National Stud Show. My most memorable win of that season was my first Australian Championship, with Aliha winning the title unanimously at two years of age when I was just 18 years old.

Tell us about Parkview Arabians and your family’s involvement with the Arabian horse. Within the first year after our debut at the National Stud Show, our parents made the decision to take the money the family was spending on agistment and put that towards a horse property that we could manage on our own. Our family home in the north beaches of Sydney was sold and that money was used to buy a 25-acre property in the Hills District at Glenorie. That is where Parkview Arabians began in 1991. Our first big Arabian mare purchase was a Simeonbred mare from Christine Stewart, Simeon Shevrir. The plan was to breed our prize to the newly imported Straight Egyptian sire Anaza El Nizr, a full brother to

Parkview Arabians was always a modest breeding program, with Aliha Bint Nizr at the heart of it all. Her second foal became her most important, Parkview Audacious, sired by Mulawa’s recently imported Brazilian National Champion TS Al Malik. Audacious would go on to be a wonderful show horse for the family and found his lasting fame as sire for Mulawa. Even though he was tragically lost at a very young age, his legacy lives on with the many exceptional daughters still producing in the Mulawa broodmare band. His full brother, Aamahni, has also been a very special horse to me. He has such a big heart and kind nature; I admire him most because he is a phenomenal riding horse. I have never known a horse that loves to be ridden as much as he does. Aamahni remains the last major horse of Parkview Arabians as Aliha now lives her life peacefully in the pastures of Alabama, near Scone, on permanent lease to Mulawa.

Your identity in the Arabian horse world now is closely affiliated with Mulawa Arabian Stud. How did you meet the Farrells and when did you first start working for Mulawa? I think my first real conversation with the Farrells was at the Australian Championships when Aliha won. In classic Greg and Julie style, they came up to me after the class and congratulated me on both the quality of the horse and for doing such a fine job showing her. I was a bit in awe of that whole first encounter, but even at a young age, I remember being impressed with just how nice and genuine the Farrells were. I first began working with the Farrell family around 1999. Parkview Audacious was just a weanling, and having admired Aliha and eager to promote a good son of TS

Left: A young Cameron with Aliha Bint Nizr at the Nationals An IntervIew wIth CAmeron Bonney

THE DREAM CONTINUES... and Muta’Salim has become very much a part of it. Owned in partnership with Hawley Arabians and The Palms Arabians, Muta’Salim (Rokewood Riyadh - Muta’Kalima by Naavah) continues to exceed all expectations. The strength of these unique breeding programmes is well reflected in the consistency of his outstanding foals, bearing all of the characteristics hoped for in the cross with the daughters of Maa’zooz (WN Dasjmir (imp USA) - T Maaza by Naazim). Untouched photo courtesy Jenni Ogden. For more about Muta’Salim and his superb family see www.hawley-arabians.com and www.thepalmsarabians.com TANYA HAWLEY. DARNUM. VICTORIA. AUSTRALIA. TELEPHONE: 0499 896 386 EMAIL: tanyahawley@mac.com

Al Malik, they offered to help me prepare and promote the horse. Audacious moved to Mulawa and I moved with him! The offer to help Audacious and Parkview eventually turned into the opportunity to help me, and I started working at Mulawa part-time. My involvement at Mulawa – training, conditioning and preparing the show team as well as weaning and handling youngstock – increased over time until I was promoted to the job of head trainer in the last few years. I am incredibly grateful to the Farrell family for giving me so many opportunities to succeed. Not only have they trusted me with their best horses, they gave my family’s breeding program a chance to succeed by having access to their best mares. I am very proud to be a part of the Mulawa team.

Describe your most memorable experience: 1) in the show ring; 2) as a trainer; 3) with a horse; and 4) as a breeder? My most memorable experience in the show ring would be standing centre ring at the 2011 United States National Championships. Andy Sellman asked me to show one of his fillies in the Junior Mare Supreme Championship, as he was committed to showing the Mulawa-bred filly Always Valentine MI. Standing under the lights on the green shavings with the leading trainers in the Arabian horse industry was an experience I will never forget. My most memorable and satisfying experience as a trainer has been preparing and showing three successive Australian Champion Yearling Fillies AND Colts. All six of these worthy champions were bred by Mulawa. I had the good fortune to wean them all, start them all and lead them all to the highest honours in the land. My most memorable experience as a breeder is also my most memorable experience with a horse. I am very proud of my family’s modest breeding program, but am especially fond of Aamahni. When his name was called as 2013 Australian Champion Stallion, I will never forget the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment. He tried so incredibly hard for the entire class. It was as if he knew how much I wanted that title for him after coming so close just two years earlier, the very first Australian Champion Stallion title I have had the privilege to earn. Not many people can say that they have shown a horse bred by themselves to a National Championship in ANY country. It was a special and proud moment for me and for my family.

Who have been your mentors as a horseman? Who are the people that have inspired you in life and with the Arabian horse? I have been very fortunate in my career to work with some extremely talented horsemen. As a young kid, my mentor was Richard Sharman. He was the person who first taught me how to handle and understand horses. Once at Mulawa, I was influenced by Greg Farrell and Greg Andrews, who was working at the time as farm manager. I still have the utmost admiration for Greg Farrell’s ability to read horses and for his patience at solving problems. Most recently with my overseas work experiences in the States, I have had the opportunity to work with Andy Sellman. I consider him one of the

leading trainers worldwide with Arabian horses. He is an incredibly fair trainer with impeccable timing.

has done for my family and for myself. Aliha’s influence is now everywhere at Mulawa, as is Karmaa’s.

Quite honestly, the greatest teachers for me have been the horses themselves. Years of experience with literally hundreds of horses have taught me that being fair is the only way to help horses truly understand their partnership with people.

The most promising youngsters coming up at Mulawa are the foals sired by Allegiance MI. I have been very impressed with the quality and trainability of these exceptional foals. I am very excited about the upcoming show season with this group of horses.

Who is your favourite stallion? Your favourite mare? Most promising youngster in training?

Talk to us about your training methods was well as your approach to and philosophy of handling horses.

DA Valentino will always be one of my favourite stallions. It was such an honour to have the opportunity to work with him in person while at Midwest. He was such a masculine, amazing animal. It always felt like a privilege to be in his presence. His structure was incredible, as was his length of neck and amazing shoulder. He was 100% Arabian stallion all the time. I also have to include Aamahni in my favourite stallion list. Winning my first Australian Stallion Champion title with a horse owned and bred by my family was a dream come true. As for the mares I had the chance to see and work with overseas, I would have to say that I greatly admire international champions AHBA Myra, Najdah Al Zobair and Emandoria. Closer to home, I have to give credit to two grey mares: Karmaa, “the Queen of Mulawa”, for who she is and for what she has done for generations of horses at Mulawa and for the long term success of the entire program; and Aliha Bint Nizr, for what she

Over the past 25 years, I have formulated an approach to training horses that I believe is very black and white. I try my utmost to be as clear as possible in the message that I communicate to the horses, so they can develop a very happy and consistent frame of mind to training. I want them to feel positive about the training experience and to really enjoy their job. I never force a horse to do anything. I simply guide them in the learning process with minimal pressure until they correctly understand and comprehend the halter presentation process. I absolutely LOVE my job! My horses never make me mad or lose my temper. I have the privilege of doing what I love every day. I always remind myself to take the time to try and do things with the horses’ best interest at heart.

Above: Cameron and 2013 Australian Champion Stallion Aamahni (TS Al Malik x Aliha Bint Nizr) An IntervIew wIth CAmeron Bonney

You have set a handful of records in the Aussie show ring. How does that make you feel? I feel extremely privileged to be able to train and show some of the finest Arabian horses in the world. Quite honestly, a monkey could be on the end of the lead most of the time and the horses would still win on their own merit. Seriously, however, I am very proud to play my part in raising and training the calibre of horses that are now produced with great regularity at Mulawa.

Every successful trainer has a great support team and clients. You are in a unique situation at Mulawa with one major client. Tell us about your support team. I have always thought that a horse show is won even before you leave for the show. Our horses at Mulawa are always conditioned and prepared to an impeccable standard. Without the support of the

An IntervIew wIth CAmeron Bonney

amazing behind-the-scenes team at the farm, both the halter and the performance teams, none of our success would be possible.

whole team, just as the loss of a great horse, like the recent passing of Magnum Forty Four, brings the whole team together to rally support for each other.

Having the unconditional support of Greg, Julie and Jane Farrell makes our job incredibly easy and so enjoyable. It is always the preparation, effort and presentation that are rewarded at Mulawa, not the prize awarded in the show ring. We do win a lot with the Mulawa horses, and we most definitely enjoy that bit, but we take great pride in each and every outing in the show ring, regardless of the outcome. We are always striving to be the best at what we do, and to make improvements each and every time out.

What advice would you give to an aspiring young trainer?

Mulawa success is shared and enjoyed by each and every member of the team. We feel the losses, all of us collectively, just as keenly. That not only goes for the show ring, but for the breeding program as well. The joys and highs of a great foal crop inspire the

My advice to an aspiring young trainer would MOST importantly be: NEVER cheat your horses! Treat them fairly and always approach things from the horse’s perspective. Any fool with a heavy hand can get a horse to show. To have those same horses show consistently, they need to be happy and confident, and truly understand what it is that you are asking of them. For me, there is nothing more beautiful than a happy Arabian horse that simply loves its life – and shows it! ♦

Above: Cameron with Klassical Dream MI (Klass x Mustang’s Magnum by Magnum Forty Four), East Coast Champion Mare, National Stud Show Champion Mare, 2013 Reserve Australian Champion Mare

G A

Gleniph Arabians

Pure Arabians and Derivatives

Introducing

Eastwinds Care To Dance (Eastwinds Abraxas x Eastwinds Dance With Me) Supreme Champion Led Arabian 2013 Melbourne Royal Top 5 2013 East Coast Championships Top 6 2013 Australian Arabian Championships His first foals are due this season.

Kerry & Richard Chapman, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dellyvaleâ&#x20AC;?, Moorbys Lane, Via Yass, NSW

Ph: (02) 6227 2820 E: gleniph@bigpond.com

Quality horses available for sale. Enquiries welcome. Eastwinds Care To Dance kindly on lease from Eastwinds Arabian Stud.

www.glenipharabians.com

Shatana Arabians By Natasha Whiteman Shatana Arabians is a small boutique stud, owned and operated by Cameron Burnett, Natasha Whiteman and their son, Jaedon. It is located in South East Queensland, around 40 minutes from both Brisbane and Gold Coast Airports. I grew up with horses and knew from an early age that I would spend my life with these majestic animals. Cameron and I love everything about them: The expressive eyes, chiselled features, the “snort” and natural exuberance with tails flying high... We were transfixed by their undeniable beauty. We set our hearts on breeding and showing our own Arabian horses and so Shatana Arabians was formed. After spending many years showing some amazing pure Arabian geldings, we were ready to take what was to be our next step to the breeding barn. We planned to base the stud on bloodlines with proven

pedigrees and have horses in each generation that we love. We knew that breeding Arabian horses was going to be a long term endeavour, and we were aware that selecting the right foundation was crucial. The horses that stood out for us were the two great stallions Ali Jamaal and Gazal Al Shaqab, so we began the selection process of our mares from there. In 2008, we purchased a weanling filly, Gaisha Girl, a pretty bay who exhibited all the qualities we admired; a superb body, beautifully shaped neck, a dishy face and large liquid eyes. Sired by Gai El Jullyen (imp USA), who in turn is by Jullyen El Jamaal – a stallion line bred to the great Ali Jamaal – Gaisha Girl’s dam is the ethereal white mare The Palms Uptown Girl, who is line bred to the exceptional producing mares Flabys Sar Monisa (imp USA) and Naadirah (imp UK). Gaisha took to the show ring in style. As a rising two year old she trotted up a storm which helped her gain championships at A class shows as well

as runner up at the Pan Pac and TOTR shows. She also won consecutive TOP 5 awards at the QLD Challenge amongst some of the most hotly contested filly classes Australia has seen. In 2009 we welcomed Star of Gazal WR (imp USA), sired by Gazal Al Shaqab out of Aristokayte – a mare with lineage going back to the great Bey Shah and Khemosabi. Star of Gazal WR or ‘Stella’ as she is known to her many admirers, has settled well in Australia. She is maturing into a beautiful mare with lovely type, large dark eyes, a graceful neck, powerful trot and super attitude. A pedigree full of star-studded Arabians makes her a very valuable addition to the mare band. In 2011 Stella’s first foal was born – a daughter – Shatana Jewel of Gazal. ‘Jewel’ has already shown the success of the crossing of Gazal Al Shaqab and Ali Jamaal lines together and is a beautiful young horse. She has gone on to win Supreme Arabian Exhibit at Carabi and National Stud Horse Show Reserve Champion Junior Filly. Above: Shatana Angel of Harlan with Natasha Whiteman

AR ABIAN STUDS & STALLIONS

Also in 2011, we were excited to proceed with our

Star of Gazal WR has now been bred to the straight

plans for Gaisha and she was bred via frozen semen to

Egyptian stallion Jadaan Al Shaqab (imp Qatar), bred

the exotic double Ali Jamaal son MF Aryan El Thessa,

by one of the world’s leading Arabian farms Al Shaqab.

where she blessed us with a beautiful grey filly so

Jadaan Al Shaqab shows extreme type, great neck

true to type and pedigree we have aptly named her

shape and impressive movement which saw him

Gai-selle SA. She will be retained by the stud. Gai-

win the 2011 Gold Champion Stallion at the Qatar

selle SA is everything and more that we expected

International horse show. Jadaan’s dam is sired by

from this cross and the mating has been repeated

amazing world champion stallion Al Adeed Al Shaqab,

for a full sibling due 2013.

a pedigree which in theory will cross superbly with the

daughters of Gazal Al Shaqab. We highly anticipate this breeding and eagerly await Stella’s second foal due in August 2013. The next addition to our group of females is Marwans Fortune, the extremely elegant chestnut daughter of RHR Heir of Marwan, out of Bremervale Fortune Queen – a daughter of the wonderful Opus Comet JP (imp Brazil). Marwans Fortune is a lovely tall filly with beautiful type, large endearing eyes, great

Javan Above: Star of Gazal WR Shatana aR aBIanS

Ramadan Arabians For Versatility and Beauty

Makers Mark Fame VF (Us) Fame Maker r (Us) Inschallah el shaklan (Us) Makers Mark Kaborr (Us) Karmaa (Us) a.n. Marieta (Us)

ramadan arabians has a number of young show stock for sale, all with that â&#x20AC;&#x153;ramadanâ&#x20AC;? movement. Karen Hodges | (02) 6676 6372 | (02) 6676 6172 | 0412 706 105 | e: karenho@iprimus.com.au

conformation, movement and wonderful show ring attitude, with a pedigree again full of Arabian greats such as Padrons Psyche, Gazal Al Shaqab and Ali Jamaal. This filly has everything to offer in our future breeding program. Fortune was shown at the 2013 East Coast Championships (Top 5) and the Australian Championships (Reserve Champion Arabian Yearling Filly), and will continue to grace the show ring until she is ready to join the breeding mares. Shatana Arabians takes great pride in also producing Partbreds that boast international bloodlines in their pedigrees. We strive to breed extreme Arabian type, dishy faces with large eyes, good movement, sound conformations and real ‘look at me’ attitudes. We believe we produce some of Australia’s best highpercentage part-Arabian horses. A requirement for our Partbreds is they must look undeniably Arabian. Our success in the show ring has been proven with multiple East Coast, Australian National Championships, National Stud Horse Championships and many other major A class championships throughout Australia with Shatana Angel of Harlan, Shatana Angelina Jullye and Shatana Heirs’n’Graces. With our foundation now firmly in place, we look forward to the years ahead with our band of young mares and watching Shatana bred horses take their place in time. ♦

Top: Shatana Heirs’n’Graces Left: Jaedon Burnett with Marwans Fortune

Shatana aR aBIanS

valinor park

AR ABIAN STUDS & STALLIONS

Valinor Park By Sarah Barrie

Jenni Ogden

valinor park

said to my husband, ‘Can you come with me and help me load her?’ not that I needed any help,” she smiles wickedly. “Once we had arrived I said ‘Well, while we’re here, you might as well take a look at this horse.’ At this stage ‘Desert’ was really pretty uncontrollable. The owners opened the stables and he came flying out, and leapt and snorted and carried on, and that was it, my husband fell in love with him as well.” Though he required a lot of education, he was a gentle-tempered horse with a sweet nature, and, it turns out, a great deal of talent for endurance. “He was third in the Quilty, second in the Shazada. And he had the most amazing heart rates.” He passed this talent on to his progeny with remarkable prepotency. “Desert left us some amazing progeny. He didn’t sire a lot of horses, but the percentage of successful endurance horses he did sire was probably higher than any other horse. One of his sons, Valinor Park Armistice, still holds the record of vet gate into hold of 28 seconds.” Oasis Desert Song tragically died in 1993, due to complications from treatment for an injury. “Our vet at the time put him on experimental medication and didn’t tell us, and Desert ended up with an ulcerated colon. We had to put him down. It was the most horrible, heartbreaking thing to have to go through.” As devastating as this was, Helen had, at least, retained three of his daughters. She still owns them, as well as fourth and fifth generation descendants.

You have a beautiful collection of stallions today. What influenced their selection? In January of this year, I was kindly invited to visit Valinor Park by the lovely Helen Rutland. It wasn’t the sort of opportunity I was about to pass up.

dog never made that noise.” Helen simply laughs and introduces me to her very old, very sweet Great Dane who had been hiding nearby.

The countryside of Berry on the South Coast of New South Wales is beautiful, and I am thoroughly enjoying myself as I leisurely wind my way to Valinor Park. Almost all too soon I reach a cobblestone wall with ornate gates and a sign that alerts me I have reached my destination. And I just have to get out of the car and take it in. It is an idyllic location, the air is cool, all is quiet and the mountains in the background are sparkling shades of blue and green. To my right a lush, green paddock stretches off into the distance and mares and foals graze contentedly. Two lively young colts start up a game of tag and I can’t help but watch for several moments as they prance and run, heads and tails held high.

As it turns out, Helen laughs a lot. She is a vibrant, warm and welcoming person, and an absolute pleasure to spend time with. Her stories are entertaining and informative and I’m happy that I have my digital voice recorder doing all the hard work, so I can sit back and enjoy myself as I listen.

I find myself already enchanted by Valinor Park, and I’m yet to enter the gates. Of course, I know I’m in for a wonderful morning. The reputation of so many of the Arabian horses here precedes them and I can’t wait to get started. As I run through a list of ‘must-see’s’ in my head, I drive up the long tree-lined driveway and find my way to the house. Stepping out of the car, my progress is immediately halted by a loud, deep, somewhat heart-stopping bark. Well, had I not already been looking forward to meeting Helen I was certainly happy to see her appear at that moment. Somewhat bemused, I watch a dainty little miniature poodle dart from between her legs and just have to say, “That

My first question to Helen is “Why Arabians?” Helen thinks about this, tells me of her childhood adoration for the breed and disappears into another room, returning a moment later with a book. It is The Arabian Horse by R S Summerhays. “This was one of my first horse books,” she tells me. “It’s what I grew up with. By the time I was a teenager I could recite all the characteristics of the Arabian breed.” Helen competed on other breeds in dressage and hacking before purchasing an Anglo-Arabian mare in 1979. “I wanted to put her in foal and there was a local stallion that I quite liked… I went to look at him and I was just mesmerised.” That stallion was Oasis Desert Song (Abyad x Caithness Walzaway) and was for sale. “I took my mare down there and I was hooked. I remember telling my then husband about this horse, but he just wasn’t interested.” Helen, undaunted, came up with a plan which was put into action when it was time to pick up her mare. “I

“Each of the stallions here gives me something different in my breeding program, and to me that’s important, because breeding is putting the pieces together and knowing what the mare and stallion are going to put onto a foal, that then enables you to make choices.” After the loss of Oasis Desert Song, Helen went in search of a replacement sire for the stud. As it was difficult to find anything in Australia that she liked, and that was not already closely related to her mares, she looked overseas. This led to a trip to Charlie and Shirley Watts’ Halsdon Stud, in the UK. Although the plan had been to view a colt by Piechur, Helen found Saracin UK (Platoon HT x Scandalier), a colt line-bred to Palas (Aswan x Panel). “They brought out this chestnut colt that leapt and cavorted and I fell in love with it, but he wasn’t for sale. Eventually we came to an agreement that they would sell him, if he could stay in the UK and be shown before coming over here. “Saracin came to us as a Reserve Champion British Colt in 1994, at about 18 months of age. This little furball rolled out of the truck and I thought, ‘Oh dear, what have I done? I think I’ve made a mistake here!’ But he acclimatised and his coat fell out and he was beautiful. And he’s done what I bought him to do – he has given me incredibly good-bodied horses. Saracin has the most beautiful topline and a lovely long croup. I hate little croups because there’s no engine, and he’s just beautifully put together. He was the next stage in the breeding program.”

Left: VP Ghazal (Barabas NL x VP Geisha) – The Heir Apparent Top: VP El Jakarta (A Jakarta AHR x VP Elation)

AR ABIAN STUDS & STALLIONS

here. One of these is Valinor Park The Temptress – one of the last surviving Ralvon Pilgrim daughters. She had a foal in 2011; a lovely filly by Adras called Valinor Park Talullah. I’ve got another daughter of hers, Valinor Park Temptation, and Justyna has also had a few sons. One went up to the Gold Coast and is now breeding really lovely Arabian ponies. “I’ve also got descendants of the next two purebred mares that I bought. Both were daughters of Ralvon Pilgrim. They were bought for their dam’s line as much as anything else because they were related to Psyche (Razaz x Minerva), who had six Quilty buckles. “Valinor Park Geisha is very special. She was a Top Five East Coast Filly as a yearling, then was brought back as a senior for Reserve Champion. Every foal of Geisha’s that has been shown has been a top show horse. Her son, VP Ghazal, was a Top Five East Coast Champion three times, Top Ten Australian Colt every time he was shown and now he’s started endurance. I’ve tapped him on the shoulder as a possible replacement for Barabas.

Jason Hodgins

Just as the endurance horses were taking off and Valinor Park was coming into its own, Helen’s marriage broke up and many horses had to be sold or leased-out and she struggled for quite some time to keep the farm going. It was the difficult decision to sell some of her land that led her to meeting her next husband – an interesting tale in itself. “I was annoyed because the real estate agent said this man was interested in the farm and wanted to meet me and I thought ‘Why?’ I’d been in Sydney that weekend for a conference, so I came home early thinking ‘I really don’t want to do this,’ and he walked in and I was really, very unpleasant. I asked ‘Well who are you, what do you do?’ and he said ‘I’ve been in India meeting with the Maharaja discussing business,’ and I was internally rolling my eyes thinking ‘Oh, get me out of here,’ I was just over it all. As he was leaving he shook my hand and said ‘I hope we can do business,’ and I turned around and said, ‘Well I’m not sure I’m going to sell to you yet!’ I was just horrible and he asked for my email address! We ended up getting married in sight of the Taj Mahal. “Mark coming into my life was a turning point for me because he gave me the courage to do what I needed. One of the things he said to me early on was, ‘Well, what do we need to do now, to get things back on track with the stud?’ And I said ‘We need another stallion,’ and he said ‘Okay, well let’s find one.’” Richard Sharman asked if she would consider leasing Barabas NL (Nadejni x Barhatnaja), and having admired him for quite some time, Helen jumped at the opportunity.

“Barabas arrived at Valinor Park as a 15-year-old and he was just everything I wanted. One of the things Barabas has given me is more height, amazing eyes, and Barabas over the Desert mares has given me incredible endurance horses with great heart rates. In the last 12 months I’ve sent four horses to the Middle East: two mares and two geldings and they’re all Barabas progeny. I won’t send anything overseas that’s not top-notch, it’s just not worth it. “I still needed another outcross so that’s when I brought in Adras UK to give me height and speed, and that’s what he’s done. His first son goes to the Middle East this year. He’s so fast. I considered racing him here but decided he was ideal to breed fast endurance horses. “The other stallion we have here is a horse I bred from El Badoura UK (Pandoer HT x Princess Badoura), a Reserve British Champion. I had her put in foal to Tehama NA Sidaqa SA, and we quarantined her here until she foaled. That foal was El Sidaqa. “El Sidaqa went to the UK for a while and has progeny here and in the UK. One was East Coast Champion and one derivative has been Australian Champion twice. He gives me head and neck – he gives me pretty. And there’s always room for pretty.”

Who are some of your most treasured mares and in what ways do they contribute to your program? “Valinor Park’s first mare, Campbelltown Justyna (Cool Hand Luke x Santarabia You-Shina), was purchased to complement Desert and I have her descendants

Top: VP Gullyian (pending – Gai El Jullyen AHR x VP Geisha) valinor park

“Gucci was the second foal she had. He’s been Champion and Reserve East Coast Champion, and will start his endurance career soon. One of the things about those horses is that they possess that light, lovely elevated trot that we just don’t see as much these days. I need that for a good ridden horse, and that’s why these horses are so sought after; their feet don’t touch the ground when they move. “Another favourite mare would be Judals Kiss of Jamaal UK. She came from France and is by Ruger AMW (Tallyen El Jamaal x HE Jiajna) who was a Scottsdale Junior Champion and a Brazilian National Champion. ‘Lilly’ was Champion at the Nationals, then I put her in foal and she was Reserve Champion at the East Coast Championships. Unfortunately, by the Aussies she was looking quite matronly and you cannot show a pregnant mare up against those trim, taut and terrific young horses. It’s just not fair on them. The society won’t put on a broodmare class – they believe pregnant mares can be shown with the other mares – well they can’t, and I guess that’s one of the reasons too why I’m involved with The Alliance.”

Who would you consider your best foals? I think this year’s foals are probably the best I’ve ever bred. I’ve got three colts that will shine in the show ring, a glorious Barabas filly, and two Sidaqa fillies that are just beautiful. “What thrills me is breeding horses like VP Nicholai, VP Sakim and VP Gucci; horses that win Champion or Reserve Champion titles at the East Coast Championships and then go on and perform well in a ridden field because they’re sound enough and functional enough to do that. That gives me an enormous sense of satisfaction. “Whatever foals we end up with here, they are always going to be good, sound, riding horses with wonderful temperaments, and there is a huge market out there for horses like that. Last year I sold Valinor Park Sakim. He’s a beautiful, big-moving horse by Barabas that was a Reserve East Coast Champion and a Champion

Quartz Hill farm

Honours 0ur Champion Mare

QHF Puss in Boots

(Eastwinds Ovation dec x QHF Elusive Star) Australian National Championships Top Ten Yearling Filly Accreditation in a list of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Premier Broodmares Many other major awards

In foal to Ray Of Light for a special golden foal.. Something different and equally precious

Dam of Three Exceptional Foals

QHF Ooh La La (Om El Eminence Imp USA)

Champion Filly East Coast 2011 Australian National Top Ten each time shown plus many other major awards

QHF Georgia Peach

Foals Expected This Season

(American Hero Imp USA) Champion Filly

QHF Ruby Shaklan in foal to MF Aryan El Thessa QHF Georgia Peach in foal to Crave FF

SWD Images

We Thank You QHF Puss In Boots

SWD Images

and now to take us into the future, her son

QHF Emotion

(Om El Eminence Imp USA) brother to QHF Ooh La La

Reserve Champion Yearling Colt at East Coast 2013

Q uartz Hill keeping up the winning tradition

farm

Jodie Di Nucci

FOR MORE PICTURES OF THESE AND OUR OTHER ARABIANS PLEASE VISIT

w w w. q u a rt z h i l l a r a bi a n s . c o m

Contact Ray and Ally Hudson E: quartzhill@yless4u.com.au Visitors always welcome 0427264263 Ally 0412676123 Ray

Nicole Emanuel

most times he was shown. The woman that bought him didn’t want to show him, but she did want to do trail rides. So she did. By the end of the year she’d completed four 80km Endurance rides without a vet out and came third in her last ride. She’s stoked, just stoked. “We mustn’t forget there are a lot of people out there like that, and while she’s gone on and done that, there are others that often just want to look at them. One woman that recently bought a purebred filly from me said, ‘I just sit in the paddock and look at her. I feel guilty, I should be doing something with her.’ And I told her, ‘If she’s giving you pleasure, then that’s all that matters.’ And it really is all that matters. That’s something about the Arabian. They’re so peoplefriendly you get feedback from them. If they give you pleasure, that’s enough.”

Since your stud’s foundation, has your vision changed or remained constant? “My vision hasn’t changed, though we’ve got two strings to our bow here now; we have a show team as well as the endurance horses. And I feel very, very strongly about some things… I’m just neurotic about legs and feet. We’ve got a stunning filly who had an in-utero problem and was born with four feet going in four different directions. It’s not genetic and she’s almost straight now, but people say, ‘Why don’t you show her?’ and I say, ‘Well look at her legs! I’m not going to show that.’ “I find it very distressing when I see horses in the show ring being given high leg scores when they have terrible legs. Arabian horses were forged in the

toughest environments and used as war horses, so my aim has always been to breed very sound horses. “I like my colts to be masculine and my fillies to be feminine. You should be able to tell the difference. “Temperament is important, especially in mares. One of the things that concerns me, because of embryo transfers, is that a lot of mares aren’t carrying their own foals, so we don’t know what they’re like as mothers. Arabian mares are traditionally supposed to be really good mothers – that’s an important characteristic of our breed – and you don’t get to know how they nurture a foal if they don’t get to carry them. “My other concern is the narrowing of the genetic pool due to AI. I think AI is fabulous. I’ve used overseas semen and it’s wonderful to have access to bloodlines without having to bring in a stallion, but I worry it’s probably also been at the expense of a lot of very good horses we have in Australia. And I think that’s sad, because we’re starting to see the same sorts of faults becoming predominant in our horses as we see in the show ring overseas.

You mentioned your involvement with the Arabian Horse Breeders Alliance. What are your experiences with the Alliance? “I’m on the Board with the Alliance. We have a passion for Arabian horses and we want to do what we can to promote them. We’re also trying to think outside the square, and one thing we’ve done is held a show for two years at Equitana, which was just brilliant. Last year, I was doing the announcing, so I was watching the crowd. The stands were completely full and there Top Left: Barabas NL (Nadejni x Barhatnaja) Top Right: VP Sakim in 2009

valinor park

Sue Crockett

were people standing behind, three-deep. We had close on 4,000 people watching. Now, you try getting that at any Arabian show – you just don’t. “There were people leaning over the fence patting the horses – stallions, mares, geldings – it was great. One little girl was almost on the ground patting a gelding, and you can’t buy that kind of publicity. “Another thing I really liked about Equitana was that professional handlers didn’t win everything. The judges looked past the hard stand and the pose. The woman that handled the Gold Stallion was an amateur. The people’s choice for the horse in the Junior Geldings, the Bronze Champion, also had an amateur handler. “I think that some people who have really good Arabians leave them in the paddocks, because they feel they can’t get a fair go; they can’t compete against the professional stables. And it is hard. There’s no way I’d attempt to show my own horses. “To prep a horse these days for the show ring is not just about getting its coat right and feeding it properly, either. You’ve got to lunge them, tone them, and they live in stables with neck sweats on. Does it make a difference? I don’t know. People say it does and as I say, well, if I thought it would make a difference I’d be walking up and down my driveway with neck sweats on my legs!”

You’ve had so many successful endurance horses, what has been your experience with sending horses to the Middle East? “Endurance riding in the Middle East is so different to what we do here, and I know a lot of riders are very

Lea-M a P ark Arabians

Sharon Meyers

The SainT BT

Lea-M a P ark

KarMaLiTa

The Saint BT will complement our beautiful band of A Class champion mares. Briarwoods Sarah Beth is currently in foal, we are very excited about this mating. We also are awaiting to see some more babies by Echos of Marwan (imp USA). It will be a very exciting foaling season at Lea-Ma Park Arabians. Mares due to foal: Lea-Ma Park Psyches aria, Lea-Ma Park Saaria, Lea-Ma Park Just a Secret and Lea-Ma Park Karmalita (in foal to Chippendale V [imp USa]). Lea-Ma Park Arabians â&#x20AC;˘ Stanmore, north of Brisbane QLD Phone Mike and Moira Matthews on 0427 013 317 or email moiramatthews@skymesh.com.au to express your interest in purchasing some world class babies. e S T. 1 9 7 7 â&#x20AC;˘ w e B r e e d B e a U T i f U L a r a B i a n S

Andrew Roberts

critical of what goes on over there, but often that’s ignorance. The equine hospitals over there are the best in the world and the after-care of these endurance horses is phenomenal.

and each one was blowing and snorting and playing up – and if your nerves weren’t bad before then, by the time you got on your horse and you were put through all that, they were pretty much shot.

“There was a ride over at the Dubai Equestrian Village and the winning time was 27 kilometres an hour, average speed, which is mind blowing. The reason they can travel so fast is they have shorter loops, water stops, and these horses have water tipped over them all the time. The whole track ends up littered with plastic bottles. It’s very different to what we do over here, but they do treat these horses extremely well and they’re leading the world as far as endurance is concerned. They have come so far and people need to recognise that.”

“I can remember them announcing ‘Helen Knight on Balfron Marbella – this is Helen’s second ride, her previous ride was April Fools Ride where she came first.’ Yeah. The only reason I came first was because the (so and so) mare bolted!

Who are some Arabian breeders you admire? “There are many, many people, both here and overseas, Howard Kale and Judith Forbis. I look at breeders like Marion Richmond and some of the amazing horses she’s bred, and I look at my mentors Ron and Val Males – I think they probably shaped a lot of my beliefs as far as horses were involved. Ron to this day remains one of the greatest horsemen I’ve ever known. I can remember many years ago, riding Desert through the mare paddock and a big thoroughbred mare kept running ahead of him, positioning herself and backing up to him. And I thought, ‘I’m just about over this,’ so I pulled off Desert’s saddle, he covered the mare, I put the saddle back on, and off we went. I was telling Ron about it and he just looked at me and said, ‘Why’d you take the saddle off?’ Well, I thought, it just seemed the right thing to do,” she laughs. “It was all he said but that was Ron’s sense of humour.”

What would you consider your most meaningful memory? “I would have to say winning the Quilty in 1982. I was riding an Anglo mare called Balfron Marbella – this was in the years before you had to qualify – and I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Everybody was camped around the fire shed and it was pitch black. There was a spot-lit area where they introduced each horse, so of course the horses were going from black into spotlight

“They did a countdown and Bell stood there and started to shake – I’m sure that mare could count. We had a shotgun start. A real shotgun. When it went off, horses went everywhere, absolutely everywhere. They ran backwards, they ran sideways, there were literally horses scattering in all directions. “I had to be at the front because Bell was a mad bolter and there was just no way that I could hold onto her. We left everybody behind, and of course Desert, who used to run with her, had to scramble to keep up and he was climbing all over the other horses to get to her. I look back and I think: Oh my God it’s lucky we weren’t killed. “So I was trying to hold my torch and the batteries were dying and the beam was disintegrating and Bell’s just flat-strap down Wheelbarrow Ridge Road. We were about five kilometres down the road before I eventually managed to get her under control. “Then we had to tackle The Drop. They don’t do rides like that these days – the drop was seriously dangerous and of course, you did it in the dark. There’s no way I would have ridden down it, so I got off and slipped and slid on my backside and thankfully Bell behaved and we got to the bottom just fine. “Next we had to cross Weeny Creek. It was known for quicksand and of course, I got caught in it. Everybody was shouting at me, ‘Get off, get off!’ and I can remember thinking ‘but I’ll get my feet wet!’ Anyway, thankfully we got out of it and went up the other side, following a road along the edge of the valley. It was foggy, there was a full moon, and the whole valley below was covered in

Top Left: Helen on Balfron Marbella Top Right: Valinor Park Armistice (by Oasis Desert Song+S) valinor park

a magical white blanket. It was amazing. I’ve never forgotten that – and my feet were still dry! “So that was the first leg… but by the last leg I was in agony. I don’t think I have ever been in so much pain in my life as I was towards the end of the ride. My knees had gone on me – I couldn’t rise to the trot anymore because they’d literally packed it in. I seriously hadn’t had any idea how far a hundred miles was. I used to think ‘Oh that’s not too bad.’ Yeah right…if I’d have had any real idea I’d never have attempted it. “I can remember lying on my stomach on the horse with my legs along her rump while she was cantering, and then lying back with my legs straight out. I was a trick rider by the end of it. Somehow we got to the end, and Ron and Val were strapping for us and I remember I fell off the horse because I couldn’t dismount; I couldn’t move my legs, and of course, you don’t get any sympathy from Ron. “I think Bell recovered to 42 bpm at the end of the ride, which was pretty amazing. And desert was 45. So the horses were great. It took me about three weeks before I could walk properly again. But still, it was an incredible experience.”

What’s next for Valinor Park? “I’d love to see a Valinor Park horse win the Presidents Cup in the Middle East, or a World Cup would be really exciting. Have I got horses good enough to do it? I think I probably have with the new generation that’s coming through, but time will tell. I’d like to have a horse win an Australian Championship then go on and do something great in endurance. I don’t know that that’s going to happen because I think the style of horse these days that wins an Australian Championship is different, but you never know. I just want to keep breeding better and better horses.” Since writing this article, the legendary Barabas has passed away. It is fortunate he has so many outstanding progeny to continue his legacy, and dedicated breeders, just like Helen, to continue on with his descendants.

Kael Park Spanish Arabians

Sophie Boulair

Amoroso de Salvadora

sired by Arabian Beauty out of Salvadora (by Jacio) Pure Spanish Arabian 15.2hh, SCID and CA clear Resting HR of 26 Available at stud via FS

Kael Park Spanish Arabians Australian Agents

Laure Munsch

Christele Alphonse

www.kaelpark.webs.com lisa_loranger@yahoo.com.au 0754 867 287

Jensem P ark A rabians

Baghira ERA

(Om El Shareikh x Eagleridge Rain Dancer) 16hh

In celebration of his return, a special offer for first 5 mares with fully paid booking: $1200 LFG plus a Leading Designs Show Halter! All others $1500 LFG Standing at stud with Kael Park Spanish Arabians www.kaelpark.webs.com lisa_loranger@yahoo.com.au 0754 867 287

Nicole Emanuel

Owned by

Jensem Park Jenni Fairweather 0433 800 626

Big, Black & very Beautiful, & heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back!! 95

AR ABIAN STUDS & STALLIONS

SADIKS PSYCHE Padrons Psyche x Serdika (Simeon Sadik)

Australian National Champion Arabian Stallion in halter Multi Australian National Champion Arabian under saddle

Nicole Emanuel

With an ancestry of depth and quality, a son of Padrons Psyche (US) and grandson of Simeon Sadik (exp UK), comes a beautifully balanced individual with exceptional charisma, temperament and elegance whilst at the same time having strength and substance.

Fresh/Chilled Semen available for a strictly limited number of mares, a discounted fee for mares nominating to use frozen semen. Visitors always welcome.

CONTACT

ALEXANDRINA FARM

Darren and Melanie Welsh Karpany Road, Wellington SA 5259 ph: 08 8572 7290, 0427 799 388 darrenandmelanie@bigpond.com

valinor park

AR ABIAN STUDS & STALLIONS

valinor park

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Almazaan Stud

Adras

Adres x Arina (Palas)

Jennifer Ogden

Almazaan Stud is thrilled to announce the arrival of the beautiful Russian/Polish Stallion Adras (UK) purchased recently from Valinor Park. This magnificent stallion is an exciting step towards breeding outstanding performance athletes. Standing at Stud for the 2013/2014 season via AI. Visitors welcome by appointment. Almazaan Stud | Birdwood, SA, Australia Mobile: +61 409 637 131 | Email: almazaanstud6@bigpond.com www.almazaanstud.com

Extravagance VO Pure Polish Colt By Lisa Smith

Extr avagancE vO

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Left: Extravagance VO as a two-year-old Right: Extravagance VO

Early in 2012, we decided that we needed to look at where our breeding program was headed. It was really a matter of a slight change of direction that was needed. We wanted to try and keep with our interest in Polish bloodlines, so we started looking at what was available. For a long time I had wanted to add the blood of Palas to our program, and with Emigrant being a grandson of Palas, he was the obvious place to start. On one of those spur of the moment decisions, we flew to the USA for a weekend to see Emigrant and his progeny. It was certainly worth the trip. Emigrant was everything we had hoped to see and his foals were outstanding. They were beautifully conformed, with excellent type and movement, and they all had excellent temperaments. Manny Vierra of Valley Oak Arabians in California has an exceptional Polish breeding program. It gave us a chance to see how Emigrant bred with a variety of diverse bloodlines. When we were shown Extravagance VO we both knew right then, without a word between us, that he was what we were looking for as our next breeding stallion. He was very tall, athletic and correct, with a beautifully set neck and movement to go with it. An added bonus was his very sweet nature.

Looking further into his pedigree only made the decision easier. Not only was Extravagance VO linebred to Palas, he was also double Eukaliptus through Emigrant’s dam, Emigrantka and Erotomanka his maternal grand-dam. Extravagance’s pedigree is also based on the famous Michałów E line. His dam Erotika is sired by Pesal, a Polish National and international multi-champion. All in all, he had the perfect pedigree to add to our Polish program. Our trip home gave us an opportunity to talk over all that we had seen. Should we buy a colt or semen? A review of our mares, re-evaluating their strong points and what we needed to improve on, made the choice easier. After a few sleepless nights we decided that Extravagance VO was the obvious choice. Since his arrival in Australia, Extravagance VO has been at Future Farms in Victoria, competing at shows and undergoing training. We plan to have him home with us following the Qld Challenge. By then he will be saddle trained and ready for a rest, before commencing stud duties in the spring. Some of the mares we have to breed to him include grand-daughters of Alladdinn, Bask, Emanor and

Weirz. Our stunning mare Passionate Kisses (Creme Dynasty imp USA x Xiaoling) is the dam of Porn Star, Stripperella and the awesome young colt, The Katalyst (EKS Bey Al Gazal imp USA). Along with Passion’s halfsisters, Magic At Midnight and Foxridge Izabella, we have also added the amazing Michałów bred, Gazal Al Shaqab daughter Funkia. Funkia was purchased at the 2012 Pride Of Poland sale. She is a dream come true for us, and the fact that she was in foal to Ekstern just made it that much more impressive. Funkia will also be bred to Extravagance VO. Another exciting future mating will be that of Extravagance VO and Fantasize FX, a 2011 chestnut filly with an exceptional pedigree. Fantasize FX is double Alladdinn, tall and elegant with amazing movement, very pretty and correct. We are looking forward to getting Extravagance VO home with us and getting to know him better. Hopefully in the future we may be able to get him out under saddle, giving him the opportunity to prove himself not just as an extraordinarily beautiful halter horse, but also in the performance ring. ♦

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Nicole Emanuel

Park

Arabian Stud

Kelkette Park Arabian Stud proudly extends an invitation to visit our special Mares, Fillies, Stallions, Colts & Geldings

Kelkette

www.Kelkettepark.com.au

Yackandandah, North East Victoria ph: (02) 60 271 313 m: 0408 203 211 e: Kelkettepark@bigpond.com

By Appointment Please

Afrikah ERA x Nehima

22 Willowtree Rd Firefly NSW 2429 Australia Tel: 61 2 65591840 Facs: 61 2 65591847 Mobile: 61 401902075 info@eagleridgearabians.com - www.eagleridgearabians.com

Afrikah ERA was born in January 2000. He is a son of the legendary Sanadik El Shaklan, out of the extremely exoticheaded Straight Egyptian mare Arabian Park Egyptian Echo, who was bred by Paul James of Arabian Park. Even as a very young colt Afrikah charmed all who saw him. He has uniquely full-black, low-set eyes, a finelysculpted, dished head, and extremely large, fine-walled and elastic nostrils. These traits, combined with his long, fine, well-set neck, flag tail carriage and powerful movement, quickly gained him recognition as an Arabian colt of extreme type and the highest quality.

Sanadik el Shaklan x Arabian Park Egyptian Echo Savionne ERA (exp NZ)

Afrikah ERA x River Oak Hearts on Fire

There is no doubt that there are many Arabian stallions that are magical in the flesh, but one has to ask… Can they reproduce it? Afrikah ERA is not only magical to look at – he is also proving to be an impressive sire that is extremely prepotent for his wonderful type and charisma. He puts his stamp on every foal, by consistently producing a look that is remarkably easy to recognise, as well as passing on his wonderful temperament. Afrikah ERA’s semen is now available worldwide and the first of his international foals are expected this June. With a limited number of foals already on the ground in Australia, Afrikah ERA’s progeny are excelling in the halter ring. Ishtaar ERA (Om El Bishara), his second foal to be shown, is an Australian Champion Filly. Afrikah ERA: Extreme Type, Extreme Face and Extreme Movement.

Woolf ERA was born in January 2002. He is a son of Om El Bishara (imp USA), a beautiful el Shaklan daughter, from the Om el Shaina daughter Om el Bint Shaina; a direct Estopa female line. He is sired by River Oak Protégé, a son of the legendary Kyremi Illustra. The cross between Pilgrim bloodlines and Estopa has proven to be a huge success for us at Eagleridge. Eagleridge Passionata is similarly bred, only in reverse. Right from a small foal, Woolf possessed the most unbelievable aura and presence. He just loves to show off, and he has movement that is rarely seen these days. A crowd favourite whenever he has been shown, Woolf ERA bursts into the show ring like a locomotive. With a huge ground-covering trot, lots of vocalising and snorting and so much animation, he is affectionately known as ‘The Ferrari’.

River Oak Protege x Om El Bishara Woolf ERA x Aphrodite ERA

Woolf ERA has wonderful type, a smooth, balanced body and a short head, again with that rare lower-set eye placement and large fine-walled nostrils. He is a perfect cross for our Afrikah ERA daughters, and vice versa. Woolf ERA is not only a wonderful horse to look at. Like Afrikah ERA, he is also an extremely prepotent sire, passing on his best attributes to his progeny. With limited foals on the ground, his first born son Shumani ERA, from Eagleridge Rain Dancer, a half-sister to Eagleridge Passionata, was unanimously awarded Australian Champion Colt. Like his sire, Shumani ERA possesses that ‘look at me’ attitude, with wonderful charisma that is impossible to ignore. The crosses between Afrikah ERA and Woolf ERA are proving to be everything we expected and more. Pictured left is a superb colt by Woolf ERA, from Aphrodite ERA (Afrikah ERA x Eagleridge Tamara).

Afrikah ERA x Eagleridge Isabeau

Carrying on the tradition of his illustrious heritage, Afrikah ERA has proven himself to be an extraordinary sire. He is a sire of wonderful type, charisma and extreme motion. Pictured are three of his most beautiful progeny here at Eagleridge. Ishtaar ERA (bottom right) is an Australian National Champion Filly and National Stud show Champion. Om El Bishara (imp USA), Ishtaar ERA’s and Woolf ERA’s dam, is a daughter of Sanadik El Shaklan. Next to Ishtaar ERA (bottom left) is the exotic Aphrodite ERA. Aphrodite ERA’s dam, Eagleridge Tamara, is a daughter of Om El Tamina (imp USA), also a daughter of Sanadik El Shaklan. Top left is the exotic two-year-old colt Na’Vi ERA. Na’Vi ERA is a son of Eagleridge Isabeau, a full-sister to Eagleridge Tamara, making Na’Vi ERA a full-brother in blood to Aphrodite ERA. It is easy to recognise that each of these beauties are sired by Afrikah ERA.

Afrikah ERA x Eagleridge Tamara

Afrikah ERA x Om El Bishara

Woolf ERA x Eagleridge Rain Dancer

Unanimous Australian Champion Colt

3 year old filly

Woolf ERA x Eagleridge Rain Dancer

Yearling Filly

Woolf ERA x Eagleridge Rain Indianna

For all enquiries contact ERA Horses - Paul & Jenni Ogden Visitors always welcome by appointment

22 Willowtree Rd Firefly NSW 2429 Australia Tel: 61 2 65591840 Facs: 61 2 65591847 Mobile: 61 401902075 info@eagleridgearabians.com - www.eagleridgearabians.com

Georgian Arabians By Brenda Williams Georgian Arabians have won an astounding 20 British National Championship titles ranging from yearlings in-hand through to Senior Ridden titles. Last year, the home-bred WH Justice son, SG Imagine, added British National Champion Stallion to the list.

Brian Aris

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Susan George

Left: SG Spirit of Essteem (Essteem x Malikeh El Sakeena) Above: SG Amber Djewel (WH Justice x Djewel)

At present the stud is home to some 60 purebred Arabian horses, 50 of which Susan has bred. In May this year, there are another eight foals due, by the stallions SG Imagine, SG Just Djude, Jullyus JJ, and SG Latif Ibn Liana. The stud farm stands on 50 acres of land and fortunately, as the climate is unreliable, in severe weather they are all able to be brought inside. There is also a horse walker and an indoor school, so whatever the weather, all the horses enjoy the exercise they need to keep healthy and maintain the wonderful, balanced temperament that Arabians have. In the stable block the horses are integrated, with stallions standing next to mares, other stallions and young stock. All enjoy company and there is peace and quietness all around. Susan strongly believes stallions should have company of other horses indoors, as they lead such a solitary life when out in the fields. Susan is “hands on” with every aspect of the day-today running of the stud, and has brought most of the foals into the world herself. As mares are notoriously determined not to foal in front of their owners, Susan has CCTV cameras in the maternity wing to be certain of attending each birth. Foaling is such an exciting time of year. Susan George

Georgian Arabian Stud Farm, owned by the acclaimed international actress Susan George, is situated in the beautiful surroundings of the Exmoor National Park in the West Country of England.

a passion for horses all her life and Simon, fired by her enthusiasm, developed this passion too. And so the stud was born, beginning with one Arabian mare named Luzhana.

Susan George may be best known internationally for her film and TV work, but in the Gulf she is renowned for her world-class Arabians. She lives and breathes her horses and says that having them has helped her to come to terms with the loss of her husband.

Sadly, Simon passed away in October 2010, leaving Susan completely devastated. They had been married for 26 years, and in spite of people saying she would not carry on with the horses, she has done so, continuing the work of the stud and safeguarding the dream they’d built together. It’s a project close to her heart of which she is justly proud.

Georgian Arabians was founded by Susan and her actor husband Simon MacCorkindale. Susan has had

It is natural for every horse breeder to hope for fillies, but occasionally a colt is born which, if it is exceptional, can take your breath away, and just maybe, one day become a future stallion. SG Imagine (WH Justice x SG Hessta Shaklana) was one such colt. Imagine’s dam is one of the stud’s precious World Champion Essteem daughters, and he has inherited the very best attributes from both sides of the family tree. His first crop of foals in 2011 exceeded all expectations. He sired six fillies in a row and all were spectacular movers and refined in type. In 2012 Imagine sired two more beautiful fillies and his first two special sons. SG Imagine has already enjoyed an illustrious show career. Last year in 2012, shown by American trainer Troy Smith, he was crowned British National Champion

Left page: Susan George with SG Imagine

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Susan George

Stallion at the National Championship Show, the largest single breed competition in Europe. He won the hearts of the crowd and the judge Lynn Tait described him as having “filled my eye with type, extravagant and correct movement and limbs.” Plans are afoot for Imagine to compete on the European show circuit in the coming year. SG Imagine is the most superb horse, with the most beautiful expressive eyes I think I have ever seen, and I have to admit I have fallen totally in love with him. He is an absolute dream of a horse. Another stallion who has had a great influence on the breeding program at Georgian Arabians is Imagine’s grandfather, Essteem (Fame VF x Espressa). Essteem’s credits as a show horse are stupendous. To this day he remains unbeaten in the ring and was the first purebred Arabian to win the Triple Crown – three titles of the world’s most prestigious Arabian shows, all in the same year, concluding with the World Championship in Paris. Essteem was in residence at Georgian Arabians for several years, and his legacy lives on in his outstanding offspring of mares and young stallions in residence. One of Essteem’s outstanding offspring is British National Champion SG Spirit of Essteem (Essteem x Malikeh El Sakeena). At the end of the 2013 season, this special stallion will be entering the world of dressage. He has a flamboyant charm and outstanding classical Above: SG Imagine (WH Justice x SG Hessta Shaklana) GEORGIAN AR ABIANS

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elegance under saddle and consistently breeds wellstructured, athletic horses. His wins include British National Champion Junior Male and Reserve Supreme Champion of the National Show 2004, British National Reserve Champion Novice Ridden Stallion 2008, and Supreme Champion Arabian at The Royal “C” Show in 2009. Another stallion to make his mark at Georgian Arabians was KZ Ibreez, leased from owner Kobi Zirinsky in 2005. This Straight Egyptian Stallion is sired by Al Maraam who is a son of Imperial Imdal. Al Maraam had two impressive breeding seasons at the State Stud in Poland. KZ Ibreez, a stunning chestnut, with a flaxen mane and tail, was of extreme desert type with a beautiful head and width between his huge, expressive eyes. 2006 saw the arrival of his first charismatic stamp on the Thee Desperado bloodlines, echoed in the foals born in 2007 and 2008. These include SG Aimee (KZ Ibreez x G Akushla), SG Ebreea (KZ Ibreez x Egala), SG Elijah (KZ Ibreez x Egala), SG Fareeda (KZ Ibreez x Inaya Bint Atticus), SG Mayerling (KZ Ibreez x Malikeh El Sakeena), SG Mon Asal, (KZ Ibreez x AH Alisha), SG Petra (KZ Ibreez x Paleogeia) and SG Iris (KZ Ibreez x Inaya Bint Atticus). Of the Straight Egyptian stallion SG Iris, Susan says, “He is a pleasure to own, a great character, and a favourite with all who know him.” He

has a handsome head and huge talkative eyes. He has his dam’s exceptional body and plenty of bone, and his bloodlines on either side of his pedigree would be an asset to any discerning Straight Egyptian breeding program. He is a real showman. He has recently been backed and makes a stunning picture under saddle. Borneo (Thamil x Sebutal), a Spanish and British National Champion Stallion bred by Diego Mendez, stood with Georgian Arabians for a short while, and also stood with the well-known Maxwell family for a number of years. Borneo has the most superlative, ancient, influential bloodlines. He is an extremely pre-potent sire and the true mark of a stallion, in type and quality. Two examples of his offspring are his well-known son Bolaero, and multi-champion in hand mare SG Boranya. There is also a full sister, SG Bliss. Bolaero’s dam is the divine broodmare, the late Halina Shaklana, a daughter of Australian stallion, Kerrilyn Ibn Amir, by Amir El Shaklan. Bolaero has a gorgeous temperament and is such a well-balanced horse under saddle. He has proved to be a great riding horse for all disciplines and he has a huge fan club on the showing scene. In his first year of competition, he took the Bronze British National title and has continued to go from strength to strength, being crowned British National Champion Junior Ridden Stallion in 2009. He has also produced

*Thaqib Al Nasser

Ansata Halim Shah Imperial Madanah

Khalifah Al Saba Simeon Siboni

*Asfour Simeon Siporra

2012 Liver Chestnut Egyptian/Russian Colt Ajman Moniscione (Italy)

WH Justice Anthea Moniscione

Byrnlea Park Naajwah T Naazifah

*Simeon Saâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ar Naazirah

Susan George

Above: SG Latif Ibn Liana (KZ Ibreez x Liana El Shaklan) Right: SG Iris (KZ Ibreez x Inaya Bint Atticus)

some beautiful offspring, both purebred and partbred. A superb partbred colt by him was crowned National Foal of The Year in 2011. Artist (Aswan x Stihia) was 31 years old when sadly Susan had to say goodbye to him in 2012. He was always referred to as the ‘King of Georgian Arabians’. Magnificent and incomparable, Artist, born at the Tersk Stud in Russia, was one of the few remaining sons of the legendary stallion Aswan. In his younger life, Artist enjoyed an extraordinarily successful career on the racetrack and was a proven sire of exceptional progeny with type, power and athleticism. A large number of Artist’s progeny have gone on to have careers in performance disciplines. His classical pedigree is as much admired today as it was years ago. Artist first came to Georgian Arabians in 1997 when Susan and Simon purchased him from the Gucci Sale, and also bought G Baryshnia (ex Buhara x Moment). Baryshnia became one of Susan’s much loved mares and a superb dam for Georgian Arabians as well as taking a third prize as a junior mare in the Paris World Championships in 1998. Artist’s first foal, Aktor, was born in 1999, out of Susan’s foundation mare, Luzhana. Aktor became Reserve British National Ridden Champion 2004. In 2001 Egatist (Artist x Egala) came along. His dam, a Polish E line mare out of Egina by Grandorr, has given Georgian Arabians so many exceptional horses, all with extraordinary strength of body and mind. Egatist enjoys everything that is asked of him, his genuine temperament making him a joy to own and ride. A true athlete, this stallion is proving himself in many ridden disciplines. In October 2009, at the most prestigious equestrian event on the UK calendar, Egatist surpassed all expectations by becoming The Horse of The Year Show’s Champion Stallion. SG Just Djude (WH Justice x Djewel) is a delectable son of WH Justice and a full brother to SG Amber Djewel. His dam, Djewel, is a Straight Egyptian daughter of Imperial Madheen mare, MB Dhakeena, and Djude’s

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Susan George

grandsire is Ansata El Salaam. Djude is Egyptian in type with a pretty, short head and a soft expressive eye, and tiny ears. He floats on the move, his paces elevated and ground covering. It would be very difficult to have missed the impact that WH Justice has had on the Arabian horse breed in recent years. At just 12 years old WH Justice became a worldwide phenomenon, and in September 2011 he made a triumphant return to the All Nations Cup show ring, where he was garlanded in gold by the judges and given a standing ovation by the audience. But this stallion’s reach goes much further than the show in Aachan.

Susan George had first set eyes on this champion maker many years prior to this, and in 2005 used his semen on five mares. She was thrilled to bring into the world multi champion mare SG Amber Djewel. Right from the moment SG Amber Djewel was born, Susan George knew this filly was something one only dreams of. “She has magic when she moves; as if on air,” says Susan, “and she fills the eye with type and presence. Although ultra feminine, her structure is strong in body and limb, and her power and drive from behind, extraordinary.” SG Amber Djewel is already a multi-champion and a Bronze Medal winner at the British Nationals,

loha

Aloha Lord of the Rings (Arabian Park Desert Dashar x Kaoru Echo [ASB])

ARABIANS

Aloha Dakota

(Arabian Park Desert Dashar x Aloha Jedda [ASHS])

Aloha Thee Desperado (Aloha Telesmon x Aloha Abba)

16.2 1/2hh anglo 10yrs Australian National Champion 2012 & 2010

16hh arabian/stockhorse 11yrs Australian National Champion 2012 & 2006

Champion Ridden Open Hack Magnif icent Bay Anglo Stallion with a fabulous, quiet temperament. Stud Fee $1500

Triple Crown Champion Magnif icent Jet Black Arabian/Stockhorse Stallion with a lovely, quiet temperament, which he is putting into his progeny. Already has Multi Champions. Stud Fee $1000

SCID, LFS & CA clear 15.2hh Pure Arabian 6yrs Lightly shown for Supreme Champion First foals are weanlings and beautiful, with lovely temperaments. Stud Fee $1200

Aloha Majestic King

Aloha Valour

Aloha Telesmon

17hh Jet Black Arabian/ Warmblood 5yrs Unshown owing to injury First foal shown for Champion at East Coast. Second weanling foal already sold. Stud Fee $1000

Double reg. AWHA 16.3hh Arabian/Warmblood 16yrs Australian National Champion – 4 Times Multi Champion Led and Ridden Sire of Multi Champions Led and Ridden, including Australian Champions. Stud Fee $1500

15.3hh Chestnut Pure Arabian Sire of Multi Champions – Endurance – with progeny exported to UAE. Paddock Fee $1000

(Aloha Desert Kingdom x Noran Amazing Grace)

(Vivaldi x Aloha Embrace)

(Talquah Talik x Ramaka)

Aloha Rostrum

Aloha Kaaba

15.3hh Grey Pure Arabian Double Registered AHSA & ASHS Top Sire of Multi Champions – Show & Endurance. Progeny exported to UAE. Paddock Fee $1000

15.1hh Chestnut Pure Arabian 13yrs Double Registered AHSA & ASHS Top Young Sire of Show Champions, including Aloha Flamboyant. Has Top Bloodlines for Endurance. Paddock Fee $1000

(Aloha Zar x Aloha Rosalia)

loha

ARABIANS

(Aloha Zar x Aloha Kwaiyis)

Mary Triggs

ph: 02 6898 1665 M: 0427 212 009 alohastud@bigpond.com

but Susan feels she has only touched the surface of her capabilities. Two more female offspring, SG Matisse and SG Mathilda J, are full sisters and both sired by WH Justice out of Malikeh El Sakeena (Maleik El Kheil). SG Matisse has several championship titles and is an exceptional mare with beauty and charisma. Younger sister Mathilda also loves to show, her tail held high almost before she has left her stall on her way up to the arena. Although full sisters, Mathilda and Matisse are surprisingly different. Mathilda definitely takes her look from her grandsire on her sire’s side, whilst Matisse favours El Shaklan. Exciting times are ahead in choosing stallions for both these mares. Of this season’s foals, Susan says, “We have had an exceptionally beautiful foal crop. Three by SG Imagine, two colts and a filly, and choosing which colt to keep will be an extremely difficult decision because both are little show men, with plenty of attitude and their sire’s type in abundance. His filly is out of a Russian mare G Baryshnia, a daughter of my Aswan son, the late Artist. She was shown in Paris as a four-year-old and was a bronze medallist. Four-year-old stallion SG Just Djude has sired his first progeny in the form of two smashing colts, and SG Latif Ibn Liana had a gorgeous filly out of another Artist daughter G Akushla. Last but by no means least, Jullyus JJ, by Jullyen El Jamaal sired a daughter and a full sibling to SG Mara Jamaal. This fab filly is out of LC Southern Majic a Magic Dream daughter and multi Champion mare. All can be seen on Facebook.”

“Arabian horses are loyal and make great companions, the best of family, the best of friends. I am told constantly that my enthusiasm is infectious, and I love to invite people to come to Georgian Arabians to see our horses first hand. Once touched by the spirit of an Arabian horse, they will never forget it – I see it time after time and nothing compares with the pleasure it gives. My most rewarding sales are to those who are looking for a riding horse either for pleasure or for competition. I know that especially in the endurance world where we have sold many horses, they will have a one-to-one partnership with their rider, and this is when they are happiest and able to excel.

not just for myself but also for others to own and enjoy. Of course there are some horses that will never leave me, but as much as I find it a wrench, as they are all such a part of my family, each year there are horses for sale. I breed only a small quantity and I am highly contemplative as to which stallions to use.

“I feel that spreading the word about the breed, in whatever guise and whatever small way, is probably the most important thing I can do for the industry. Not just speaking about our horses but all Arabians throughout the world. I came into the Arabian world to breed horses

I have to say that within the process of writing this article and listening to Susan speak so passionately about her horses, her tremendous love and enthusiasm has definitely converted me to become a fan of the Arabian Horse. ♦

I asked Susan to tell me her aims, thoughts and vision for the future. She told me: “There is a whole world out there of horse lovers, who have no idea what they are missing in the Arabian purebred. We show many in the halter competition, where their type and beauty, along with charismatic and extravagant movement, is the all-important element. These shows are exciting for exhibitors and audience alike. However, I have always believed that the breed is undervalued in terms of their use in the performance arena. Their ability and versatility and super intelligence is exceptional and they can take on almost any equestrian discipline they put their minds to.

Below: Colt foal by SG Imagine Right: SG Mathilda J (WH Justice x Malikeh El Sakeena)

Susan George

GEORGIAN AR ABIANS

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Susan George

“In the future I would like to encourage other breeders to outcross to our Arabian blood for the valuable attributes they would bring to the table. People ask me time after time, is there a part of an Arab in other horses and of course there is in almost all, but it’s way back in bloodlines and I’d like to see it utilised in future breeding programs.”

C e l e b ra t i n g O u r

Diamond Anniversary

Photos: Michael Vink, Sharon Meyers, Narelle Wockner, Agile Photography, Jan Kan, Sally Thompson, Leanne Owens and Kathy Saggers

Mark, Kathy and Jessica Saggers

Asab Arabians and Stonevale Performance 937 Glamorgan Vale Road Glamorgan Vale QLD 4306 07 5426 6063 0413 054 182 e : kat hy@war re g o . c o m. au

www.asabarabians.com

Because promises are meant to be kept ...

KHARBONATION J (USA) Purebred Arabian. 15.0hh. The only son of the US National Champion MPA Giovanni in Australia. Purchased by the White Family of Orabanda Arabians as a weanling from the renowned Jerland Farm Arabians in Wisconsin, the long term vision for Kharbonation J was always a career as a performance horse. In his very first season under saddle that dream became a reality ... n 2012 National Arabian Stud Show BASKHAN SASH WINNER, CHAMPION RIDDEN STALLION & SUPREME SADDLE EXHIBIT OF THE SHOW!! n 2013 EAST COAST CHAMPIONSHIPS CHAMPION RIDDEN STALLION.

Jodi Allen

Thankyou to his devoted and adoring trainer and rider Sally Watkins, of Willaroon Thoroughbreds, Benalla.

Filly foal by Kharbonatio nJ out of Mill Park Vespher

Kharbonation J (USA) will stand at stud in Benalla, Victoria, via AI service only to a limited book of mares in 2013â&#x20AC;&#x201C;14. Enquiries to breeding manager Jodi Allen P: 0415 544 711 E: manorvale@hotmail.com

orabanda arabians

are now offering for sale a selection of beautiful and useful purebreds and derivatives, 2yo and 3yo, sired by Kharbonation J.

For information contact Debbielee White P: 0418 302 400 E: orabanda10@bigpond.com

What makes an Arabian

a Legend?

Simeon Stud needs no introduction. So many Simeon-bred horses are household names; are the image of what people have in their mind’s eye when they think ‘Arabian’. Stud founder and owner, Marion Richmond, has done much for Egyptian Arabian breeding in this country, and her horses have influenced bloodlines internationally. Decades of dedication; of passionate, focused breeding, have ensured Simeon horses are recognised the world over for their beauty, and as outstanding examples of true Arabian type. Generations of champions and champion producers continue this tradition; with each new foal crop further cementing Simeon’s status as one of the most prominent, successful Arabian studs of modern times. Once in a while you will hear a horse referred to as a true champion; a legend in his/her own right. These horses may or may not have ever won a ribbon, but they inspire us, take our breath away, linger in our minds and hearts long after we have the privilege of sharing time and space with them. Simeon has produced such legends. Take Asfour, for example. It is difficult to find this great stallion mentioned anywhere without the title of ‘legendary’ preceding his name. This in mind, I asked Marion what she believes makes a stallion legendary.

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What makes

a stallion legendary? By Marion Richmond Here at Simeon Stud, we are blessed to have shared our lives with several horses whom I would like to think have the right to be called a ‘Legend’. Charisma, exquisite, etched beauty and a stamp on progeny going back several generations. This is the beginning of the making of a legend.

As Tracey Garrison, manager at Simeon Stud said about Asfour (Malik x Hanan), the sire of so many champions worldwide, including Simeon Sadik (x Simeon Safanad) and Simeon Sehavi (x Simeon Sheba), and great sires such as Simeon Shifran (x Simeon Shavit), all born at Simeon Stud: “Asfour had something special. He had a way of capturing your heart and your imagination. Asfour was never shown…there was no need. Some stallions command your attention and respect when they walk up to you – Asfour never walked, he was always prancing. Never uncontrolled, just the animation you expect from an Arabian stallion.” People, judges and breeders alike, cried upon seeing stallions such as Asfour and his ilk, and they’d go home and tell their friends. The naturally silken skin and hair, the huge dark eyes: just like the etchings of the famous equine artists, Adam and Vernet. Asfour was never halter trained and the only time he left Simeon Stud was to go to the vet clinic where he passed away. Yet even so, he still has a worldwide following. His son, Simeon Sadik, was arguably the most exotic black Arabian stallion of his time. He was certainly the best known both in Australia and around the world. As a young horse, he received fan mail at least three times a week. An Australian Champion Colt before being exported to the UK, Sadik was later shown for major wins in the UK and Europe. His blood is now found in the revered state studs of Poland, and his recent passing had the Arabian horse community mourning his loss. Surely, this must be legendary. A stallion does not need to have hundreds of progeny to be legendary, but the ones he has, must also in their own right be great sires.

The beginning of a new legend? Following in the footsteps of his legendary sire Asfour, Simeon Shifran is starting a legend of his own at Simeon Stud. Tracey Garrison shares his story. Left: Asfour Above: Simeon Sadik

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AR ABIAN STUDS & STALLIONS

Simeon Shifran by tracey garrison On the 20th of August, 2007, the colt Marion had been waiting over 20 years for was born. He was born almost black with the smallest little Asfour ears I’ve ever seen. Marion named the little colt Simeon Shifran.

Shifran is out of the prolific Anaza Bay Shahh daughter, Simeon Shavit. He was a pretty colt, but a bit weedy and incredibly fastidious. He has never liked being dirty! He was nice enough, but I wasn’t overly fond of him until he hit seven months of age – you know – the age where you usually hide the foals and wait until they grow up a bit! Not Shifran. At seven months of age he started to bloom and has been getting better ever since. Shifran has blossomed into a captivating stallion, standing a good 15hh. He is an improvement on his sire, Asfour, having much more length of leg and neck while keeping those special eyes and ears. He shares that something special that Asfour had: When you see him you just know he is ….special. Shifran has never been shown and will probably never show. There is no need: he will leave the ribbons to his offspring! He would just as soon stay home and let his public come to him. Shifran has produced some wonderful foals. With only a dozen foals on the ground we are very pleased. His first foal, Simeon Sa-Nur out of Simeon Shatkin, is a beautiful black filly. He has produced all colours, like his sire, including the beautiful liver-chestnut which Simeon has become known to produce. So far, two of Shifran’s progeny are booked to go to the Middle East with more international visitors scheduled to visit this season. Simeon Stud is retaining a very nice colt by Shifran and out of one of our new Garman mares, CM Moussameh. Moussameh is by our new 18-year-old stallion Mulayh Ibn Maareesa. Marion adds: “Simeon Shifran, at only five years of age, has visitors from around the world coming to see him. Combined with the fact that he has amazing foals, could it be possible this is the beginning of his becoming another legend?” There are very exciting times ahead for Simeon Stud! ♦

Above: Simeon Shifran what makes an ar abian a legend?

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T h e S TA L L I O N S O F SAL AM ARABIANS SaBtaH naSSor

Breeders of Champions

(Desperado x Clifton Park Nefisa) Grey - 15.1HH - 16yrs - CA, LFS & SCIDs Clear Linebred to the great Naadirah* - the epitome of type!

Salam darK imaGE (WP Ibn Bayang x Hartz Naadja) Black/Brown - 15HH - 10yrs - CA, LFS & SCIDs Clear Linebred to the famous mares, Naadirah* & Rissla, with movement to die for!

Joda antar El dinE (Salaa El Dine x Joda Desert Angel) Grey - 15.3HH - 4yrs - CA, LFS & SCIDs Clear Straight Egyptian - a son of one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest sires combining size, type and world class quality!

also at Stud

the two black straight Egyptians:

taliKa SaHEEr iBn SirdaHn

(Talika Sirdahn halima x Talika Sihnidah) Black - 14.2hh - 16yrs CA, LFS & SCIDs Clear 37.5% Babson blood and very Babson in appearance.

All our stallions are available via AI and natural service. Beautiful foals by these stallions due this season - enquiries welcome.

ZHiVaGo Ba

(Khabiseh x Rothlynne Oracle) Black - 13.3hh - 3yrs LFS & SCIDs Clear, N/CA An exquisite, quality colt perfect for breeding Arabian ponies.

Salam arabians

The hardcastle Family 328 John Street, Wallabadah NSW 2343

P: (02) 6746 5476 e: macushla20@gmail.com

www.salamarabians.com

Ferriss archive

the egyptian arabian horse and its Mysteries

Of all the nations who have long bred and celebrated the Arabian horse, Egypt remains one of the most mystical. With its immense wonders of the world, such as the Pyramids and the Great Sphinx, Egypt is an ancient land that symbolises monumental achievements in human spirit. One thing that Egypt is not however, is the origin of the Arabian horse. Most anyone who studies the elusive history of the Arabian horse long enough will be led to the Bedouin horse-breeding tribes whose primary region of activity is the Arabian Peninsula. It is from that region that ancestral Arabian horses proliferate across the globe and into countries such as Egypt.

Being one of the closest neighbours to the cradle of the Arabian horse, Egypt has long been credited as one of the Arabian breed’s most central benefactors. One need only take a look at the pedigree of nearly any modern international Arabian horse champion of any discipline and one will find that the horses we call “straight Egyptians” are prominently laced throughout its pedigree. Champion stallions such as Marwan Al Shaqab, WH Justice, Dakharo, Kubinec, Guiliano, and Mulawa Bronze Wings, all have benefitted from the celebrated Arabian horses that symbolise the pride of Egypt. Yet of all the nations who have long bred the Arabian horse, there are some who seem to scrutinise the

Above: Egypt – land of mystery and great human achievement the egyptian ar abian horse

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straight Egyptian’s pedigree with criticism or prejudice of some of its ancestors as if to hold it to a higher standard, perhaps born out of a lack of perspective on the manner in which the Egyptian Arabian horse was established.

There are about 67 original Arabian horses that make up the ancestry of today’s living straight Egyptians. We can identify the names of these original Arabian horses (foundation horses) taken into Egypt by various sources. However, the acquisition period for them spans just about one full century (1840s to 1940s). A lot can happen in a century. All the information we would like to know is not readily available and some sources we know little or nothing about at present. There is sufficient reason to have faith that these sources who provided foundation horses believed that their horses were indeed original Arabian horses with Bedouin origin. Whatever information that was known to these sources in their time was either recorded somewhere or kept as memory but not all of it has come forward today. Considering the circumstances objectively one can make the reasonable assumption that these Egyptian foundation horses descend from the original Arabians of the Bedouin, yet for some mysteries seem to prevail.

EXAMINING THE MYSTERIES Of the original sources of Arabians brought to Egypt, many of them have been accepted without question by most interested in Egyptian bloodlines. Often the unquestioned sources are the earliest ones chronologically such as Egyptian rulers and nobility.

Forbis archive

1. Marwan Al Shaqab & 2. Mulawa Bronze Wings – Today’s international champions draw significantly on the desert bred horses introduced into Egypt 3. 19th century Arab Horse, Victor Adam

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It is ironic that one of the early sources, Abu Amin Halabi (circa late 1800s) imported one mare, Halabia, whose origins we know next to nothing about. She is found in every single living straight Egyptian horse today. If one takes into account the journals of Lady Anne Blunt, the renowned 19th century Arabian breeder, Halabia was questioned by her, yet no one today questions the mare, while often later horses derived from the racing community in Egypt have taken unreasonable criticism, even when we have learned more about them now. It is strange that someone would choose to avoid an ancestor from the racing community for the fear of little known about it origins, yet accepting without question another whose origins are even more obscure.

supervised studbook records for later registries, which is why the RAS and EAO (Egyptian Agricultural Organization), and many other countries’ registries later, only list DB and give no other breeding details.

Arabians qualified as purebreds for racing and they held positions at all levels of the activity. They were strict and insisted on fairness in the racing competitions and were often serving on the review boards.

Participants in the racing community were people of wealth and prominence that included Arabs, Turks, Albanians, Egyptians and Europeans; often wellrespected people of political, military and private life. Such participants were engaged in the activity of racing for sport, enjoyment and as a social outlet. Horse racing at the Khedival Sporting Club, (later Gezira Sporting Club) was a prestigious activity.

Bedouin horses sold through intermediaries for racing purposes would likely have been presented with the requisite strain information and/or other origin details as asked by the buyer and presented to the racing committee. It is not unreasonable to assume that the details of many such records are now lost. What remain are most of the Jockey Club records showing: racing calendars, horses, owners and trainers etc., though they have some gaps and variations over time, and not necessarily all ancestral information. I am not denying that theoretically there is always a risk of disreputable activity in racing, but this risk was certainly at a minimum during the period of the first part of the 20th century under British supervision. Once requirements were met, the central issue was the act of racing itself, not the aspect of retaining all the details for some studbook or later registration or export papers.

An important point to remember is where the racing community obtained its horses. It was a PRIMARY outlet for the Bedouin who had surplus colts to sell or an occasional full sibling filly or mare. It was an important source of income for the Bedouin and they usually relied on “agheyls” or trusted agents to handle the sales to the racing market. Noted traveller and Arabian horse authority of the past, Carl Raswan, writes considerably about the agheyl named Marzuki, who was highly respected and trusted by the Bedouin. Raswan even writes about his time travelling with Marzuki, so he was a first-hand eyewitness to this process of buying from the Bedouin for the racing scene.

Forbis archive

THE RACING COMMUNITY REVEALED Of all the original sources of Arabians in Egypt, none is more misunderstood and more often an environment of bloodline controversies than horses from the racing community. The racing community played an important role in the Egyptian horse we know today. It not only provided stock used by the RAS (Royal Agricultural Society) government stud, but also to private breeders. Some stock from the Egyptian racing community went directly from the track to other countries. It is interesting to point out that Arabian racing was a means of testing true quality in Poland and Russia, and the best of this process became the key to their long time successful Arabian breeding programs, yet in Egypt it seems to get little appreciation.

For the first part of the 20th century in Egypt, the British were a dominant force in enforcing the standards for

It has been often said in past writings that nomadic Bedouin did not keep written documents but knew their horse histories very well and only provided hujaj [Arabic authentication certificates] or other documents if asked. If an owner of a racehorse provided reliable information to the committee in whatever form and then it was accepted for racing as purebred, that was enough -- end of story. Some desert bred sires

The period of racing in Egypt that provided ancestors to some of today’s Egyptian horses was circa early 1900s to about mid 1940s. The racing community in Egypt was not a breeders’ community generally. It was not required to be a part of any government

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1. Heliopolis, one of the historic racing centres in Egypt 2. Owning Arabian horses whether for racing or breeding was an activity of Egypt’s most prominent citizens 3. The racing community in Egypt was an important outlet for the Bedouin

listed and/or used by the RAS were just stated to be racehorses with little or no information recorded in the RAS studbook itself. Recovering any more information now is a painstaking process so many years later if it can be found at all. Yet such new information continues to be discovered from those who did keep records or save family documents. One interesting note is that the Syrian racehorse owner Ali Al Barazi, who was involved in the racing community in Lebanon and Egypt, had compiled a book in Arabic filled with information and stories from elders etc. Judi Forbis had visited Ali Al Barazi in the 1970s and her notes were summarised in one of her books. Ali Al Barazi’s book came into the possession of the Al Dahdah family of Lebanon and also a copy is with the Tahawi family and recent study of it promises to offer more information about the racing community.

So here is where the French got their information on Nasr: The various Tahawi families in Egypt have kept many of their family records, photos, correspondence and documents going way back. The Tahawi tribal clans have been in Egypt for a very long time and even Lady Anne Blunt had purchased a mare from them in the late 19th century. Some of her older horses were entrusted to their care. The Tahawi families were very renowned horsemen and breeders of Arabians and they were very active in the racing community. They were even given regional authority for Arabian horse breeding in their provinces by the Khedive of Egypt. Though a settled tribe in Egypt, the Tahawi historically obtained their foundation stock from various tribes in the Arabian peninsula such as Anazeh, Shammar, Fid’aan and Sba’ah. From surviving Tahawi family records we have learned that this “Nasr, a race horse” was actually bred by Mohammed Mejalli El-Tahawi of the Tahawi and his sire is Ghatwan and his dam is a Saqlawiya Shaifiya (his strain was shown in the French studbooks 85 years ago). Though his lineage was not given in the RAS studbook, he was used by the RAS for two years. The RAS even bred from two of his daughters but there are no straight Egyptians tracing to him today. However, Nasr is very influential in French, Moroccan and Tunisian pedigrees today through the famous and heavily used Esmet Ali (two crosses to Nasr).

GAMAL EL DIN

Forbis archive

Another interesting example from the racing community is the stallion Gamal El Din. His daughter Saema (x Bint Dalal) was bred by the RAS and imported to

the U.S. in 1951 by Queen Nazli, mother of King Farouk. She is found in many Egyptian pedigrees today internationally. The RAS studbook only says of her sire: “Gamal El Din, a race-horse belonging to Ahmed Bey Abu El Fotouh.” However today from Tahawi family records we discover that Gamal El Din was sired by the Tahawi stallion Barakat and out of a Kuhaylah Kallawiya (Hallawiya) of the Tahawi. This would make him in essence a ¾ brother to the mare Futna in the Hamdan Stud. Gamal El Din was bred by Shaikh Abd al-Hamid Rageh al-Tahawi, the same man who is the breeder of the three Tahawi mares that founded the Hamdan Stud. Futna is the female line of Israeli Reserve National Champion mare, Rowayah. Meanwhile, the line to Futna’s ¾ brother, Gamal El Din, is found in a number of show winning black Arabians in the U.S., Bahrain, Morocco, and Kuwait. Imperial Egyptian Stud in the U.S. also used horses tracing to Gamal El Din.

EL NASSER Perhaps one of the most misunderstood racing stallions in Egyptian pedigrees is the stallion El Nasser, who is the maternal grandsire of Nasralla [Shahriar]. El Nasser was controversial for a long time, owing in part to the fact that he had the same name in Egypt as a different horse in Beirut who was later proven to be a part-bred. The Egyptian stallion El Nasser also raced in Beirut though he was actually known as Didane when he raced there, and was not renamed El Nasser until years later when he was imported into Egypt. The first part-bred El Nasser in Beirut, left for Iraq and never returned. This was years before the second El Nasser

2 3

Forbis archive

NEW LEARNING FROM OLD SOURCES The following are some examples why we are learning more about the racing community today. In the RAS studbook (volume 1) was a bay stallion called “Nasr” (NOT the same horse as the grey Nasr/Manial bred by Prince Mohamed Ali and imported to the U.S.). Nasr is just listed as “a race horse” in the RAS studbook, with no further details provided. He was used for breeding by the RAS. He was later exported in 1928 to Sidi Tabet Stud in Tunisia. In the French studbooks it gives much more information about this horse including his year of birth (1918), colour (bay) and his strain (Saklawi) etc. Even though there was nothing in the RAS studbook about Nasr, such information appearing in the French and Tunisian studbooks had to have come from somewhere.

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Forbis archive

1. A desert bred stallion of the racing community: Nabras, 1921 grey stallion imported to Egypt c. 1924 for racing. He is found in Egyptian lines, via his granddaughters Kamar (x Nazeer) and Gamila (x Enzahi), two mares who have worldwide influence. Ironically the origins of Nabras have not been questioned. 2. Another desert bred stallion of the racing community: Mashaan, c. 1925 bay stallion imported to Egypt for racing. He is found in Egyptian lines, via his granddaughters Maysouna, Sherifa and Fathia, three mares that have worldwide influence. Ironically the origins of Mashaan have not been questioned. 3. El Nasser pictured at the RAS as an older horse. When he was raced in Beirut, he was not known as El Nasser but as Didane. He is of the Kuhaylan Dajani strain.

Shaylen Park Proudly Announce

Murano SPI Black Straight Egyptian Colt coming to Australia

(Bellagio RCA x Lola Baraki)

Kerry Higginson shaylenpark1@bigpond.com M: 0429 087 918 www.shaylenpark.com

Shaylen Park Arabians

Many descendants of Nasralla came to the U.S. in the 1970s and were good quality Arabians but unfortunately arrived at the wrong time because the rage at that time was Nazeer. Little attention was paid to these Nasralla bred horses. Because of the unfortunate rumours about El Nasser, these horses did not receive the opportunity to make a contribution that they otherwise would have but the controversy was a fairly limited issue at that time. It was not until an interesting black mare named Bahila was imported from Germany to the U.S. that the El Nasser issue would resurface. Bahila’s mating with the incredible sire Ruminaja Ali created The Minstril in 1984 who was an instant sensation, a U.S. National Winner and highly popular sire of many foals, then only to be eclipsed by his son Thee Desperado who became the most heavily used straight Egyptian sire in the world! Thus the name El Nasser re-emerged to a new generation of newcomers who only seemed to hear about rumours, rather than the fact that El Nasser is as significant to Egyptian bloodline diversity as was El Deree, grandsire of the exquisite Mouna, granddam of The Egyptian Prince and Mabrouka, dam of Morafic. Photos of El Nasser’s grandson Nasralla in his prime show a horse of excellent conformation and quality, as well as good refinement and Arabian type. These kinds of horses like Nasralla are paramount in extending quality and genetic diversity, so prejudice against such horses does not help the future of Egyptian breeding. (Didane) was even born. It did not help that noted authority Carl Raswan wrote about the first El Nasser and many confused him with the other horse (Didane) that went to Egypt and was later named El Nasser. The well known Henri Pharaon, prominent politician, businessman and renowned art collector in Lebanon, had purchased Didane and raced him, after which he sold him to the agent Khader Michuu who conveyed him to Egypt where he was later named El Nasser, and was used at stud by the RAS. Unfortunately Henri Pharaon’s name was later associated with race horses of questionable origin, (some say facts not known to him personally at the time) and this influenced unfounded rumours regarding the horse El Nasser (Didane) after he was in Egypt. The EAO director General Dr. Mohammed Marsafi had sorted these details out long ago and provided this information to The Pyramid Society in its formative years, and there was no problem with El Nasser being accepted as straight Egyptian and his stock eligible for registration in North America. Those who had studied the subject of El Nasser and his ancestry learned long ago that he was of reliable pedigree, and not connected with the first El Nasser or later controversies about Henri Pharaon. Yet the rumours and cynicism persisted for many years unjustifiably. The information has long been available to read for anyone caring to look for it. El Nasser, a 1938 grey stallion, was sired by a Dahman ‘Amir of the al-Ajarrash clan of the Shammar and his dam was a Kuhaylat Ajuz Da’janiyah of the Taha clan of the Juhaysh. In my time in the Middle East, I came

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to discover that the Kuhaylah Dajaniyah is one of the most respected strains. This is also the strain of Lady Anne Blunt’s mare Dajania, in many Crabbet horses today as well as in all of Nazeer’s descendants. This is also the strain of Mulawa Bronze Wings who is tail female to the Blunt mare Dajania. Photos show El Nasser to be a typical old world Bedouin type Arabian with good conformation and big eyes, deep jowl and short, strong back. In essence El Nasser was a contemporary in type to El Deree, the outcross desert bred stallion used by Inshass Stud and later the RAS. Of El Nasser’s nine get produced at RAS, his blood is only carried forward by his grandson Nasralla (also known as Shahriar in some pedigrees due to racing names).

Fernando Saenz – 1966

EXOCHORDA A final example of an important Egyptian ancestor from the racing community, is the mare Exochorda. Unlike the other examples, Exochorda is a mare, not a stallion. In 1930 she came directly from the racing community to the U.S., and was not used by the RAS, so she is probably one of the truest examples of Arabians in the racing community era under British control. Other well known contemporaries of Exochorda imported to the U.S. directly from the racing community in Egypt include the desert bred stallion King John, who was a famous “movie star” in the 1930s leased to Hollywood by his owner W.K. Kellogg, cereal magnate and prominent Arabian horse breeder. King John was imported to the U.S. in 1929 by Herman Frank,

Ferriss archive

1. Thee Desperado, a major U.S. and Canadian National winner and sire of many international winners. He remains the most heavily used of all straight Egyptian stallions worldwide and he traces to El Nasser. 2. The handsome Nasralla at the EAO in his prime. A grandson of El Nasser and the only remaining source of his blood. 3. 1939 photo of Exochorda pictured at age 17 with her owner at the time, Clifford Lodwick. Like the renowned mare Malouma, Exochorda is a classic example of Arabians in Egypt exported directly from the racing community to other countries.

BLUEDAWN

EGYPTIAN ARABIANS Breeding Straight Egyptian Arabians for their undeniable Arabian type, beauty, functionality and people loving temperaments. Showcasing the future of Bluedawn in the progeny of Simeon Safrir and Ashquar HM (DE).

Bluedawn Egyptian Arabians is founded on the tail female line of 27 lbn Galal-5 through the daughters and grand-daughters of Simeon Sukari, Simeon Sheba and Simeon Safanad.

Bluedawn Nayyerah

Simeon Safrir x Simeon Siliet (Imperial Madaar)

Selectively breeding our mares with the finest stallions available to perpetuate true Southern Arabian type bred by the famous Egyptian Breeder Abbas Pasha I.

Bluedawn Baherah

Simeon Safrir x Chaswyck on Gossemer Wings (Asfour)

Bluedawn Amir

Simeon Safrir x Shadoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sokara (Simeon Shados)

We will be breeding three mares to Jadaan Al Shaqab in the 2013/14 stud season.

Bluedawn Jamillla

Ashquar HM (DE) x Chaswyck on Gossemer Wings (Asfour)

BLUEDAWN EGYPTIAN ARABIANS Seka Sadeek

Ashquar HM (DE) x Simeon Sifra (Imperial Madaar)

Gregory, Marysia and Kyal Keyes P: 07 5427 0182 E: bluedawnarabians@bigpond.com w w w. blu e daw n a r a bi a n s . c o m

Ferriss archive

Khamsat archive

Ferriss archive

who later sold his imports to Kellogg. Frank’s other Egyptian import was the lovely mare Malouma, also directly from the racing scene in Egypt and not a part of the RAS. Mr. Frank wanted a matched pair of grey Arabians from horses that impressed him at the racetrack in Egypt, and ended up choosing King John and Malouma. Malouma followed King John to Kellogg’s Ranch and became a prominent broodmare linked to many champions. Interestingly, Malouma was bred by Abbas Mohammed Mejali El-Tahawi of the Tahawi tribes. She is found in many international champion pedigrees today including such notables as Marwan Al Shaqab, Fadi Al Shaqab, Besson Carol, Soho Carol, Fame VF+ and Versace to name a few. Neither King John nor Malouma were used by the RAS and are not in the Egyptian studbooks. Their registrations were processed from import permits and papers as drawn up for Mr. Frank by Captain Hadden in Egypt. Exochorda was accompanied by an export certificate, prepared by officials at the RAS. This caused some confusion for some who may have thought that Exochorda was bred by the RAS but that is not the case, and in fact it is not the case for any of these examples of desert bred horses from the racing community in this article. When Exochorda was imported to the U.S. by Henry Herbermann, her original name was Leila II but Mr. Herbermann changed it to Exochorda. Well known Crabbet breeder, W.R. Brown was the head of the U.S. registry at the time. Wanting to get more strain information from Egypt for registering the mare, Brown and his office corresponded with the RAS and eventually adequate details were provided and she was duly registered.

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Noted authority Carl Raswan actually provided further details on Exochorda in his Raswan Index, which only differed in minor details from the RAS export papers and other documents but expanded on that information. Interestingly Raswan writes in several of his books that he had travelled with the well-respected agheyl Marzuki (mentioned previously) on some of his horse selection trips. He notes that Marzuki was involved in the selection of Exochorda’s sire, Aiglon and dam Leila. Either way both Aiglon and Leila were imported to Egypt as a part of the previously described racing scene, and Leila II (Exochorda) was born there. Aiglon was a prominent racing stallion who was associated with racing trainers/owners Ahmed Ibish and J. Joannides. He had a long racing career before being retired. The RAS export papers for Exochorda give Aiglon’s strain as Saklawi Jidran, however Raswan gives his strain as Dahman Najib agreeing with the Jockey Club records for him. Racing calendar information shows that he was probably born c. 1908. Exochorda’s dam was the mare Leila, a desert bred Saklawia Jidrania mare imported to Egypt in 1920. The RAS certificate for Exochorda indicates that her dam Leila was imported by Captain Owen, while Raswan writes that Marzuki was in essence the intermediary, and he notes the strain as Saklawia Jidrania which agrees with the racing records for Leila who raced during the 1920–21 season.

Recent research reveals that Captain Owen was a very prominent dignitary in Egypt. His associates were people involved with the RAS and Captain Owen was bestowed with the title of “Pasha” in 1916. In addition, Owen was the owner of Leila in 1921 and it is reasonable to assume that he chose to breed her to Aiglon upon her retirement from racing that same year. The resulting foal was Exochorda who, upon racing age, raced under the name Marquita and Leila II in Owen’s ownership. Jockey Club records show Exochorda’s birth as 1922 (not 1924 as was erroneously recorded in her U.S. registration). Exochorda produced a filly in Egypt sired by the desert bred stallion Roi Herod (not the thoroughbred of a different era in Europe), before coming to the U.S. In my early 1980s interviews with elder former owners of Exochorda, they described her as a wellconformed mare, a very athletic, intelligent and friendly mare, though small at about 14 hands in height. In the U.S. Exochorda produced six foals, all of them by imported Egyptian sires. Her daughters were crossed into other American bloodlines and she established a female line at the Sebring Cattle Company, apparently appreciated for her athletic progeny but there is no female line to Exochorda in Egyptian breeding today. Exochorda’s son Sultan (x Ibn Nafa) is found in Al Khamsa pedigrees internationally, largely from the double Exochorda mare Sirrulla, whose son El Beshir

1. Exochorda at Travelers Rest Stud, mid 1930s. “She was a small but very athletic and intelligent mare with a friendly, quiet temperament”, remembers Mrs. Fleming of Travelers Rest. 2. Jurrulla (Julyan x Sirrulla), a beautiful half-sister to German race winner El Beshier. Jurrulla’s dam Sirrulla was double Exochorda close up. 3. Sirecho pictured at age 21 (Nasr x Exochorda). A good sire, 87.5% of his registered get were used for breeding. He is the only source of Exochorda in straight Egyptian breeding.

Talika Sirdarah Straight egyptian (Talika Sirdahn halima x Talika fazarah)

Proudly announces the arrival of her stylish, elegant liver chestnut colt Talika Schofire (Simeon Sochain [exp USA] grandson) For Sale..expressions of interest are invited

Sharyn Ruskey-Fleming 73 Storey Road Logan Village Qld 4207 Australia

Ph: (07) 5547 0011 Mob: 0428 320 051 E-mail: talikaarab@bigpond.com talikaarab@iprimus.com.au

Talika Neshar Talika Schomann Stud Fee: $1200

a gallery of some modern descendants of desert bred horses of the racing community (pages 140/142)

1. Royal Colours – An incredible bay stallion and a World Champion with many Middle Eastern wins. He traces to El Nasser four times and one time to Nabras. 2. Al Karim Sirhalima – A celebrated sire and grandsire of champions in Australia and other countries. He is a grandson of Exochorda’s son Sirecho. 3. Al Lahab – The charismatic World Champion and sire of international champions, Al Lahab. He traces to Exochorda and El Nasser.

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was exported to Germany and had a successful racing career. El Beshir’s daughter J.K. Blue Hadbah became a broodmare for renowned Weil-Marbach state stud. Exochorda also contributed to endurance competitors in the U.S., via the “Blue Star” breeding group. Only her last foal, the stallion Sirecho by Nasr/Manial, carried her line into straight Egyptian breeding today. How Exochorda could be controversial is hard to accept for those who know about the mare. One theory is not about questioning her status as a true desert bred Arabian, but rather that she should not be considered straight Egyptian, and in fact some of those supporting that idea extend this to any horse from Egypt that is not from the government stud or approved private breeders. This theory would then also exclude the aforementioned King John and Malouma as well, and the later black stallion Ibn Farhan imported by Queen Nazli to the U.S., who is in many hundreds of Egyptian pedigrees internationally. For Exochorda, this seems an odd theory to the casual observer,

because it would be like denying any native born their citizenship because their parents came from another country. The argument seems over perceived original intent of the definition of a straight Egyptian. In the end Exochorda is officially recognised as straight Egyptian by the Pyramid Society as is Ibn Farhan, and it would also be the case for the wonderful Malouma if she had been bred to the same Egyptian stallions available to Exochorda and bred on to the present. With improved modern communication, we are now learning more about the racing community and in my experience thus far it is quite unrealistic to treat all past “race horses” in the Egyptian records as suspect when there could be more information out there to be found. The racing community has been as much a source of authentic Arabian bloodstock as the original pashas and other revered notables. And what have horses like El Nasser and Exochorda contributed to today’s Egyptian Arabians? While their

Khareem Al Saba

2011 Black Straight Egyptian Colt

At stud to a limited number of mares – AI Only Straight Egyptian foals (by Khareem Al Saba) due Nov 2013 out of the following mares: RNZ Saphir D’Eau {Simeon Saraaf x GR Marja imp} Black Simeon Shekinah {Imperial Madaar x Simeon Safran} Grey

Expressions of Interest invited. El Zahabi Arabians – Jai Taylor – jai.taylor@yahoo.com.au Woodford, QLD 4514, +61 413 129 517

actual percentage of blood is small from the beginning, it is present in some of the finest representatives of Egyptian bloodlines. For El Nasser it includes horses such as multi-international champion stallion Royal Colours, multi-international champion producing mare The Vision HG and many other beautiful horses. For Exochorda it includes international champion sires Akid Geshan and Al Karim Sirhalima, triple crown winner and international champion sire Simeon Shai. World Champion and international champion sire Al Lahab traces to both El Nasser and Exochorda and there are many other beautiful high quality horses with these lines originating from the racing community. Personally, I have seen numerous up close descendants of El Nasser as well as many direct grandget of Exochorda, and I have no doubt as to the quality of their contribution, as to the provenance of their lineage, as well as comfort in knowing that each quality desert bred contributor to the ancestry of Egyptian breeding keeps the genetic mixture as diverse as possible. It is rather strange that desert bred horses in the racing community such as Nabras and Mashaan have escaped controversy while some others have not. Inconsistent and arbitrary prejudice in the face of known information does not help newcomers. My future concern for such an influential closed breeding group as the straight Egyptian is that any prejudices that become a fixed part of the selection process will jeopardise the future choices for one of the breed’s most significant contributors. Hopefully open minds will prevail and lead a path to quality future Egyptian Arabian horses. ♦

Gigi Grasso

General References: Lady Anne Blunt, Journals and Correspondence 18781917, ed. Rosemary Archer and James Fleming, 1986. RAS Studbook, Vol. 1, Dr. Abdel Alim Ashoub, 1948 English edition. Authentic Arabian Bloodstock [Blue cover book], Judith Forbis, 1991. Authentic Arabian Bloodstock II [Gold cover book], Judith Forbis, 2003. Al Khamsa Arabians III, Al Khamsa, Inc., 2008. Edouard Al Dahdah, private correspondence and web blog data. Yasser Ghanim El Tahawi and the Tahawi family records. Exochorda, History and Heritage of an Egyptian Mare Marilyn Lang and Caryn Rogosky, 2012.

1. The Vision HG – Exquisite black mare who is a multi international champion and the dam of many international champions. She has two lines to El Nasser. 2. Akid Geshan – A beautiful international sire of champions, once leased to Australia. He traces to Exochorda once. 3. Simeon Shai – International triple crown winner, including World Champion, sire of international champions and a crowd favourite. He traces to Exochorda once.

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Reference Handbook of Straight Egyptian Horses, Vol. 12, The Pyramid Society, 2011.

SEVEN OAKS

ARABIAN STUD

“Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten” - W.O. Bentley

A black daughter and a bay son of NK Hamoudy (Imp. DE)

Photos by Nicole Emanuel Photography

Lord Robert of Seven Oaks

Lady Sarah of Seven Oaks Dam: River Oak Impression by River Oak Imprint

Dam: Imoan Khameerah by Niarob Shou-Lin-El-Sadat

Straight Egyptian Super Sire

NK Hamoudy (Imp. Germany) ( Jamal el Dine x Helala by Salaa el Dine)

Good breeding tells its own tale

Straight Egyptian Grand-daughter (left) and Grand-son (right) both by Al-Ahmar, a son of NK Hamoudy Photos by Laureen Schmidt

Un-named Black Colt

Lady Eliza of Seven Oaks (Al-Ahmar x Lady Catherine of Seven Oaks by MB Mayal [Imp. USA])

(Al-Ahmar x Simeon Semargad by Imperial Madaar [Imp. USA])

SEVEN OAKS ARABIAN STUD Leigh & Rosemary Jamieson

Telephone: +61 0(3) 9822 1995 Facsimile: +61 0(3) 9824 1460

E: leighjamieson@sevenoaksarabians.com.au Farm: “Seven Oaks” - 201 Central Rd, Tylden, Vic, 3444

Mobile Telephone: +61 (0) 418 328 554 Office Telephone: +61 (0) 3 9824 1177

Jadaan Al Shaqab In 2010, Peter Pond made a trip to Qatar to visit Al Shaqab, one of the world’s greatest Arabian breeding farms. He was in search of a new sire for the Forest Hill Arabians breeding program, and it was here that he was offered Jadaan Al Shaqab on a lease basis. Before ever laying eyes on the stallion, Peter was already impressed by Jadaan’s outstanding pedigree – a pedigree that is full of world-renowned straight Egyptian horses, including two of Peter’s favourites, Al Adeed Al Shaqab and Ashhal Al Rayyan. Ashhal Al Rayyan (Safir x Ansata Majesta) (pictured right) is an International Champion Stallion and the sire of champions, at the highest level, around the world, while Al Adeed Al Shaqab has won titles on three continents with the crowning achievement being 2003 World Champion Stallion in Paris. Jadaan’s dam, Torfa Al Shaqab (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x Aliah Al Shaqab), traces in tail female to the renowned Babolna bred mare, Pharrah (Farag x 9 Tamria).

Jadaan in the flesh was everything Peter had been seeking, and with his extreme type, huge expressive eyes, charisma, balance and exceptional movement, he displayed instant appeal as a potential breeding stallion. These traits were recognised and rewarded the following year at the Qatar International Straight Egyptian Arabian Horse Show (Jadaan’s only exhibition), where he was named the 2011 Gold Champion Stallion. With the news Jadaan was to be imported into Australia, there was immediate interest by many breeders in obtaining services. Jadaan had already proven his ability to pass on his outstanding traits to his progeny with his first foals born in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and since then, Australian breeders have also been rewarded with some truly exceptional progeny. Jadaan’s foals are consistently inheriting his type, head and neck, tail carriage and movement. Exactly what you would expect from a world-class sire. Pictured left is Halimas Jewel of Jadaan. Jadaan Al Shaqab must return to Qatar next year, and is being offered at stud in Australia for one last season to breeders looking for the opportunity to acquire his very special type and pedigree for their breeding programs: a potential acquisition which promises to benefit breeders of both straight Egyptian and Arabian horses for many generations to come.

Last Season in Australia 2 0 1 1 G OL D C H A M P I ON S TA L L I ON Q ATA R IN T ER NAT I ON A L S T R A I G H T E G Y P T I A N A R A B I A N H OR S E S H OW

Jadaan Al Shaqab

(Ashhal Al Rayyan x Torfa Al Shaqab) 2006 Straight Egyptian Stallion Leased by Peter & Jenny Pond, Forest Hill Stud, Australia – Owned by Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar

Home of the Beautiful Halimas Horses  40 Years of Dedicated Breeding Peter and Jenny Pond, Breeders of Straight Egyptians and Arabian Show Horses • PO Box 12 Wyong NSW 2259 Australia Email: ppond@attglobal.net • www.foresthillarabians.com • Ph: +61 2 4353 3555 • Mob: +61 409 328 687

Ghalib Al Shaqab

ÂŠ Gigi Grasso

The 2011 arrival of Ghalib Al Shaqab presented Al Shaqab with a fourth successive generation of a sire line that began with the birth of Gazal Al Shaqab in 1995.

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Gazal Al Shaqab as a yearling

Gazal Al Shaqab captured among the most prestigious international titles during his show career, while his breeding contribution has confirmed him to be the irrefutable foundation of the Al Shaqab breeding program.

Ghalib Al Shaqab as a yearling

Not only a champion but a world-wide leading sire of champions, Marwan Al Shaqab came from Gazal Al Shaqab’s first Qatari bred foal crop and was granted the title of “Living Legend” having established himself among the most accomplished stallions ever in the history of Arabian horse breeding. Marwan Al Shaqab

Gazal Al Shaqab

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In the show-ring, Kahil Al Shaqab is the most successful Al Shaqab bred son of Marwan. Following the 2011 World Championships and a decade after his grandsire, Gazal Al Shaqab, Kahil was leased to the Polish State Stud Janow Podlaski for the 2012 and 2013 breeding seasons. 2012 brought Al Shaqab’s twentieth anniversary and a new record among the prominent achievements of this sire line, Wadee Al Shaqab, the full brother of Kahil Al Shaqab, was named World Champion Gold Junior Colt. Kahil and Wadee are the first siblings to be named World Champion in subsequent years. Ghalib Al Shaqab comes from Kahil Al Shaqab’s first foal crop. His dam is the lovely Gazal Al Shaqab daughter, Gazala Al Shaqab, making Ghalib a double Gazal Al Shaqab in pedigree. Ghalib Al Shaqab began his show career in late 2012 and with just two outings and two Gold Championships, Ghalib is beginning to earn the endorsement of an heir worthy to his sire line, indicating that he too could make a positive contribution to the future of the Arabian horse breed. Gazal Al Shaqab (Anaza El Farid x Kajora) 1995 Stallion 1996 Qatar International Champion Colt 1997 U.S. Egyptian Event Champion Colt 1999 Qatar International Champion Stallion 1999 Middle East Champion Stallion 2001 World Champion Stallion 2005 Scottsdale Reserve Champion Stallion 2005 U.S. Reserve National Champion Stallion

Marwan Al Shaqab (Gazal Al Shaqab x Little Liza Fame) 2000 Stallion 2001 Qatari International Champion Colt 2001 World Champion Colt 2002 World Champion Colt 2002 All Nations Cup Champion Colt 2002 European Champion Colt 2003 United States National Champion Junior Stallion 2005 United States National Champion Junior Stallion 2008 All Nations Cup Champion Stallion 2008 World Champion Stallion 2009 Qatar International Champion Stallion Kahil Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab x OFW Mishaahl) 2008 Stallion 2009 Wels Unanimous Champion Colt 2010 Qatar International Champion Colt 2010 All Nations Cup Silver Champion Colt 2011 Al Khalediah Gold Champion Colt 2011 Qatar International Gold Champion Colt 2011 Menton Gold Champion Colt 2011 World Gold Champion Colt Wadee Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab x OFW Mishaahl) 2010 Colt 2011 Qatar National Gold Colt 2012 Al Khalediah Silver Champion Colt 2012 Qatar International Gold Champion Colt 2012 Menton Gold Champion Colt 2012 Gold World Champion Colt Ghalib Al Shaqab (Kahil Al Shaqab x Gazala Al Shaqab) 2011 Colt 2012 Qatar National Gold Champion Colt 2013 PSAIAHF Gold Champion Colt

Wadee Al Shaqab

HOW TO MAKE THE AR ABIAN HORSE INDUSTRY RELEVANT...

Kahil Al Shaqab

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(Kahil Al Shaqab x Gazala Al Shaqab) 2011 Colt

Ghalib Al Shaqab

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STALLIONS AT STUD Farhoud Al Shaqab

(AL ADeeD AL ShAqAb x JOhArA AL ShAqAb) 2008 STALLION

Standing at stud with giacomo Capacci Arabians, Italy - www.giacomocapacciarabians.com

2013 Colt (Farhoud Al Shaqab x Shorouk Al Shaqab)

Kahil Al Shaqab

(MArwAN AL ShAqAb x OFw MIShAAhL) 2008 STALLION

2013 Filly (Kahil Al Shaqab x Miss el Power Jq)

HOW TO MAKE THE AR ABIAN HORSE INDUSTRY RELEVANT...

Leased by and standing at stud with husted Arabains, Denmark www.hustedarabians.dk

Leased by and standing at stud with State Stud Janow Podlaski, Poland www.janow.arabians.pl

Nader Al Shaqab

(wN STAr OF ANTIgUA x ALIAA AL ShAqAb) 2007 STALLION

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2013 Filly (Nader Al Shaqab x gazala Al Shaqab by gazal Al Shaqab)

ArOUND The wOrLD Faraa Al Shaqab

(MArwAN AL ShAqAb x gw NATOrIOUS STAr) 2007 STALLION

Standing at stud with Midwest Training Center, U.S.A. - www.midwestarabian.com

Alquimia Mogador (Faraa Al Shaqab x zT Maggasfa) 2013 Colt. bred and owned by Alquimia Arabians, Argentina

Amir Al Shaqab

Fadi Al Shaqab

(gAzAL AL ShAqAb x AMIrA MADrONA) 2007 STALLION

(beSSON CArOL x AbhA MyrA by MArwAN AL ShAqAb) 2008 STALLION

Standing at stud with Peregrine Arabians LLC, U.S.A. www.peregrinearabians.com

Standing at stud with giacomo Capacci Arabians, Italy www.giacomocapacciarabians.com

2013 Filly (Amir Al Shaqab x Shahirat Al Shaqab by Al Adeed Al Shaqab)

2013 Filly (Fadi Al Shaqab x Aleysha Al Nasser by gazal Al Shaqab)

pseterra@qf.org.qa www.AlShaqab.com

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Jo Arblaster

A Balanced Approach By Jo Arblaster Old bloodlines in a herd of more than 100 Arabian young horses and broodmares in NSW Central West are to be tapped to produce strong, balanced endurance horses with exceptional temperaments.

picked Dianne Luker and partner, Kim Wilde to take over the management of the stud.

The descendants of Cudglebar El Habibika and Chip Chase Flambeau – purebreds and derivatives – have been running freely on the 485 hectare property between Blayney and Carcoar while the elderly owner of Aziel Arabians, Barbara Marsden has been suffering from ill health. Forced to take 60 of her horses droving between Mandurama and Forbes for eight years in the late 80s and early 90s, Ms Marsden recently hand-

The invitation provides Di and Kim with the opportunity to use their considerable horsemanship and healing skills to educate the herd’s many untouched horses and hopefully turn “tragic into success”, something Di describes as one of her favourite things. An endurance rider who rode her first 40km trainer in 1984, Di won the national lightweight pointscores for distance and placings in 2005. During that year, she also achieved line honours and best managed finalist at the Shahzada 400km marathon over five days which is a ride widely considered to have the toughest terrain in the world. Said Di: “With the help of equine masseur Maurice Thompson, we managed El Jabbab Raffiq, who had a seriously torn shoulder muscle only 18 months previously, and this win led to his immediate exportation to the United Arab Emirates.” Di has ridden a number of horses that were sold to the UAE to continue their endurance careers. She bought a lame Anglo mare in 2001 that went on to compete successfully and was later sold to a stable in the UAE. Shortly afterwards, the mare was first across the line in the prestigious President’s Cup over 120kms in Abu Dhabi in 2002.

Jo Arblaster

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Top: Di Luker and Kim Wilde with some of the Aziel herd entrusted to them Left: Kim Wilde riding Burralga Scandal at Cedar Ridge Easter Carnival, 2011

For Di and Kim, it is all a question of balance. While running their own property, Topline Performance Horses Australia near Blayney producing well balanced endurance horses, they also market Specialized Saddles catering to those who recognise that not all horses are evenly put together or balanced. A qualified masseuse with a Diploma in Human Remedial Massage, Di has worked for 18 years alleviating pain caused by stress and physical trauma, aiming for balance and symmetry in the mental and physical form. “I believe that stress in all forms can manifest into the physical plane if left untreated or unaddressed,” said Di, who has also studied Chinese massage and the fundamentals of acupuncture. Self-employed, she worked for many years with human osteopath and equine chiropractor, Gary Christou who was responsible for the making of the Group 1 multimillion dollar winning racehorse, Takeover Target, who was purchased at a dogger’s sale by Jo Janoic after being scrapped by another trainer.

Jo Arblaster

In 2010, Di practised Equine Holistic Energ y Activation and Realignment Therapy in Texas, USA. “It’s a way of mapping out where to go within the animal’s energetic system and treating imbalances that are affecting the body,” she explained. Whether working with horses or humans, Di believes that every emotion affects each organ of the body in a different way. “It becomes very easy to treat a person or horse without asking too much about where it hurts,” she said. “I’m always being told: ‘You’ve got the right spot’, even by horses! They tell you in their body language. All too often a horse really just needs someone to communicate with and understand him to make some sort of recovery. If it is a physical issue causing behavioural problems, I look into that. Most of my assumptions come from experience but sometimes I just sense what’s going on. I believe that is a gift that everyone has and can be practised.” Problem horses are often referred to partner, Kim (Wilde Horsemanship). Kim broke in his first horse at 13 and has been starting horses and helping people with problem horses ever since. Private lessons led to his clients asking him to conduct horsemanship clinics. “The target of the clinics is to make horses safer, both on the ground and on their backs,” Kim said. “We start the clinics with a fairly rigorous groundwork program, getting the horses to move their feet in a positive manner and respecting the handler on the ground.” Kim doesn’t believe horses can be controlled by force or brute strength. “How can we at 60kgs or 70kgs control a horse at 400kgs or 500kgs? We’re not stronger than them and we’re certainly not smarter than them,” he said. Kim finds it hard to put a definitive name on the techniques he uses to train horses. While an advocate of natural horsemanship, he does not describe his methods as pure kindness. “Rather,” he said, “it’s giving the horse an easy option. Most people just don’t give the horse time to find the

Federation Fotos

answer. All we can do is form a partnership with that horse and get that horse to respect our space and our opinions and we should respect their opinions and their space. The days are gone when we can get a bigger bit or a bigger stick and beat this horse into shape. It doesn’t work.” While still working as a masseuse on equine and human clients, Di spends much of her time training her horses for competition. The couple have exported several horses overseas but plan to keep some of their seasoned horses to promote the saddles they are importing.

Specialized Saddles keeps Kim and Di busy wherever they go. “About three years ago we had a mare that was vetting out pre-ride. We were searching for a solution and we thought maybe it was the saddle,” Di said. “While surfing the Internet, we found a saddle in America that you can fit yourself with quite a unique fitting system. We noticed that the horse we were trying to fit had odd-shaped shoulders. That made sense because every saddle you buy off the shelf is symmetrical and this saddle can be fitted to an asymmetrical horse. “We gradually discovered that more than three quarters of horses are actually asymmetrical and

Top: Dianne Luker riding Nicari Giselle at Cedar Ridge Easter Carnival, 2012 Below: Dianne Luker and Saahlex – the lame mare was rehabilitated and exported to the UAE in 2003

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I started to understand why there is so much imbalance in the world,” said Di. “I had done Chinese massage and learned what Yin and Yang was in balance and here we were discovering that horses are not always in balance. I knew that from working on people how many were not evenly balanced and it just makes sense that horses are not either. “Now we are importing the saddles because it is so important for endurance horses to get through the day without pain at the end. While doing saddle fits, we found a lot of horses were atrophied on one side or the other and these saddles were giving them the chance to recover.” Balancing their busy days between saddle fits and horsemanship clinics, massage and training, Di and Kim are looking forward to spending time on their new venture with the untouched herd. While the Aziel horses will provide them with a resource for their skills and a chance to promote the wonderful old working bloodlines with Cudglebar stallions past and present, the couple are looking forward to working with Barbara Marsden’s vision for the future of her property, conducting educational and spiritual development of youth programs and aged respite. ♦

Jo Arblaster

Right: Aziel horses running free.

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Avondale

Cruise Siring Supreme Champions in his first foal crop.

Metaxa W from Ajmala Mulahn Weanling Arabian Colt Supreme Champion Magic Breed Foal Show

Trevor Bellchambers

We stac re s Lawle ss from Fairlight Acres Ascend

Weanling Arabian Riding Pony Colt Supreme Champion Gippsland Welsh Foal Show

Westacres Arabians Trevor & Jayne Bellchambers Yarragon, Victoria

westacres@iprimus.com.au +61 419 346 218

w w w . w estac resarabian s. c o m

How to make the Arabian Horse Industry relevant in the ‘new normal’ By Cindy Reich A ‘Call to Action’ movement in the USA is tackling issues affecting the Arabian horse industry. As you will see, the majority of those issues are just as relevant to Australian owners and breeders. So what can we learn from their hard work? In this article Cindy Reich takes us through some of the problems, and the solutions being considered to keep the Arabian horse industry alive and well. This article is an overview of what has been happening in the Arabian horse industry over the last year. It is offered as a cautionary tale – as these issues are happening in other countries as well. Australia is in a more positive position in terms of economy, and from what I have seen on many trips there to judge shows, has a wider use of the Arabian horse in terms of riding and breeding, especially in derivatives. This opens a greater market for Arabians and also increases the market for youth riders as opposed to what we have in the US. I hope that this is taken as a cautionary and ultimately positive tale. If we are not honest and straightforward in identifying our problems, we cannot adequately solve them. In that light, this is not a condemnation of what is happening in the US – it is a realistic overview of what is no longer working – and what we need to do to change. It is by working together that we can make the biggest difference. The Arabian horse industry in the USA is a different animal than it was 30 years ago, 20 years ago and 5 years ago. The economic landscape over the last several years has been pretty bleak. It isn’t only an American problem, it is a global problem and it has a direct bearing on those in the horse industry. Horses are a luxury item and when the economy is in a downturn, luxuries go out the door. To complicate matters, much of the western and central US has been in severe Above: Youth are the future of the industry (Pictured are Addison Grisham and Amurath Santiago, winning at the 2013 Australian Arabian Championships) HOW TO MAKE THE AR ABIAN HORSE INDUSTRY RELEVANT...

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Born in Meadow Creek, Australia Black EGYPTIAN/RUSSIAN colt born 6.12.12 SIRE: Simeon Shatah EGYPTIAN/RUSSIAN DAM: Undurra Lovesong (Simeon Shoah EGYPTIAN x Undurra Serena by Simeon Sethâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;na RUSSIAN)

Young Sire of the Future at Undurra Simeon Shiur Bay straight Egyptian colt born 4.11.10 SiRE: immesmerize (US) DaM: Simeon Simone (double asfour)

www.undurraarabians.com.au P (03) 5727 9245

International +61 3 5727 9245

Bob and Marj Falconer, 107 Wards Lane, Meadow Creek Victoria 3678 Australia

drought for several years. In fact, the drought may be the final blow for those horse owners that have been doing their best to hang on in the hope that the economy will be making an upward turn. Lately there are more positive economic signs, however there is not a lot of hope on the horizon for those still living in severe drought areas. When the cost of a bale of hay has tripled in two years, it is hard to convince a family that getting an Arabian horse is a sound economic decision. Over the last year, there has been a “gathering” of sorts of breeders, owners and trainers concerned about the state of the industry. It started out with a Facebook page that sought input on ways to improve the Arabian horse industry – “Promoting Positive Change for the Arabian Breed”. The only rule was – no negativity. Everyone had to contribute from a positive standpoint. Within a few days, they had over 2,000 members and there are now over 3,000. It was obvious that positive change was actively desired and it appeared that it would have to come from within the industry. The second “wake-up call” came in the form of an article that appeared in the Arabian Horse World Magazine in August 2012, entitled “Where have all the Arabians gone?” It outlined the steady decline of Arabian foal registrations and also membership in the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) since the 1980s. It was rather shocking to read that just between 2011 and 2012 there was a 20% decrease in Arabian horse registrations. Given the current trend, the number of horses leaving the breeding pool far outnumber the foals registered. Clearly something needs to change, and change quickly. The reasons for this downward trend are many. Obviously the economic conditions are a primary factor. However, another ongoing concern has been on how to make owning an Arabian competitive with other business ventures or hobbies. Raising these issues in a more public venue has stimulated a great deal of discussion. Reader response to the article in the Arabian Horse World was rapid and passionate. At the US Nationals last October, a “Call to Action” panel discussion was held by the magazine to encourage

HOW TO MAKE THE AR ABIAN HORSE INDUSTRY RELEVANT...

public debate and continue to brainstorm for solutions. Industry leaders in breeding, training and judging answered questions from the audience and many important issues were raised and discussed. Another “Call to Action” was held at the Scottsdale show in February and over 150 people attended. Here is an overview of the concerns that are being talked about as a result of these forums in the hope that a positive change can be affected.

Show Ring Issues The leading concern of the grassroots community is that there is an over-emphasis on shows and showing. AHA is responsible for conducting the US Nationals, Canadian Nationals and Youth Nationals. It is felt that too much of the resources are spent on focusing on shows, thus reducing the funds available and focus on other ways to enjoy owning an Arabian. Furthermore, the current system of 18 regions is no longer relevant for holding regional qualifying shows. There are too many classes at shows, catering to too many exhibitors, thus diluting the importance of a win. In the 1980s and 90s, winning a Top Ten or a National or Reserve Championship was a huge honour. In the current system, each class has a Top Ten, Champion and Reserve, thus, many classes with 10 or less entries assure everyone of a Top Ten award. This brings up another major issue – class sizes. In local shows, many classes have only one or two entries per class. Regional shows are slightly higher, but still way down from previous decades. One solution is to condense the regional shows into fewer regions, thus raising the entries per region. Increase participation in Class “A” shows. Currently, AHA has a “community show” series that encourage people new to showing to participate at minimal cost in a fun and supportive atmosphere. “Concurrent” shows are also being offered, whereby a show has two judging panels that judge the exhibitors at the same time, but each panel is considered a separate show. Therefore exhibitors get “two shows for one go”. This reduces costs and transportation for trainers and exhibitors.

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Making shows more interesting to the public and more worthwhile for exhibitors. The Scottsdale show is the most successful Arabian show in the US, attracting over half a million spectators during its 10 day run. It also routinely has over 2,000 horses showing in a wide variety of disciplines. Furthermore, the show is NOT run under AHA rules, nor is the Arabian Horse Breeders World Cup in Las Vegas. The World Breeders Cup has become one of the most highly anticipated shows of the year in a very short time. The idea of having a “destination” location for a show along with other activities is proving to make a difference in attracting entries and spectators. What lessons can be learned from these shows and used to help the show system in general? How can shows be more exciting? Judging was another topic that caused much discussion. There seems to be a groundswell opinion that having a pool of professional judges would make judging more consistent and would require consequences for poor judging decisions. This would result in exhibitors having a higher confidence level in the quality of judging and encourage more people to show.

Welfare How the Arabian horse breed is perceived by both other horse people and non-horse people is an important topic. Having horses presented in classes with whips is confusing and off-putting to the general public. “Bagging” horses to excite them prior to entering the class is upsetting to many spectators and has caused a lot of negative reaction from the general public. The Arabian industry has to do a better job of how the Arabian is presented and treated publicly. The perception that the Arabian horse is high strung, crazy and requires a whip to control it is being perpetuated by how we conduct our shows.

Elitism In the 1980s the Arabian horse industry was riding a huge wave of popularity. Prices were high, the horses attracted the glitterati and owning an Arabian horse was seen as a status symbol. The downside was that for most of these short-term owners, as soon

as tax rules changed that made owning horses less worthwhile, the horses went quite quickly. However, the cachet of the Arabian being an “elite” breed remained. Even though prices for Arabians were the same as any other breed of horse in the following years, most people perceived that Arabians were only for the wealthy. This hindered the breed’s growth, particularly in terms of family and grassroots owners. This is still reinforced at shows with “Patron tables” and “Black Tie” events that seem to say that this is a horse of the wealthy and everyday people should look elsewhere. There needs to be a concerted effort to make owners of all economic levels feel welcome.

Encouraging Youth One of the best questions from the “Call to Action” forums came from a panellist who said, “How do I compete in marketing an Arabian to a family, when they can buy a soccer ball and shin guards for $50?” An excellent question. It is very hard in any circumstance to compete for attention with all of the activities that abound for children (and adults). Furthermore, in a world of X-box games, mobile phones, Internet, and other electronic obsessions, taking care of a flesh and blood horse is completely foreign. Children are increasingly moving away from rural life to city life. How can the industry make owning a horse relevant? There were many ideas put forth, from having a horse “co-op” where several people can share ownership of a horse, thus spreading out the cost, having a farm sponsor an Arabian at a boarding facility to expose new people to the breed, having a “virtual Arabian horse” program so that youth that cannot own an actual horse can still be involved with Arabians. Clearly, if the industry cannot stimulate more activity and interaction from youth, the forecast is grim. On the latest “Call to Action” forum, as a panellist, I asked the audience by show of hands to indicate when they first became involved with Arabians. Fully 2/3 of the audience became involved with horses in their teens or younger. However the median age of the audience was probably 40 years. How are we going to bring younger people into the industry?

Grassroots Many of the small owners, breeders and others involved with Arabian horses feel marginalised. These one and two horse owners are the backbone of the industry. For the Arabian horse industry to grow and prosper, their involvement and input are vital. What keeps them in the Arabian industry? What can be done to make them more involved? What ideas do they have to help move the industry forward?

Outreach More work needs to be done in outreach programs. Whether it is a “visit a horse farm” sponsored by AHA, or a local farm bringing horses to the local library for a “show and tell”, everyone needs to become involved. Placing Arabian horses in situations for new people to discover and become involved are limitless. It simply requires a bit of initiative and creativity. People become attracted to Arabian horses for a variety of reasons. Walter Farley’s Black Stallion series has been bringing people to the Arabian horse for over 70 years and continues to cause readers to fall in love with Arabians. The “Horse Tales Literacy Project” brings books to thousands of schoolchildren across the US. The “Arabian Nights Dinner Theatre” in Florida presents a night of magical entertainment featuring Arabian horses. Shows like “Cavalia” that feature Arabians among other breeds can capture the imagination of spectators and bring new people to the breed. All-breed events, like Equitana, need to be supported by the Arabian horse community and have a visible presence. You never know where your next customer may be, but you must be open to any possibility.

Building On The Strengths Two things that Arabians do better than any other horse are – racing at distances over a mile and a half and endurance riding. Racing Arabians is one aspect of the industry that is growing in most countries. A concerted effort to increase the profile of the Arabian as a racehorse needs to happen in terms of marketing and breeding. In 2012, on the day of the Preakness

stakes, one of the races for the Thoroughbred “Triple Crown”, there was an Arabian race on the card. This race was seen by millions around the world. Why not work towards having an Arabian race on the card on the day of the Melbourne Cup? Australia has a strong and vibrant endurance industry and the Australian endurance horse is seen as among the best in the world market. In the US, there is still work to be done to more effectively market and support endurance horses. With the increased profile of endurance riding worldwide, this is a “natural” in terms of marketing the Arabian horse.

Having A Stronger National Association There is a lot of dissatisfaction with the AHA. There have been a lot of problems with management, focus, direction and financial stability. One of the most honest remarks to come out of the last “Call to Action” was that the AHA has functioned primarily as a “club” when in fact; it needs to be run as a business. While strides have been made in terms of becoming financially more stable, streamlining staff and reducing costs, the membership is requiring more accountability from the association. Membership has dropped off dramatically over the years and the AHA is being called to task to prove that they are working for the membership and the good of the Arabian horse. New president Cynthia Richardson has been very active in a short period of time to address many of the issues and recognises that much needs to change in order for the AHA to be a viable entity in a changing industry. The one unanimous issue that came up over and over is that the AHA and the Arabian industry cannot continue to do what worked 30 years ago. There is a “new normal” and unless changes are made, and made quickly, the outlook for the health of the industry is poor. The good news is the current participation – from the one horse backyard owner to the titans of the industry in working together to find solutions. The outpouring of concern and desire to make this breed stronger and more successful is the best medicine to get the industry back on track and on a positive upward swing. ♦

ZUHRA ARABIANS Broodmare Zsarina Zoya

(Windemere Imperial Nahdejni x Baja Syon by Vision*)

And two of her sons..

Zuhra Zaleksii (2010 gelding) Sire: Simeon Sagiv (by Simeon Samuel*)

Breeding purebred Arabians for over 20 years, only 1-2 quality foals are usually bred each season and bloodlines are largely based on Egyptian and Russian horses. Located one hour west of Brisbane Airport, visitors are welcome anytime by appointment. Young stock and endurance horses occasionally for sale.

HOW TO MAKE THE AR ABIAN HORSE INDUSTRY RELEVANT...

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Zuhra Zhivegnii (2012 gelding) Sire: Moondancer DSA* (by Balaton)

ZUHRA ARABIANS Liz Christensen Phone 61 408 726 227 liz@zuhra-arabians.com www.zuhra-arabians.com

now featuring online equine evaluations and CONSULTATIONS at www.judgemyhorse.com

HAVE YOUR ARABIANS PROFESSIONALLY EVALUATED FOR SHOW OR BREEDING WITH OUR ECONOMIC, EASY TO USE NEW WEB SITE

with International judge

Cindy Reich

Judge

MYHORSE.COM

$800 mares. a Park.

Chronicle Chronicle andand Zmanor Zmanor standing standing at $1500 at $1500 Chronicle and Zmanor standing at $1500 Walidayt Walidayt willwill be standing be standing at aatonce a at once only only price price of price $800 of $800 Walidayt will be standing a once only of $800 OnlyOnly available available to atolimited a to limited number of approved of approved mares. mares. Only available a number limited number of approved mares. FullFull terms terms &terms conditions & conditions available available fromfrom Coolinda Coolinda Park. Park.Park. Full & conditions available from Coolinda

Impressive Impressive Web Design Web Design Impressive Web Design

Lorelle Mercer

Arabian Racing from start to finish

“Racing is intriguing and fascinating. You can never totally fathom it and for that reason it is so exciting and addictive, especially for me.” – Gai Waterhouse for Arabian Studs and Stallions

Nothing is quite as thrilling as watching your Arabian racehorse in the home stretch speeding neck and neck toward the finish line to a photo finish. Or... maybe it’s you standing proudly in the winner’s circle with your majestic horse at your side as the track photographer commemorates your win. Either way, the thrill of horse racing and the thrill of winning are both feelings that you won’t soon forget!

Chronicle and Zmanor standing at $1500 The excitement of Arabian racing is undeniable, and for as much as this thrilling hasbe expanded over the there only are stillprice endlessof possibilities Walidaytsport will standing atyears, a once $800 for the newcomer and a need for additional horses. Racing bloodlines are still Only available to a which limited number ofowner approved mares. being uncovered has caused many an to take a second look in his stable for racing talent while wondering, “Could I be the next big winner?” Full terms & conditions available from Coolinda Park. Courtesy of the Arabian Jockey Club – arabianracing.org In this collection of articles, we take a quick look at the Arabian Racing industry, as well as what it takes to breed, train and race your own Arabians. ♦

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AR ABIAN STUDS & STALLIONS

National Arabian Racehorse Association Australian Arabian Racing Authority

We Welcome you all to Join Arabian Racing Today....

www. naraaustralia.com ph : 0 3 5 4 296 985

photo credits: N ara Pro motions Team & Neil Murray

An Overview:

Arabian Racing

By Maureen Milburn Arabian Racing lives in more countries than many realise. Today we find Arabians racing at world famous tracks such as Meydan in the UAE, Longchamp & Chantilly in France, Ascot and Newmarket in England, The Curragh in Ireland, Churchill Downs in the USA and Caulfield and Moonee Valley in Australia. The Arabians race at some of the world’s most famous race meetings such as The Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe, Dubai World Cup, King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Irish Guineas and the American Triple Crown. If you dream about racing at major meetings there is no more certain way to make that dream come true than with a Purebred Arabian. In most countries Arabians race for less prize money than Thoroughbreds so why should one choose to be part of Arabian Racing? Arabian Racing is not an industry – it’s a passion. A passion where heads of states in the Gulf share the dreams of family owners and trainers from all over the world. In racing, the true soul of the Arabian horse is exposed. The fighter. The lover of life. Running at full speed with other horses. It doesn’t get any more beautiful than that. Arabian Racing is a sport where people live the game. It doesn’t matter where an Arabian Racing fan travels, they will be welcomed as family by others sharing the fascination. The main reason for racing Arabian horses is that it is simply and by far the best proving ground for horses of any breed. Racing tells us how sound the animal is, both physically and mentally, and helps us to make the right breeding decisions. From a business perspective there is money to be chased at the racetrack. Racing can be approached as a business. Racing is simply the first one across the finish line wins. It costs about the same to get a horse to his first race as it does to his first show. The main difference being that showing has little prize money. Most people who race horses get completely hooked on the adrenaline. Many say that racing is the biggest thrill ever. It is the ultimate adrenaline rush. Watching your horse run will put you right out there in the stratosphere so don’t watch if you have a bad heart – seriously. The racetrack is the world brought down to size. You will meet people from every walk of life. At the track you will find everyone from the unemployed to Kings and Queens and everything that falls between. The track will humble you, amaze you and raise you to unimaginable heights. You find humility when your “bred to the eyeballs”, blue blood gets beaten by a non-descript competitor but you find ecstasy when one of your other blue bloods does just what his genetics told you they would do. At the track, no matter whether you try and don’t like it, or try it and

Megan Vosper

love it, you will meet people and horses that will be tattooed onto your brain forever.

must protect the athletic prowess that brought him to this point in the first place.

One outstanding point the Arabian racing industry has in its favour is that with the exception of a few recognised international racing dynasties, anyone has the opportunity to produce a winner from relatively obscure stallions and mares, because we Arabian race breeders have not yet touched the surface of breeding for speed: breeding for “black type”. Because the horse you have set your hopes and dreams on is not from known racing lines, does not mean it will not succeed for you. Today, we all have a chance to be winners.

Preservation is key. We have seen the evolution of the Thoroughbred racehorse breed from roots in Arabian stock. A prime consideration in this breeding progress is for Arabian owners of various bloodlines to embrace the importance of racing and choose successful racers for their breeding programs even if they choose not to race themselves. If we fail to do that and all Arabian bloodlines are not utilised, Arabian racehorses risk becoming a sub-strain, with characteristics that do not exemplify all the qualities that are held valuable in the breed. Alternately, horses bred purely for appearance risk losing the athletic qualities that are indeed breed type. Preservation of all Arabian qualities is the key for many breeders.

Gorgeous horses with strength, speed, durability, stamina, grace, and great minds. This is the Arabian racehorse, born to run. Volumes have been written about the history of the Arabian horse, his spot as the original race horse, the forefather of the Thoroughbred breed. But what about today’s Arabian? Bred for centuries for endurance and speed, a major trend has been to use them for exhibition and show. Racing was put on the back burner. Now some Arabian breeders are bringing racing forward to its rightful place. One thing is very certain. In the quest to breed the very best Arabian horses, racing cannot be overlooked. The qualities of speed and endurance are what have put the Arabian horse in the forefront of horse breeding throughout history. For the Arabian horse to regain his status as the top breed in the world, breeders

So while the Arabian Racing industry is very old – as old as the horse itself – our development of breeding programs to protect Arabian Racing ability is very young. It is an exciting time to enter the Arabian Racing world. It is a renewal of vows as responsible Arabian breeders preserve all the qualities that have made the Arabian great, and it holds promise of a strong future for the Arabian horse. We encourage all Arabian horse breeders to give racing a try – you’ve got nothing to lose but a race, and everything to win by putting Arabian breeding on the right track. ♦ Above: Gorgeous horses with strength, speed, durability, stamina, grace, and great minds – this is the Arabian racehorse

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Breeding Arabian Racehorses There are many principles involved in breeding Arabian horses for racing. My twenty years of experience in breeding and training Arabians for racing have led me to formulate a clear idea on these. To breed any horse for racing, ideally you would first look for stock with a proven track record to base your breeding program on. Until recently, in Australia, we haven’t had the opportunity to race our homebred Arabians with enough frequency to be able to use racing as a selection process with any reliability. Fortunately, this means we have preconceived ideas with regard to which bloodlines within Australia are suitable for breeding an Arabian racehorse. However,

Breeding Ar ABiAn r Acehorses

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a small handful of proven race-winning Arabians has managed to grace our shores over the years, mostly from Polish and Russian lineage. These include the pure Polish imports: Major (Batyskaf x Meta) (Imp Pol) Polish Racing record: 2000–2004 41 starts: (10:6:6) including Arabian Produce – Janów Podlaski St., Comet St., Kurozwęki St., Figaro St., Druid St. Fen (Gadir x Frejlina) (Imp Pol): a successful racehorse in Poland winning six races including the Nagroda Skowronka Stakes and the Nagroda Embargo Stakes. Wiliam (Endel x Wilia) (Imp Pol) Polish Racing record: 1998–2000 12 starts: (8:1:2) including the Europejczyk St., Sambor St., Criterium St., Arabian Produce – Janów Podlaski St., Derby St., Kurozwęki St.

story Story by Mark Baker Photos by rita Rita gallaway Gallaway

Bloodlines of race-winning Arabians within Australia also include: Sambist (Balaton x Stihia): winner of 18 races, including all five of the Russian Classic races, the Russian Derby and the St Ledger. Adres (Drug x Agata): 24 starts: (3:7:3). Australia is fortunate to have many varied and uniquely-blended bloodlines not found anywhere else in the world, predominantly untried for racing. As the recognised Arabian racehorse bloodlines around the globe become concentrated around individual bloodlines, we are in the enviable position of being able to develop our own unique Arabian racing families… which will be highly sought after. This is a very exciting prospect for Aussie Arabian horse breeders!

Above: Keshenka (Naydia Navinshka x Tristram Touch of Class) winning the Top Stock Agencies Arabian 1500m at Mareeba, Qld on 26th January 2013

Far Left: Hamdani Savinov, Straight Russian filly (Serov x Simeon Sava) will begin her racing career next season Below Left: Hamdani Antonov (Serov x Allira Park Silver Flame) is a well balanced and powerful gelding showing excellent depth of girth, and will begin his racing career next season Left: Keshenka (Naydia Navinshka x Tristram Touch of Class) Below: Keshenka racing

Regardless of the bloodlines you decide to utilise, when selecting Arabian horses with which to breed racehorses, both sire and dam must be of exceptional quality with regard to good conformation and Arabian type. Defects and weaknesses, particularly in the legs and feet are amplified under the rigours of training and competition, and should be avoided. We look for individuals with the appearance of overall strength and balance, hocks well placed without trailing behind, and four clean, straight legs with balanced feet. Also important are a great depth of girth and well-sprung ribs to ensure ample lung-room, good width and length of hips with smooth, natural muscling. Backs should be strong with good coupling into the loin and a high clean wither. There should be plenty of length between the front and back legs. Shoulders a little straighter than the desired fortyfive degrees is acceptable, provided the individual has well let-down elbows away from the body, with the correct forearm to cannon ratio; two to one. This enables the horse to reach well out in front without too much wasted energy. This will also flow into the neck set, giving a slightly lower carriage from the shoulder, which enables the horse to stretch out at the gallop. The attachment into the head should still

be refined and well placed into the top, to allow for flexion and room to breathe freely whilst on the bit. Movement is all-important and we look for an easy, free moving walk, driving from behind with a marked overstep from the hind feet. From behind, the legs should travel in a straight line without any deviations. The trot should be very forward and open with balanced, even and light movement, again always driving from behind. Hocks should travel well under, never trailing. The canter/gallop must be light and balanced, though with youngsters this may take some time to develop. There is not a huge emphasis on height when choosing an Arabian racehorse, whether to breed or to race, provided that all the above criteria are present. Our own race-winning mare “Keshenka” (Naydia Navinshka x Tristram Touch of Class) is just 14hh. Temperament is another factor that cannot be overlooked when breeding Arabians for racing. Your eventual youngster will have to endure regular training, much of which will be similar on most days. He/she will be required to be able to relax at all paces, including the gallop, and will need all the rest time and quality feed provided to be able to race effectively – and to deal with the stress of travelling away to races with

huge crowds in strange environments. As your horse’s fitness level increases during training, his energy feed requirements will also increase and this is where a good temperament really shows. A calm, tractable temperament is paramount to your horse not having burnt off all its energy by stressing before your big race. Another factor, which is not always obvious until some form of training has begun, is “Heart”. Your horse must love the work and attention. It can make all the difference between winning and running last if your horse enjoys the work. This can, and should, be encouraged with careful management during the training process. A good trainer will ensure that your horse is as happy as he is fit and healthy. Horses that enjoy their work will try harder to please and put more into it. You will not have to ask for much, but will certainly receive more from your horse... this is a very rewarding experience! Looking after your breeding stock, both before and after your mare has been bred should be a major priority; after all, this is where the development of your potential racehorse begins. Mares and foals should be suitably fed and cared for to allow your foal to reach its hereditary potential. As with anything else in life, you only get out what you put in. ♦

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Identifying and Training

The Arabian Racehorse By Anthony Mountney, ACM Equine Training Stables Photos by Lorelle Mercer

An auspicious era is upon us in regards to the Arabian Racehorse in Australia. This is solely due to the hard work over many years by all those at NARA – the National Arabian Racehorse Association of Australia. Without their perseverance, we would not have the opportunity to showcase our Arabian racehorses. Arabian horse racing may be relatively new to Australia but in many countries around the world (apart from Saudi Arabia) it has had its own identity for decades, with many dedicated breeders formulating a type and pedigree aimed at racing the Arabian athlete. Here in Australia, we don’t have generations of Arabian racehorses in our Arabian bloodstock. We do however have many dedicated, prominent breeders of Arabian horses, together with some of the world’s best horse

men and women. With this vital combination of selective breeding and good horsemanship we can concentrate solely and wholly on developing an athletic type. For many of us as trainers, the first time we lay our eyes on our new race prospect is when it walks into the yard. This is where our assessment starts. We must remember that if we want to be taken seriously by those outside of the Arabian horse world and be seen as a significant racing entity, we must produce our racing Arabians as racehorses: fit, sharp, healthy and ready to run. For this part of the assessment we have three photos to look at (see page 172):

Photo 1: Magelica (Magnum Forty Four x Mulawa Angelica). A five-year-old mare of Crabbet/Egyptian/ Polish breeding, standing at 15.2hh. What I really like about this mare is her scope. She stands over plenty of ground, has a lovely long length of hip, strong topline and a good wither-shoulder set, meaning the wither flows nicely into the back thus allowing a good slope and freedom of the shoulder for an ideal action when galloping. She also possesses a lovely clean throat and large nostrils ensuring adequate inflow of oxygen. She has a bright and alert eye and ear, good straight legs and solid sound hooves. This young mare I believe will have a bright future, having raced just the once for a fast-finishing second. Above: Beach enjoyment – Coolinda Park Dance With Me

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Photo 2: Coolinda Park Dance With Me (Walidayt x Dancing In The Dark). A four-year-old pure Polish mare. She has an exceptional wither, shoulder and throat set, a lovely deep girth, long forelegs and short cannons. Her hocks are well let down and she shows a good, keen eye. With these attributes she does indeed give a lovely ride and proves she is quick on her feet. Although unraced (as at 04/03/2013) this mare is a real ‘jump and run’ type so I have high expectations for her. Photo 3: This five-year-old Thoroughbred mare is 15.2hh and this picture is included as a point of discussion. This race winning mare is in full race condition. Her condition and muscle proportions are obvious. She ran third in her first start back from a spell, nine days prior to this photo being taken. She displays the look of health and fitness that we want to achieve with our Arabians.

First Preparation

The most valuable asset in any preparation won’t cost you a single dollar (now I have your attention!), this asset will be patience. Please be patient and don't rush things. Let the horse tell you how it’s handling the training, i.e. how it’s eating, condition, recovery and overall look of wellbeing. When training any racehorse, it’s ideal to have a preparation in mind and work backwards from the horse’s first race start. When I have a new Arabian racing prospect sent to me for training and the horse has had no real work, i.e. just broken in or sitting in a paddock, the initial preparation will be all about muscle conditioning, bone conditioning and aerobic conditioning. This initial prep may last for ten to twelve weeks, and a lot of demanding work is done during this phase which will inevitably be both mentally challenging and physically taxing for the horse. The first four weeks are spent introducing the horse into a routine of daily work, which is what I refer to as slow work. This daily slow work in the morning consists of 1500m trot and 1500m canter. The afternoon session consisting of either a swim of around 100m or a 15–20 minute walk. In these first four weeks they are ridden out in twos and threes to assist in their education and this also helps encourage competitiveness, and naturally simulates positions they may be in during a race. This I find to be a valuable part of their mental education.

Every second afternoon they are walked through the gates (starting barriers). This is an imperative lesson for your racehorse, as it is essential to have your racehorses confident around the gates. This is never something to be left to the last minute and I find it easier for all concerned to start walking them through the gates when they are not overly fit. Start by initially walking them through the gates without a rider. I stand the riderless horse in the gates then walk them out, progressing to adding a rider once I feel the horse is comfortable proceeding in and out of the gates. Then we walk out, trot out and canter out, advancing as the horse’s confidence builds. Keep in mind, a race can be won or lost at the gates! If your program’s going well by weeks four through to eight, the ridden work can step up to 2000m trot and 3 1 Magelica 2 Coolinda Park Dance With Me 3 Thoroughbred mare IDENTIFYING AND TR AINING THE AR ABIAN R ACEHORSE

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2000–2500m canter. Continue with a swim – building up to around 200m or walk in the afternoons. The only modification in the training routine would be in weeks six, seven and eight. In these weeks you will want to start introducing some pace work twice a week, let’s say for example, Tuesday and Saturday. Substitute your Tuesday and Saturday slow work with some pace work. On these days do a warm up of 1400m trot, then canter off with cantering from the 800m mark and begin pace work at 18 seconds per 200m. This is where rides are very important for timing, so that you finish off with 800m of work at 18 seconds per 200m or 72 seconds for 800m. If possible, try to work in pairs to inspire that natural competitive spirit.

Spelling

Weeks eight to twelve

If your racehorse has gone out for a spell with no physical issues, a spell of only four to six weeks is usually all that is required. You will find that some residual fitness will still be evident when returning to work.

By this time you should have a good understanding of your horses and can alter any aspects of your training schedule to suit your horses’ individual requirements. Slow work days remain mostly the same in this month. If you have access to hills, trails or the beach mix the work up a little, but be mindful you don’t over-work the horse. I always like my horses to be on the fresh side, and I find Arabians like their work to be varied, so try to keep their mind interested and fresh. During weeks eight to ten, increase pace work tempo to 16 to 17 seconds per 200m, and keep that work to 800m. In weeks ten to twelve, back off the slow work days, keeping your horses well and happy. These last two weeks we can let them finish their work off, so kick off at the 800m mark at 16 seconds per 200m, slowly improving the tempo from the 400m mark, let them gallop say 13½ seconds per 200m, but don’t let them off the bit. Bear in mind that we have to teach them that their best efforts should go into the last 200m. These sectional times are a guide only; good riders can tell you where the horses are at, and how they feel, which I think is always the best guide of all.

At this stage of the preparation, some horses may be in need of a spell and other horses may thrive and be capable of handling another two to four weeks in work. I feel it is always best to spell a horse when it’s going well and sound, rather than to push too far and find you have to spell the horse due to the horse becoming sour or tired. This is something only you can evaluate as you go through the preparation. I must mention, you can occasionally go right through a first prep and race the horse, but it takes a very good horse to cope with it all mentally and physically. You will need to be very much aware of how each individual horse is coping.

Now our spelling time has passed and it’s time for training to recommence. There are a couple of things I like to do as soon as the horses come back in for work after a spell. First is a worming drench via stomach tube, as it is very thorough. Second, I like to carry out a blood test analysis when they come back in from a spell. This enables me to see if the horse is lacking in any area of its nutritional needs and it also gives me a good guide as to what we can train on with. If everything goes according to plan (and as we all know with horses it sometimes doesn’t), they should settle back into work for two weeks, before starting pace work, then three-quarter pace work. Keep monitoring their attitude, eating habits and so on. As training intensifies, working over 1200m at three-quarter pace should give you a clear idea of how all aspects of the training are proceeding. I like to do trot-ups in the afternoons, particularly after a fast work day, to make sure that the horses don't have any sore spots, and that they are sound

in their action. I really look at the hamstring, girth and rib muscles, back and upper hind quarter muscles, and all joints are checked and flexion tests are carried out. I pay a lot of attention to the major muscle groups. Just remember your horse is an athlete and should be treated as one. I tend to utilise deep muscle massage therapy, equissage and acupuncture to keep the horses in my care supple and free. We also need to consider the horse’s shins, as shin soreness is brought about by speed. I have had endurance horses that have come to my stables to commence racing and have had them go shin sore. You may say that’s not possible with all the hard work endurance horses do on hard ground for many miles, however, shin soreness is mostly associated with speed work. Endurance horses may average 22km/ hr, and at this speed, pressure on the front shins of a 400kg horse is somewhere in the vicinity of 1600 pounds per square inch of pressure. The pressure for the same horse at 44km/hr is something like 2200 pounds per square inch. So it comes down to generally being a speed-related issue. To point out the obvious, a horse cannot gallop well when shin sore. Conformation plays a significant role here; look for horses that are structurally stronger to be able to withstand the gallop – long forearms, short cannons and good round bone that’s not too fine, as fine-boned horses will be highly susceptible to shin soreness. We take blood every two to three weeks to evaluate our horse’s complete blood count. White cell levels tell us whether we have an infection or virus in the system. Red cells are our haemoglobin and we look for a good range present. The blood test also notifies us of electrolyte levels, whether we need more or less. Also consider checking on potassium levels, as potassium is most important for muscle function. Any good vet can do the blood test for you, have the results and interpret them for you within a 24 hour period.

Top Left: Anthony Mountney Top Right: Swimming Magelica

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A point I haven’t touched on as yet, is riders and horse partners during pace work. Riders first. Riders with good knowledge are hard to find but are significant to your preparation and I think they are as instrumental as the trainer, strapper and horse itself. I like my gallop riders to be 55 to 65kg. It’s easier for a horse to flatten out and gallop with that weight, rather than say 75 to 85kg. I know what weight I would prefer to carry in a gallop – and we are talking a track gallop – not a trot and canter. Partners in gallops when our horses are learning: I like to use a Thoroughbred that has retired from racing as a training buddy for my Arabian racehorses. If they are tractable, it gives our Arabians the best partner from which to learn. The Thoroughbred has been there and done it all before so our Arabians can sit beside them in a gallop and follow the tempo of the gallop. Thoroughbreds have that instinctive rapid flight response that’s been bred into them for hundreds of years. I know that it’s not possible for everyone, and it’s not the be all and end all, but it does make the job easier than trying to teach two Arabians together, particularly to pick up the attributes of three-quarter pace then hitting the line at a gallop. A good Arabian racehorse gallops ten seconds slower than Thoroughbreds over 1200m, so don’t expect your horses to be running the same time as a Thoroughbred. The breakdown of a training track gallop as a guide with an Arabian is: You want to be improving sections without the horse being outside its comfort zone 1200–1000m (17.5 s), 1000–800m (16.5 s), 800–600m (16 s), 600–400 (15 s), 400–200m (14.5 s), 200m–finish (13.5 s). By race day they will need to be 75 to 80% fit, so that there is room for improvement with racing and so you don’t push too hard, too early and have your horses prepared any earlier than required.

Feeding Feeding a horse need only be a simple matter. Good, high quality feed, which is clean and dust free. There are so many feed products available

IDENTIFYING AND TR AINING THE AR ABIAN R ACEHORSE

on the market to confuse us but I’m old fashioned, I like my horses to have high quality grain, chaff and an abundant quantity of lucerne hay. I have my horses on an average of 12 to 14% protein diet, which consists of oats, barley, corn, sunflowers, lupins and lucerne. The supplements I use are electrolytes, vitamin E, selenium and additional potassium. There is no tried-and-true feeding program; you’ll need to provide a diet that holds condition, good muscle development and health.

Race Day Race day should be an exciting and easy day – all the hard work should be done. Having a thorough knowledge of all the rules of racing would be advisable. Allow yourself plenty of time prior to your race starttime. You’re required to arrive one hour prior to your race, but it would be wise to allocate yourself more time ahead of the race – you don’t want to be in a rush! Remember that you have to get your colours to the Jockey’s room. You’ll need to be confident in saddling up on race day, as having the jockey’s gear on correctly is paramount. Jockeys are putting their lives in our hands. Be aware of the breast plate length, weight bags, non-slip pads etc. All must fit correctly and be tight before leaving the saddling area, as we don’t want to be correcting anything in the mounting yard. Sometimes a jockey will send out a girth that may be too big, nevertheless most jockeys carry an assortment of girths of varying lengths. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from someone near-by. We are all there to help one another for a successful race day.

In conclusion Don’t be too overwhelmed with the technical aspects of this article. The greater part of racing is the horse’s natural-born ability and from a training point of view – patience, commonsense and horsemanship. If you have your horse fit, healthy, happy and with no soreness, your horse will be able to work and train to its best. Just be forever mindful that you don’t overwork or overstress the horse, as that is the quickest way to end your preparation for a race. Good Training and Good Racing! ♦

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Top Left: Magelica Above: Galloping along the sand â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Magelica and Coolinda Park Dance With Me

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B e gi n n in g o f a n ew er a f o r

Barinya Arabians Breedi n g Beauti ful, strong a raBi an s w it h t h e em phasi s on movemen t and temperamen t

Stallions at Stud 20 araBians for sale several under saddle Blood lines include

Wenceslas (imp. UK) Ralvon Pilgrim Prince Fa Moniet (imp. USA) Arjai Tammie Anaza Bay Shahh (imp. USA) Damirah (imp. Ger.) Orlando (imp. Ger.) Persian Lyric (colonial) Cudglebar Freya (colonial)

St u d L o c at io n S : B ya Ba r r a n S W ta L L a n g at ta V ic

Dr Kimaleen John e: barinya@outlook.com ph: 0438 457 487

w w w.barinya.net.au

Barinya Arabians

Universal Arabians

Gregor Aymar

A New and Exciting Direction for

Swiftwood Arabians by Fiona osborne

I have always loved Arabian horses for their beauty, grace, intelligence and attitude. There is simply nothing like them and I enjoy breeding outstanding purebred Arabians and derivatives. I have also been showing Arabians professionally in all aspects of halter and performance for 20 years. Over this time, Swiftwood has enjoyed great success in the show ring, including Australian champions and reserves, Victorian classic champions, Melbourne Royal champions and many â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; class champions and supremes.

Above: Magic Magnifique Right: Magic Magnifique and Kathleen Olsson A New ANd excitiNg directioN For SwiFtwood Ar AbiANS

L S Photo Design

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During the last couple of years I have been looking for a new direction for Swiftwood Arabians. Whilst I own the 2009 Australian Champion Partbred Pinto stallion, Mustang Lodge Sea El Paso and also stand the amazing Arabian Pony stallion Wildon Impressive, since selling Swiftwood Ibn Alabama to the Middle East, I haven’t owned a purebred stallion for approximately three years now. So I went looking for something new, something exciting, something breathtaking. I found Magic Magnifique (True Colours x Magic Mon Amour). I came across his picture and I just could not take my eyes off him. I was speechless. I had to use this stallion, so I made contact with the owners from Sweden Arabian Stud, Kathleen and Michael Olsson. Sweden Arabian Stud breeds for the international market, and many of their horses are exported to countries such as Egypt, Slovakia, Abu Dhabi, Denmark, France, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and so on. They aim to preserve and produce outstanding exotic beauty and type, with temperament, nobility, body and athletic movement. They have a special passion for high-quality black Arabians. To Kathleen and Michael Olsson, Magic Magnifique is the personification of their breeding goals.

After several phone calls and emails, we came to an agreement that Swiftwood Arabians would be the sole agent for frozen semen from Magic Magnifique here in Australia. I did my homework with my mares and I feel they will cross extremely well to him, and the response I have received from other breeders has been amazing. I have been inundated from studs all over Australia and New Zealand with enquiries and many breedings have already been sold. Unfortunately, the first canister of Magic Magnifique semen was destroyed when the canister arrived off the plane, broken. While we are devastated by the setback, in the scheme of things it won’t be long before our next opportunity arrives and Magic babies will be gracing paddocks in Australia and New Zealand.

Kay Edwards

Meanwhile, we are continuing to breed and show some fabulous horses. Last season saw two outstanding foals born: a lovely, very tall bay colt by Brandon Bey JCA (USA) out of Swiftwood Tahiera, and a stunning black filly by Crave FF out of Swiftwood Khalilah. We have high hopes for these foals, and for a future crop of exotic Magic Magnifique babies at Swiftwood Arabians. Magic Magnifique semen will be available for this coming breeding season 2013–2014. More information is available at www.swiftwoodarabians.homestead.com ♦

Above: One of Magic Magnifique’s beautiful babies Middle: Mustang Lodge Sea El Paso Below: Black Beauty SW (Crave FF x Swiftwood Khalilah)

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Gotcha From The Past

2000/01: Dianna De-Silva (Zammit) and Joh Bailey.

1998/99: Another photo opportunity for Dianna DeSilva (Zammit) with Bob and Pam Barton, all of NSW.

2003: Melissa Barlow (Reid) from Reid River Arabians.

1998/99: Richard Sharman, Queensland and Doyle Dertell, Canada â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cheers!

1998/99: Solicitor and Arabian horse breeder, Diane Wright, Queensland.

2000/01: Kathy Jones, Doug Jones and Nicole Gassner.

2001/02: Alison Hudson (Quartz Hill Arabians) at East Coast.

2000/01: Kate Campbell (Dertell).

Asileh Arabians

FOR WHEN YOU WANT TO STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD Straight Egyptian Stallions owned by Asileh Arabians include: Joda Alwan El Dine (Salaa El Dine [Germany] x Joda Desert Alivia) El Kharjahn (Imperial Maakir [imp US/exp NZ] x Kharijah) - owned jointly with Janet Rose

gotcha from the past

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Asileh Arabians PO Box 54 GUNNING NSW 2581 Phone +61 2 48456340 E: johnandlouiseduncan@bigpond.com

Sienna Stud Arabians Sienna Vanita

Sienna Fairy Tale

Anglo Arabian filly Sire: Warr Of The Worlds

Arabian Pony filly Sire: Imperial Journal

Photographed at 5 months old

Photographed at 1 day old

Julie Watt

Sienna Star Wars Purebred Arabian gelding Sire: Warr Of The Worlds Australian & East Coast Champion

Purebred, Anglo and Ponies available for purchase by Warr Of The Worlds and Imperial Journal.

S ien n a St u d A ra b i a n s & Po n i e s (North East Vic toria)

Julie Watt

Andrew Hennell

Sienna Warsaw (l) & War Fare (r) Purebred Arabian geldings Sire: Warr Of The Worlds Qualified endurance horses

A land i Durli ng ph: 04 28 211 008 e: s i en n a @ s i en n a a rabi ans.co m.au

w w w. s i e n n a a r a b i a n s . c o m . a u

Laureen Schmidt

Arinya Park

By Laureen Schmidt

Arinya Park Arabians was established in 1987 in St Andrews, Victoria, and was later moved across to the beautiful district of Romsey in the Macedon Ranges. We are a self-managed stud farm. My partner Shaun and I are hands-on with all aspects of the breeding and handling of our Arabian horses. We also run a small herd of Angus cattle and an Equine Podiatry Centre, specialising in corrective and rehabilitation farrier work. Above: Al-Ahmar ArinyA PArk

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Tess Barker

Laureen Schmidt

Our first resident stallion was a homebred boy, Arinya Park Klass (Breakaway Khameo x Monteego Bay). He was only shown sparingly, and was Reserve Junior Colt at the Victorian Classic from a very large class. He has also been a very important stallion for us, over the years producing some exceptional progeny. Klass’ strength is in improving hindquarters, neck sets, temperament and movement. He is producing a very elegant riding type and his progeny have competed successfully at the highest levels in both halter and ridden events. Klass’ more notable progeny are Arinya Park Klassanova, Esplendour’s Aphrodite, Breakaway Kleopatra , Razara En’tranz and Arinya Park Saardira. Another young upcoming gelding I feel will have a very bright future is Klasshah, owned by Belinda O’Brien. Klass has also sired some very elegant riding ponies, which I am sure will have a great future, as well as some exciting, top quality endurance competitors. Arinya Park Kai was exported to UAE, Arinya Park Kla’saar and Riverlee Ashira are owned and trained expertly by Tracey Lee-Feltrin from NSW. Arinya Park Kla’saar recently completed the 160km Victorian Championships Endurance race in which he placed sixth, and finished with a great heart rate. Riverlee Ashira, whilst just starting his endurance career, is

ArinyA PArk

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doing extremely well and has never had a heart rate over 39, which I believe to be very good. Riverlee Ashira was sired by Klass from a lovely mare I bred, Arinya Park Essquiste, whose dam Montinique (Monteego Bay Imp USA x Rianda’s Rexana) was the first purebred mare I bred. She was also the dam of the Multi-Champion Arinya Park Monsoun, who excelled in the halter ring and was awarded Australian Champion Yearling Gelding in 2004, before amassing numerous championships in ridden and halter, and is still gracing our show rings today. We have retained some lovely Klass daughters, as well as purchasing a yearling filly, Lady Majeeda of Seven Oaks, from which to continue our breeding program. In 2009, a dark bay straight Egyptian colt we called Al-Ahmar (Arinya Park Alicia x NK Hamoudy DE), was born. As many would know, straight Egyptians seem to change so much as they mature and their beauty starts to blossom. There was something special about this colt, and I decided to run him on and see how he developed. He has not disappointed me. Used sparingly last year, he has sired three foals which have exceeded all our expectations. We were very fortunate to be able to lease two exceptional mares from some dear friends, Simeon

Semargad (Imperial Madaar x Simeon Safran) from Leigh Jamieson of Seven Oaks Arabians, and Simeon Shinue (MB Mayal x Simeon Sippora) owned by Ruth Newman of Slipstream Arabians. Simeon Semargad has blessed us with an exciting black colt, and Simeon Shinue will be bred to Al-Ahmar for the 2013 foaling season. We also plan to introduce a typey colt, Breakaway Image of Marwan (RHR Heir of Marwan Imp Exp US x Breakaway Kleopatra). With his world-class pedigree, we feel he will cross beautifully to some of our Klass daughters, and we thank Tess and Sharon Barker for entrusting this boy to our care. The most exciting time for us at Arinya, is foaling time. Leigh Jamieson has been delighted with the arrival of a stunning black-going-grey filly by Al-Ahmar out of Lady Catherine of Seven Oaks (MB Mayal x Simeon Siyua) and we have a lovely bay filly from our mare Foxridge Shakira (Simeon Shavvot Exp US x Jaytee Spellbound Exp QA). For the 2013 foaling year, we are expecting some straight Egyptians by Al-Ahmar, and are very excited with what the future holds for Arinya Park and this exceptional young stallion. ♦ Left: Breakaway Image of Marwan Right Top: Klasshah Right Bottom: Klass

Cherox Merlin

Cherox Jette

Dahaak

We have black progeny (as well as some other colours) available for sale by each of these stallions and they will be standing at stud along with our other stallions for the coming season. We mainly hand serve but may have chilled and frozen semen available by some of the stallions.

where beauty and function go hand in hand

To find out more contact: Cheri Blackman (02) 4938 8118 cheri@cheroxarabians.com.au We are located in the Hunter Valley, two hours north of Sydney

photos by Nicole Emanuel

Promoting our Arabians By David Gillett

Much has been written in recent years on the promotion of the Arabian horse in Australia. Recently the Arabian Horse Society of Australia contracted a public relations company to oversee and refine their promotional and publicity strategies. As an avid Arabian horse enthusiast and part owner of this company, I oversaw the campaign and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to share with you what was learnt from it, and how members can adapt these strategies to promote their own activities.

Above: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to use a professional-looking image in your press release PromotinG our Ar ABiAns

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Anderton Park Arabians Jonah S17844 Grey Pure Arabian Stallion 77% Crabbet/Polish 20yrs old â&#x20AC;&#x201C; by Fenwick Ellusion

Orabanda Galliano C7843 Bay Egyptian Pure Arabian Colt 2yrs old â&#x20AC;&#x201C; by Guiliano

For breeding information & stock for sale contact Lynda Anderton on 0428 256 633 www.andertonparkarabians.webs.com

Jonah Floats & Trailers Jonah Floats & Trailers (Paul & Lynda Anderton) build, sell and recondition all types of horse floats and trailers, and are an agent for Stallion Horse Floats in Tasmania. P: (03) 6265 9570 / Paul 0488 689 632 / Lynda 0428 256 633 E: jonahfloats@bigpond.com www.jonahfloats.webs.com (or find us on Facebook)

During the past year, it has become increasingly apparent to me that Arabian horse owners understand the importance of promoting the Arabian horse, though most remain unsure how to go about it, or are confused as to what it means. To begin with, let’s define ‘promotion’. In a business sense, promotion sits within Marketing, alongside ‘Public Relations’, also known as Publicity or PR. Marketing is the overall process of communicating and delivering products to a target audience. It covers promotion, direct marketing and advertising, and is generally defined as a business investment – paid branding and promotional activities with new customers being the return on investment. It is a relatively short term activity and seeks to drive instant sales success. PR is classified as free exposure for increasing credibility around a company’s image and reaps its benefits over a longer period of time. The benefits of a PR program can be viewed as a long term investment that a company would recognise for future achievements. For most of us, it is actually ‘publicity’ that we are seeking and when dealing with media, one should avoid the use of the word ‘promotion’ and instead be seen to be selling a story for consumers to enjoy.

EVENTS People within the Arabian horse fraternity seem to believe that promoting the Arabian horse means they must run a show. While I believe Arabian shows are crucial, for too many years I have seen well-intentioned, intelligent and wonderful people put a lot of effort into putting on a show, only to see it suffer from poor entries, low numbers of non-exhibitor spectators and indifference from local media. In turn, most articles written about promoting Arabian horses are in fact geared towards promoting Arabian horse shows. Events, shows, exhibitions and the like have a place of paramount importance, however to make it work Above: Article in the Cowra Guardian Promoting our Ar AbiAns

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as a promotional tool, one must go back to the strategy of taking the horses to the people, because the people will not come for the horses alone. If the All-Arabian shows that are barely surviving could be funnelled into part of a local agricultural show, imagine the possibilities. Not only is there a raft of potential new Arabian horse lovers in the crowd, but much of the effort and man-power (which is always thin on the ground) that goes into insurance, stabling, parking and so on, is alleviated by the Show Society. One must consider return on investment, both of time and money. Attaching oneself to a larger event may also secure extra publicity. To give an example, in January 2012, the AHSA gave the go ahead to explore the idea of sponsoring The Way Of The Horse competition at Equitana, which is one of their flagship events. The Way of the Horse pits three trainers against each other in the main arena with three untrained horses, and over the course of the exhibition the horses are started under saddle…in front of up to 50,000 people. Unfortunately, the sponsorship was pulled in late March due to budget constraints, however prior to that we held the auditions for the trainers at Seven Oaks Arabian Stud on the outskirts of Melbourne. The auditions were attended by ABC News, two radio stations and two local newspapers, all of whom reported on the Arabian horses used in the auditions. Publicity like this for your horse or event can be executed quickly and without cost, one just has to know how. The thinking behind the strategy to take the horses to the people, rather than the people to the horses, is that together we can harness the collective power of our membership to tell our stories on a local level, gently inspiring those who may be so inclined to seek further information about the breed. Being that it is not practical or financially possible to take an advertisement out in the Sunday Telegraph, hang a banner in an airport or run a TVC

during The Voice, this strategy allows members to promote their horses with minimum effort and no cost. With AHSA members all over Australia, it is possible our stories will reach millions of readers.

WHAT IS NEWS The topics available for you to promote are endless, but an important point to keep in mind is that most people, including editors, are probably not going to identify with ‘horse talk’. The story you are pitching needs to have a human angle – the editor does not want to hear about sires and dams or progeny winning ribbons, or a list of conformational qualities. To give you an example of what can be done with a particular topic, after the Australian Championships in 2012, a call went out on the AHSA Facebook page asking competitors to get in touch with the PR Company so that local publicity could be sought. A selection of these clippings are displayed on the AHSA Facebook page and include a front cover pointer on the Jimboomba Times, and a full page back cover for the Cowra Chronicle, proving the demand for editorials that feature Arabian horses is there… they just have to be pitched.

GETTING STARTED Imag ine you have b e en to t he Au s t r alian Championships and have been lucky enough to win a ribbon. You come home and decide you would like to try and secure local publicity for you and your horse… but you don’t know where to start. The first thing to do is to identify where you would like the story to run – start with these three: Local Newspaper: Most areas of Australia have a local newspaper, so either look inside a copy or go online and obtain the editor’s email address or phone number. Local Radio: It can be a little more difficult to get the email addresses for the right person at radio to contact. You should contact the producer of any

given radio program, rather than the on-air talent. If you can’t find their email address online, call the station and ask how to pitch an interview. School/Group Newsletter: It doesn’t matter how old you are, if you win something it is possible your school will include something in their newsletter. If you are still at school, even better! Call the school and ask for the current editor’s details. The same can be said for any groups that you are a member of (e.g. Adult Riding Club) or perhaps your place of employment has a staff newsletter.

THE PRESS RELEASE So you have your email addresses ready to go, next you need to wow your targets with your story. For this, you will need a press release. Now a press release is exactly this. Some may believe that writing a press release and putting it on their website is somehow magically going to drive people, including media, to read it. It doesn’t – a press release needs to be sent to press/media. The publicists working on the project found that local media responded to press releases that were short and conversational rather than too wordy and professional. EXAMPLE B: Sent to the Hills Shire Times.

EXAMPLE A: Sent to the Caboolture News in Queensland.

Local Woodford Resident wins Australian Championship in Sydney Our client the Arabian Horse Society of Australia recently held their Championship show in Sydney, where Woodford husband and wife team Keith and Melissa Reid were lucky enough to win a Reserve Championship with their filly. I believe that local residents would love to hear about Keith and Melissa mixing it with the big guns…and winning! We have some great images we can supply, and Keith and Melissa are available for an interview…both are really great personalities. I have also attached a PR for the show itself for your information. From Melissa: “Reid River Akisha (aka Nelly) won Reserve Australian Champion Filly. She is 3 years old. She was the last foal crop by our leased Stallion, The Akomplize, out of a $2000 mare, Istana Kourtney. Akisha is proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune to own a Champion. We have lived in Woodford for about 9 years. Akisha was bred, born and raised by Keith & Melissa Reid on our property at Woodford. Akisha had won her age class at most Arabian Shows in Queensland, but this was her first trip to Sydney for a big show. Reid River Akisha’s next step is to compete under saddle at the Arabian Gala Event on 12th & 13th May at QSEC (Queensland State Equestrian Centre) – Caboolture.”

Note the similar structure to each release: 1. The subject line is a statement, encompassing the guts of the story. Editors and producers receive hundreds of emails per day, so identify what is unique about your story and use it. Notice the use of the word ‘local’.

Promoting our Ar AbiAns

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9 year old Arcadia Resident wins Australian Championship Our client the Arabian Horse Society of Australia recently held their Australian Championships at Horsley Park, where Arcadia resident Melissa Coleiro and her 9 year old daughter both competed on the same purebred Arabian mare, Mimrah. While Melissa has done very well on Mimrah, at this show she was only able to manage 2 x Top Ten placings. Her nine year old daughter Tahlia however surprised everyone by winning Reserve Champion Mare or Gelding ridden by a youth under 11 years. Tahlia has been riding for a few years, but has only recently been allowed to ride Mimrah, who is actually a very special mare with a number of links to the Hills District. Mimrah was bred by Hawley Arabians, which was founded in 1970 at Galston Road, Dural (on the corner of Carters Road) and operated there for 33 years until the stud relocated to a farm in Victoria in 2003. The imported mare Naadirah founded the breeding programme and to this day her grandsons and granddaughters are still breeding throughout Australia. Mimrah herself was born in Dural and was one of the horses who made the trip to Victoria, but after forming a partnership between Hawley Arabians and Melissa, now again lives in the area of her birth. Melissa and Mimrah have had great success at the Arabian shows in the last couple of months, being awarded Champion Show Hunter Mare and Top Five in Ridden Purebred Mare at the prestigious East Coast Championships. I think your readers would be thrilled to know that their local people are beating the big studs at their own game, and that it is a family affair. We have some cute pics of Tahlia and Mimrah (attached) and of course they are available for an interview, as is Tanya Hawley who bred and owns the horse. The horses are not available to be photographed unless by a horse photographer – pics can be provided. I’ve also attached a copy of the show PR for your reference.

2. The first paragraph is essentially an extension of the subject line, giving the reader the story you are selling and why it will be interesting to them.

with horses, and is looking for a local angle.

3. From there you should tell your story in a more detailed way, keeping in mind you are talking to someone who is probably not that familiar

each other and gently challenge the journalist

As mentioned earlier, keep the story about the people and their relationship with the horse and to show community spirit when one of their own wins big!

Samantha Taylor

Kathmar Park Enjoying our life with horses Margaret & Graeme Parker and Katherine McMahon PO Box 114, Yarragon, Victoria, 3823 kathmarpark@hotmail.com M: 0418 521 779

4. Finalise your release with a copy of the event’s official press release if available, or a link to the organisation’s website so the journalist can source more information. Please avoid adding information about the event in the body of the email – keep the email short, sweet and easy to read. It is beneficial to include an image to illustrate your story. Use a professional-looking image from the event in question or do not send an image at all. Professional photos do not cost a huge amount of money in the scheme of things, and a second grade image may kill your story before it gets off the ground. Often the newspaper will want to visit your farm and photograph you and your horse. This can be a recipe for disaster. If possible, provide your own approved, professional images. If they insist, and most will, insist the photographer use a 70mm–200mm zoom lens. This is a good way of alleviating the problem of long-nosed, big-eared horses, in a language the photographer will understand. You will need to arrange this before the visit, not during.

KEEP IN MIND Remember you may have two publicity opportunities – before and after the event. Perhaps your horse was Reserve Champion at the Australian Championships last year, and so this year the local paper may run a story in the lead up to the Australian Championships which focuses on your return to the show to claim

your Championship. If you win, you return home a champion deserving of a second editorial. In the case where the breeder and owner of a particular winning horse are different people in different locations, there may be an opportunity for the same, or similar story to run in two different newspapers. Many local newspapers are owned by the same corporations, and thus will share and adapt stories to suit. For example, the story about Tahlia and Mimrah mentioned previously ran in both the Hills Shire Times and the Warragul Gazette, where the mare’s breeder Tanya Hawley now lives. Look for angles that may activate the journalist into writing another article about you and your horse. In Example A above, the inclusion of a reference to the upcoming Gala event peaked the journalist’s interest and during the interview, a second article about the Gala Show was secured. To this end, a relationship between the Arabian horse and the journalist was forged and in turn a third article ran when Keith and Melissa’s mare won another Championship at the Gala… all from sending one press release. Endurance riders are particularly popular with AM Radio stations, and so any attempt to secure a newspaper story for an endurance rider should also take advantage of this. To talk about an endurance ride is a lot more interesting to the general public than winning a ribbon, and it takes longer as well. For example, after the Shahzada in 2012, we

had several riders interviewed on ABC Radio, as well as coverage in the local newspaper. The Australian Youth Endurance Team had coverage in their local newspapers, school newsletters and Horsewyse Magazine. More than anything, please use the English language correctly in your press release. Perhaps write your release in Word first, and check for red lines and errors in grammar. Also, this may be obvious, however judging from some social media updates I have seen it needs to be said – never, ever use curse words in your release. I don’t know about you, but when I see people swearing in their Facebook updates I immediately feel they are not the type of people I would like to associate with… media and the general public will feel the same. Don’t forget that when your article appears in the newspaper or your interview airs on radio, their respective websites will more than likely feature the story. Make sure to share it with your friends on Facebook. Heading into spring, there is a wealth of opportunities to promote the Arabian horse in whatever field we choose to compete, and I challenge every reader to simply try and secure coverage in their local area. If you are unsure your press release is right, please feel free to send it to me for an edit, I am only too happy to help. ♦

The Boys

of Krystal Creek Arabians

Santiago KEI

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Colin and Kerry James - Located Northern NSW email: krystalcreekarabians@gmail.com ph: 0438 226 246

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Noran Arabians “Strength with Beauty”

Mystica Santosa (Maharaja HDM x AJA Aphrodite)

Maharaja HDM Imp

bred by Mystica Arabians

AJA Aphrodite IMP/EXP

owned by

Noran Arabians e: noran3@bigpond.com

www.noranarabians.com

Norm, Nancy and Kylie Wall Ph: 08 9525 2295 Fax: 08 9525 3000

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West Coast Acharon + S By Jane radny

It was never our intention to own a stallion, but the day this little chestnut colt was born it was decided that if he developed into an ‘easy going’ stallion, he would be left entire. Because of his inherent gentle nature, West Coast Acharon + S kept the emasculators at bay and has grown up with this same disposition. Acharon was born from the breeding of the Arabian endurance mare, Noran Parmelia, to the Arabian endurance stallion, Aquanitor. Sadly, Acharon was the last foal conceived before the untimely death of Aquanitor. Acharon’s name was selected to mark this occasion as it means ‘last of the line’ or ‘ultimate’.

Above: Acky before England 2002 West Coast aCharon + s

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Ben Chandler

Noran Parmelia (Hayyid x Noran Motivation), a tall, leggy grey mare, produced three foals for our stud, West Coast Arabians, with Acharon being the only colt. Aquanitor (Jerahmeel x Kemilga) sired many outstanding endurance horses (including Tom Quilty winners). He was a liver chestnut with white markings, and Acharon closely resembles him. Acharon was broken in at two-and-half years of age – a process described by the breaker as ‘boring’. This uneventful procedure was wonderful news to our ears and was further proof to us that we were making the right decision leaving him as a stallion. When he was three years old, we toyed with the idea of showing him. He was too young to start demanding long distance work; therefore showing was to fill in the years until he could start endurance competition. Having no experience in showing horses, we approached Cheryl Edwards, an experienced Arabian show handler, and asked if she would assess him for the show ring. Cheryl immediately loved his temperament and gave us the confidence to proceed. Acharon lacks some halter ring snazziness because he is so quiet and laid back, but he always gives his best and the handler feels safe knowing they are not going to get stomped on, struck or be dragged around the ring! With no arena at West Coast Arabians at that stage, Cheryl schooled Acharon in the flattest paddock

she could find. Being located on the side of a hill made that a bit challenging. Under Cheryl’s guidance the paddock stallion was being treated like a star: double rugged, stabled under lights and being fed better than we were! His coat turned from gravel-dust orange to rich liver chestnut; he literally transformed before our eyes. Throughout his six-week make over, Acharon was unfazed and continued to serve mares. Cheryl had her sights set for his show ring debut at the Western Australian All Arab show in March 2003. We were feeling very daunted by the prestige of the big Arabian show and were hoping we would not be horribly embarrassed. Getting to the show presented the usual dramas, which included Acharon falling off the truck ramp. Finally arriving safely, the whirlwind of the CAMAC team hit – washing, clipping, plaiting, more washing, sanding and varnishing, make up and so on. Cheryl, being a perfectionist, made him look breathtaking. Even if we had gone home then, we would have been proud of how he looked and conducted himself. Acharon acquitted himself admirably in the halter and ridden classes to be invited to present for the Ultimate Arabian, where the performances of the top ten horses of the day are judged together to select one individual as the Ultimate. Acharon must have saved his best for last because he showed beautifully in hand followed by a faultless ridden

work out to be sashed Ultimate Arabian for 2003. This was one of the proudest moments of my life. Since then, Acharon has been shown sporadically in between endurance commitments and in 2009 was awarded WAAHA Purebred Ridden Stallion. He has also competed at the Perth Royal show and won his ridden class, as well as being sashed Reserve Purebred Show Hunter of the Year against a very strong field. He often combines showing, endurance and serving mares in a completely no fuss manner, always knowing what his job is at the time. On several occasions, Acharon has competed in and won a CEI***160km ride and gone within a few weeks to compete in an ‘A’ class Arabian show. His show ring successes in the Arabian ring, Open Galloway and Show Hunter classes accrued him sufficient points to be awarded Champion in the AHSA Roll of Merit in both the Halter and Performance sections. His success in endurance has added another Champion to his credit in the Working section and therefore he has earned the title of Supreme on the Roll Of Merit. As it happened, Cheryl rode Acharon in his first 20km social ride and her husband Cameron, rode him in his first 40km training ride. Since those early days, Acharon has had a stellar endurance career. He has completed over 4000km. He has completed 50 of the 55 rides he’s entered, and has been awarded Best Conditioned Horse in over

Above: The 2012 Longines World Endurance Championships

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up off the ground and galloping off into the distance. We desperately followed his progress from a Ute at breakneck speed. We were horrified by, but admired, how he effortlessly jumped five more barbed wire fences before we finally caught up with him. Thankfully he was not injured and when we presented him to the vet back at base he was declared ‘fit to continue’. With the ‘good to go’ from the vet, Norb saddled up the still feral stallion and caught up with the field. He overtook them and came home first across the line. He was also awarded Best Conditioned Horse. Another noteworthy occasion was when a rare streak of stubbornness overcame Acharon as we loaded him. Norb gave a tug on his rope halter, which immediately frayed and fell to the ground revealing an unrestrained stallion. Norb looked at me, I looked at Norb, Acharon looked at each of us and off he went, relishing his moment of freedom. Fortunately, he only went as far as the nearest patch of grass. 80% of those events. He has been awarded WA’s Best Conditioned Horse of the Year three times, and also WAERA Horse of the Year multiple times. He has won the Heavyweight division of the 2007 Tom Quilty National Endurance Championships. In 2009, Acharon was Runner-up National Heavy Weight Points and 3rd National Distance Horse. Acharon has proven himself as a horse for the whole family, with Norbert competing on him for the majority of his endurance riding. I have shown him in hand and under saddle and our daughter Rebecca competes on him in Novice and Elementary dressage. Acharon has competed overseas twice in endurance, once as part of the Australian Equestrian Team at the 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. The second time, he represented Australia at the 2012 Longines World Endurance Championships in the United Kingdom. On both occasions he had to travel the furthest of all the competing horses.

est

His calm temperament and gentle nature endeared him to all who met him on his travels and he has a big fan club of international admirers. Travelling anywhere with a stallion in the company of other horses can be fraught with dangers, but he behaved just like one of the geldings. One truck driver said he had been told there was a stallion on board, but he couldn’t pick which horse it was. Although Acharon is an extraordinarily quiet horse, we have had one or two ‘out of character’ incidents with him, most notably ‘The Great Wickepin Escape’. In 2005, we took Acharon to an 80km endurance ride in Wickepin, which was held in a large paddock with overhead high tension power lines. We camped beneath these power lines, and Acharon, and other horses, were quite unsettled by the vibrations and high pitched whine. Norbert was saddling up Acharon to continue on the second leg of this ride when Acharon managed to escape from the yard. In his bid to escape the power lines, Acharon scrambled through a barbed wire fence before picking himself

oast

Acharon’s name was originally shortened to ‘Acky’, however now he possesses a host of perhaps unrelated names which more-so reflect his character. An example is ‘Flopsy Bunny’ where the kids ambush his head and stretch his ears down in the stereotypical rabbit form. When representing Australia in Kentucky and England, he was christened with a true blue slogan, ‘Acky Acky Acky – OI OI OI’. I believe that the number of names your horse has is considered to be a sign of how much you love them, and Acky has quite a few! Recently our teenage daughter has been taking Acharon to dressage competitions where one of the marshalls expressed concern about a young person riding a stallion. By the end of the day, she remarked to us that she needn’t have worried as he was ‘as good as gold’. Although his rich chestnut coat sometimes glitters like gold, it is this special stallion’s heart that is surely made of gold. ♦ Above: 2006 State Arabian Championships

rabians

West Coast Acharon + S (S21005) (Aquanitor x Noran Parmelia)

Tia Thompson

- Australian Endurance Team - WEG, Kentucky, USA 2010 and WEC, Euston Park, UK 2012 - Competing Novice/Elementary Dressage - Celebrated Show Galloway - Progeny excelling in Endurance in Aust and overseas - Impeccable temperament and attitude

Ben Chandler

Natural, AI, chilled, frozen semen available

West Coast aCharon + s

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West Coast Arabians Norbert and Jane Radny, Serpentine WA westcoastarabians@bigpond.com www.westcoast arabians.com

Wyngura True North ( Tr u e Vi s i o n x C h a r a w a y K a s m e e k a )

Naturally beautiful, no need for creative clipping, dyeing, makeup or arty photographs, because up here it’s the heart of the horse that counts. The Kimberley stockmen don’t stand for all that city fluff and prance, they need a horse who can move freely, a horse who will look after you, a horse who can work hard all day. That’s the sort of horse Wyngura True North is.... That’s what we want too ... That’s the sort of horse we breed here at Wyngura. Beautifully bred, with an even temperament, wonderful conformation and type, a true Australian Arabian, and yes, he is a multi champion too.

Do you really know what you want?

Wyngura Arabians West Australia’s most Northern Arabian Stud in the heart of the East Kimberley

Craig & Andrea Dobson 0429 168 509

Christine Tooke

Grace Bryant Photography

Workmates and Friends….

Special memories of

Hume Creek Arabians By Sue Bell Sue Bell enjoyed riding from a young age and was in her teens when she discovered Arabians. This discovery was to shape a long and fascinating journey with the breed, which culminated in the establishment of a stud renowned for breeding temperament, trainability and versatility into their beautiful horses. Here she shares some special

memories collected from decades of riding and breeding Arabians.

French’s Forest and back, after competing all day at one

Although I have ridden since I was seven years old and got my first pony at ten, as a child I knew very little about Arabians other than what I had learned in books. That all changed when at fifteen, I was asked to look after a grey part-Arabian gelding called Rekrab.

beach, where we were very quickly told to leave after

No saddle? No worries I had two fabulous years with Rekrab, riding everywhere bareback. It was nothing to ride from Oxford Falls to

of Blackbutt’s monthly Gymkhanas. We had so much fun; I even remember riding from the Falls to Narrabeen enjoying a good gallop along the sand! It was to be ten years before I bought my very own Arabian – another partbred gelding – Jamaica Shaul (Rossalia x Spanish Lady). ‘Shaulie’ was with me for over twenty years and most of our riding was through the streets of Wentworthville, Parramatta, Granville and Lidcombe, again nearly always bareback in a halter (no helmet!) Above: John and Sue Bell with H C Athiina

HUME CREEK AR ABIANS

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A novel approach to learning to ride When John and I met, Shaulie became his teacher and Shaulie also taught my two young stepchildren to ride – we spent almost every weekend taking them out, one sitting behind me and the other sitting behind my friend on her gelding, trotting and cantering along the tracks at Parklea. Shaulie was the very best of teachers; quiet and patient with lovely smooth paces. Before long both children were riding him solo.

A problem horse, a few scary moments and a love of Purebreds is born In 1988, John and I moved to a five-acre property at Maraylya and John found Marvik Nayson (Royal Gindi x Lasiandra), a purebred gelding on the property. He was a big, solid, eight-year-old chestnut with a white blaze and two white socks. John loved him straight away, but to say he was a problem horse is an understatement. Nayson was completely spoilt, had no mouth, liked to bolt and was very dominant; a complete handful! After months of anguish and several frightening rides, we sent him along to the great horseman John Pinnell, who surprised us by saying that Nayson was the smartest horse he’d ever worked with! John and Nayson shared a bond so strong that you would often swear Nayson could read John’s mind. Nayson was always happiest when John was on his back. He would see John coming and walk to the front gate to be saddled up. His favourite treat was one of my Anzac biscuits and John would give him one or two after every ride. John would unsaddle him, the other horses would all wander off and Nayson would wait – as long as it took – for John to come out with his biscuit.

If John was out in the paddock, or sitting under a tree, there was Nayson, always by his side. He made us appreciate the intelligence and the outstanding temperament of the purebred Arabian. It was Nayson who led us to not only research bloodlines and visit studs, but to study training and handling techniques and to learn all we possibly could.

A change of scene In 1993, we relocated to a five-hundred-and-twenty acre farm at Crookwell and named our stud after the property name, Hume Creek. There, we raised our horses as naturally as we could. We wanted the youngsters to grow up in large paddocks where they could play and gallop and grow strong, naturally. Our goal was to promote the Arabian as an even-tempered, people-loving all-rounder; an outstanding horse that could muster stock just as well as next-door’s Quarter Horse or Stock Horse, and in the same week perform as a beautiful show hack or dressage horse. And why not? Our experience with the breed had proven to us that they could do all this and more. The horses we chose had the proven performance bloodlines of Ralvon Pilgrim, Banderol, Sindh, Bask and Royal Domino behind them.

The beginning of an era: River Oak Fame River Oak Fame began his show career as a yearling and from his first outing attracted many admirers. Although quite slow to mature, he proved himself in the halter ring with multiple Supreme Championships in hand. When he was three years of age I started his saddle education. The whole process was a breeze. We started stock work with him straight away and enjoyed lots of pleasure rides.

Fame develops a fan club In competition, Fame became a consistent winner of Championships under saddle, and after a year of dressage was Preliminary Horse of the Year for the Goulburn Dressage Club – a club that is dominated by big Warmbloods and Thoroughbreds. On one particularly hot day at a dressage event, John took to shelter under one of the official tents with Fame in hand. Two elderly ladies approached them, amazed at this well-behaved stallion, standing calmly while his owner sat in a chair under a tent!

Fame vs cattle As good as he was in competition, Fame loved his stock work and I couldn’t have wished for a better stock horse. I’d just give him his head and sit there while he did his job. Nose on tail he’d keep on the cattle and take them where they had to go. Mind you, he didn’t like the bulls much – a male ego thing perhaps?

River Oak Silhouette… and a tiny seven-year-old Another special horse was River Oak Silhouette. ‘Sil’ was my dream mare and amassed countless Champions and Supreme Champions in hand and under saddle. With daughter Dianna on board, she was Novice Horse of the Year and Dianna won Junior Rider of the Year for the Goulburn Dressage Club. ‘Sil’ is absolutely unflappable. At one Goulburn Show, a girlfriend’s seven-year-old, twenty-kilogram daughter asked if she could ride Sil in her riding classes. I didn’t hesitate, as I knew my mare would take care of little Maia. I wasn’t the only one with tears of pride as I watched my beautiful 15hh Arabian mare not only safely carry this

Top Left: Sue on Shaulie Top Right: John and Sue’s goal has always been to breed even-tempered, people-loving horses – H C Khalif with Matilda Sowter

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little child around the ring, but perform well enough to be called in first, before completing a perfect figure of eight, changing legs bang on centre and halting square in front of the judge. She won her class and the smile on Maia’s face was priceless. Afterwards, the judge came up to me to congratulate me. She was honestly amazed at what she had witnessed. This was a very proud moment for us.

A multi-talented mare Sil worked stock for us too. There were many times that I took her to a show, drove home and then took her out

quite happily for a couple of hours’ mustering for the next day’s stock work. She is also a wonderful mother and has now had six foals for us; the outstanding gelding H C Khalif, a colt H C Kochise and the beautiful females H C Athiira, H C Annikka, H C Athiina (pending) and the mare H C Amel’ia by Nazzai (Naavah x Nazli).

‘Mad Arabians’ and die-hard Stock Horse fans In 2002, we moved to our two-thousand acre property at Coolatai, NSW. The country here was nearly all black basalt and extremely rocky and hilly terrain. To some, it was a nightmare to muster stock, but not to our Arabians.

Our horses have never had shoes on and they have never suffered so much as a stone bruise. It wasn’t long before our horses won over the locals and we managed to redirect the notion of “Mad Arabians”. Even so, it was hard to convince the die-hard Stock Horse people that our Arabians were tough, smart and could do as good a job as the Australian Stock Horse. They would come along on their shod horses and we could hear them cursing the ground underfoot as their horses struggled with the uneven surface, while we happily rode on enjoying the scenery. Time and again our Arabians proved their toughness by hardly raising a sweat and returning home as sound as when they started. I do remember one bloke saying, “Those Arabians don’t walk as good as the Stock Horses!” There is no convincing some people.

New beginnings In 2008, we opted for a smaller place to semi-retire. This led us to one-hundred acres at Uralla in the Northern Tablelands of NSW. We decided to breed Sil in 2010 and were devastated when she aborted a colt foal at nine months. We rebred her later that season and are delighted to have a beautiful filly we have named Hume Creek Athiina (pending). We were also lucky enough to acquire the Anglo mare Birdwood Grande Finale (Chip Chase Suleym x Never a Miss). She is John’s new horse and the signs are all there for another special relationship.

Decades of success There have been many special moments in Hume Creek’s twenty-plus years, but nothing gives us more pleasure than hearing how happy clients are with our horses, whether it is a Hume Creek horse or one bred to Fame. The geldings are fantastic riding and family horses, as are the mares, most of which have become mothers and bred some outstanding foals. We have so many clients who have returned to breed another or buy another horse from us. Hopefully, we will go on to breed a few more foals and continue the Fame legacy. He is the perfect example of a truly versatile Arabian, and a big part of our family. ♦

Grace Bryant Photography

H U M E CRE E K A R ABIANS Breeding for Performance and Temperament

HUME CREEK AR ABIANS

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At Stud:

RIVER OAK FAME

Left: H C Athiina (River Oak Fame x River Oak Silhouette)

RIVER OAK FAME S15962 DOB 16/11/1992 (ARJAI SUMMITT X DYNASTY LAMECH)

SCID, LFS & CA clear; Bay, 15.1hh, Multi Supreme Champion in hand and under saddle. John and Sue Bell, "Taringa", 1296 Retreat Road, Uralla NSW 2358 Phone: (02) 6778 7005 Email: humecreek@activ8.net.au w w w.humec reek .w e b s. co m

MAARZUQ

AYISHAH

SIMAK MH

(IMPERIAL MADAAR [US] X SABTAH SPHINX [EXP BH] [AU])

(SIMEON SOHAR [AU] X ASHAHNI [AU]) STRAIGHT EGYPTIAN MARE

(MAARHIR [AU] X STAVS SIMBEL [AU])

MAARZUQ IS LFS, SCID CLEAR

AYISHAH IS CA, LFS & SCID CLEAR

SIMAK MH IS CA, LFS & SCID CLEAR

STRAIGHT EGYPTIAN STALLION

BREEDING STRAIGHT EGYPTIAN ARABIANS Stud Owner/Manager - Susan McQuade Ricketts Road, Cleve SA 5640 MANGALO PARK Ph: 0427 876 491 QURIIRIMSHAH E: smqarabians@hotmail.com (TAYWOONA QARIIM

FOR SALE X SHOKA-RA)

STRAIGHT EGYPTIAN BLACK COLT

www.mangalopark.com

Days Of Gold

- Q57273.

Perlino Quarter Horse Stallion with over 30 national titles including 5X National Champion Quarter Horse. Sire of many state and national champions and an ideal cross for Arabians. ($1,500 incl. $250 booking/handling fee)

Champagne All Night – Q75825. Amber Cream Champagne Stallion. Supreme of Supremes (all breeds) state level. An exciting young sire for breeding beautiful horses with amazing colour. ($1,100 incl. $250 b/h fee) Nights Of Gold – Q57337. Cremello Quarter Horse Stallion. Numerous national and state titles, sire of national and state champions and four exported progeny. ($1,100 incl. $250 b/h fee) Driftwood Traveller

Kate Owens

Amber Champagne multi-registered Supreme Champion. ($990 incl. $250 b/h fee)

On farm (Grandchester, S.E. Qld) or AI.

w w w. h o r s e s o f g o l d . c o m Contact: Leanne Owens 0419 003 122 lea_owens@hotmail.com

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The Life, Legend and Legacy of

By Scott Benjamin The story of the Arabian stallion Magnum Forty Four is a dramatic account of fortune, of fame achieved, prominence lost and distinction gained yet again, of chance and circumstance, of impact and influence, a tale played across a decade and a half and two major continents on opposite sides of the world.

MAGNUM FORTY FOUR Sensational Beginning Magnum Forty Four’s story began in sunny Southern California, at the newly expanding North Arabians. Magnum Forty Four was the first foal for his dam, Regional Champion WH Nashahna, an important daughter of breed legend BEY SHAH. “He was special from the start… without a doubt the best foal we had bred to date,” recalls breeder Bob North. “It was Dixie who came up with his clever name,” he remembers with a laugh, a name, most often shortened simply to ‘Forty Four’ – a name that has since become instantly recognisable and an unmistakable identifier synonymous with his prepotency as a sire.

The excitement created by Magnum Forty Four as a sensational foal at North Arabians followed him to Scottsdale in 1999. “Offers were flying from Midwest clients as he literally stepped off the trailer,” Bob recalls. “Kerry Meyers was the eventual buyer. We were happy to sell him for a very good price.” Just a few weeks later, it was Kerry Meyers who would smile – on his way to the winner’s circle in the class for Junior Yearling Colts, with Magnum Forty Four impressing the judges and the international audience alike as the winner, while Bob and Dixie admittedly “jumped up and down screaming like crazy people” from the rail. Above: Magnum Forty Four

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Stuart Vesty

Photo Finish

The inaugural victory and global exposure in Scottsdale proved significant for Magnum Forty Four and the international Arabian community on multiple levels. Firstly, his unmistakable quality was convincing support for Magnum Psyche’s genotypic potential as an emerging sire of significance. Secondly, Forty Four’s “modern” phenotype, described by handler David Boggs “as significantly ahead of its time – so extreme and refined,” altered and raised the standard for the elite Arabian show horse around the world. Finally, and most importantly, it was here that Forty Four was first seen by Greg, Julie and Jane Farrell of Mulawa Arabian Stud in Australia. All three of the Farrells remember him as “an exceptional colt,” with Greg boasting of him as “the most memorable colt of the entire show.” “He was superb,” recalls Greg. “Very balanced and refined, with huge eyes beautifully placed and an extraordinarily pretty face.” Later in 1999, Forty Four found further fortune for energised owner Kerry Meyers as Region 15 Breeders Sweepstakes Champion Yearling Colt. With excitement continuing to build for both himself and the get of Magnum Psyche, Forty Four was eventually sold to Michael & Rachel Wilmet, enthusiastic newcomers who were rewriting the history books with their record-breaking halter mare S Justadream. With the Wilmets, Forty Four would achieve his greatest show ring acclaim as a three-year-old, winning the title of Reserve National Champion Stallion AOTH in

the United States and Canada, as well as Canadian National Top Ten Futurity Colt.

Reversal of Fortune As a mature stallion, Magnum Forty Four was placed in performance training for Western Pleasure. Inherently talented and highly trainable, Forty Four showed great aptitude for his new athletic endeavours, until an accelerated training regimen resulted in a chronic stifle injury. Advised to “get out” from a potentially costly, long-term health issue, the Wilmets donated Forty Four to the Salem’s Children Home for a significant tax write-off in late 2002. From the highs of the accolades at Scottsdale and the United States National Championships, Forty Four found himself discarded as unwanted, to a modest charitable foundation in rural Illinois. Although abandoned, Forty Four was most definitely not forgotten, for it was here at the Salem’s Children Home that he would fortuitously encounter respected Arabian trainer, judge and horseman Gene Reichardt, who at the time was managing the resident herd of Arabian horses for the Home. A long-time friend and advisor to the Farrells, Gene mentioned Forty Four to Greg, Julie and Jane, while the trio were visiting Scottsdale in search of a young sire to add to their breeding program. Specifically, the Farrells were looking for a son of Padrons Psyche, however the opportunity of utilising

Top Left & Bottom Left: Magnum Forty Four Top Right: Chance To Dance

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Forty Four proved intriguing and a deal was struck to lease the stallion for two years on a trial basis.

A Fresh New Start Down Under Magnum Forty Four arrived in Australia just in time for the breeding season, and was put to a handful of Mulawa mares and a few carefully chosen outside mares. The arrival of his first foals the following August proved an unqualified success, and the lease was renegotiated as a permanent purchase from the Salem’s Children Home. Magnum Forty Four had once again found his place in the world. Eager to showcase Forty Four to the rest of Australia, Mulawa began to campaign the stallion very soon after his arrival. Shown sparingly at only the top shows, Forty Four went on to win the all-important Senior Stallion titles at the National Stud Show and the East Coast Championships in Sydney. His only appearance at the Australian Championships resulted in Top Ten honours, with a first place finish on one international judges card. By the end of his Aussie Champs debut, it was abundantly evident that Forty Four’s success as a sire was exceeding expectations, so the decision was made to retire him from the show ring and return him to the breeding shed full-time, emphatically stated by Greg as “the ultimate purpose for which he was originally introduced to the Mulawa program”.

The Sire “His first foals were really impressive,” recalls Julie. “Almost every one had a short face with beautiful eyes. It was a very distinct look – something very different than we had ever seen.” That ‘look’ – the extreme type and refinement, the exceptional balance and harmony of proportion, the exotic faces with those large luminous eyes – would come to be known as “so unmistakably Forty Four.” Greg, Julie and Jane are all in agreement about the single most identifiable Forty Four characteristic – the eyes. Captivatingly large, dark and soul-searching, the Forty Four eyes are most likely the gift of his Spanish and old-Polish heritage, a gift that has been faithfully transmitted to nearly every one of his exceptional get. Greg remembers the decision to incorporate Forty Four into the Mulawa breeding program as “the next logical step, in an attempt to strengthen the bloodlines of Padron and Bey Shah introduced through GLF Apollo and Fame Maker R,” respectively. The Polish and Spanish influence in Forty Four’s pedigree were also a perfect fit for the original Mulawa foundation stock as well as the younger horses sired by the then recent import TS Al Malik. “We weren’t sure if he would be an interim step in the breeding program, or a major move forward,” elicits Jane. “It was quite clear, however, that after the first few foal crops, Forty Four would be a serious sire of significance for the

Mulawa program. He has unquestionably defined the modern look of Mulawa.” Greg describes Forty Four’s impact on the Mulawa breeding program as “profound”. “Forty Four is very much the son of Magnum Psyche, but incredibly prepotent at siring his own unique look. That is the hallmark of a great sire,” educes Greg, “a horse that can transmit the best genetic qualities of his pedigree but in a unique combination that characterises his own definitive style.” The overwhelming quality, distinctive presence, superbly smooth balance and overall elegance of Magnum Forty Four were the attributes Mulawa intended to weave into the breeding program through his use. Unexpected additions were versatile athleticism and trainability, traits that have allowed the Forty Four get to excel in the performance rings across Australia with great success. “The contribution of Forty Four is indisputably the modern look of Mulawa,” Jane concludes. Greg adds that he “cannot imagine the current success of the Mulawa program without the contribution of Magnum Forty Four.” Magnum Forty Four is the only purebred Arabian sire to win Sire of the Year honours at the Australian Championships twice – in 2010 and again in 2012. Given the success of his get at the recently concluded 2013 Australian Championships both in-hand, and especially under saddle, Forty Four looks poised to Above: Parada Right: Allegiance MI

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Above: Mustang’s Magnum Right: Allegiance MI

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win Sire of the Year for an unprecedented third time. His influence is now becoming global, with recent exports of his get and grandget to the United States, Venezuela and Saudi Arabia.

The Daughters of MAGNUM FORTY FOUR “Time will prove the most significant contribution of Magnum Forty Four to be that of his daughters,” explains Greg. Two of his daughters have been Australian Champion twice: Romance MI (out of Rimaraa) as back-to-back Australian Champion Yearling Filly and Two & Three Year Old Junior Mare; and the glorious Parada (out of Presence) as Australian Champion Junior Mare (Two & Three Year Old) & Senior Mare (Four & Over). Another Forty Four daughter, Mulawa Aspiring (out of Jiah Aspire), is the reigning Australian Champion Senior Mare winner, giving her sire back-to-back wins in the mare division following Parada’s victory in 2012. Another of Forty Four’s biggest winners is: Mustang’s Magnum (out of Sahtarah) bred by Phil and Kay Edward. “Her inherent quality was evident for the moment she was born,” recalls Kay. Maggie was the first yearling filly ever to claim all three major show titles in Australia in one season, finishing the year as undefeated National Stud Show, East Coast and

Australian Champion. Maggie was added immediately to the broodmare band as a two-year old for the newly expanded embryo transfer program, giving two foals her first year: Fames Phantom MI (by Fame Maker R) and Klassical Dream MI (by Klass). Another Klass filly, MI Klassic Fantasy, followed two years later, along with the two foals by Guiliano: Majesta MI and Maximilliano. Her most recent foal is another Guiliano – Maximise MI. With these six foals to her credit, Mustang’s Magnum can boast a “perfect” production record: all six have been named champion at major Arabian shows in New South Wales. All have earned Australian Championship honours or Top 10s. Klassical Dream MI, MI Klassic Fantasy and Maximilliano are all East Coast Champions as well, with Klassical Dream MI having earned the title three times. Fames Phantom MI also earned his first East Coast Championship in 2013 as East Coast Cup Purebred Champion, a spectacular win for a four-yearold under saddle for less than a year. Several other of Forty Four’s elite females have been proving their worth exponentially. Karess (out of Mulawa Kara Mia MI), has thus far produced three champion colts: Katar MI (by ABHA Qatar), Mulawa chief sire Konfidence MI (by Klass) and the reigning unanimous Australian Champion Yearling Colt Kavalle MI (by Gazal Al Shaqab).

Resident Sweetheart Parada is also proving she is more than just a pretty face. Three of her foals have already earned significant show ring titles: Pravia MI (by Guiliano) and, most significantly, Prussia MI (by ABHA Qatar) as Scottsdale International Gold Champion Junior Colt. Mulawa Aspiring has also excelled as a broodmare with National Stud Show Champion and Australian and East Coast Reserve Champion, MI Aspiring Valentino (by DA Valentino) to her credit. The “most classic” Forty Four daughter, as described by both Greg and Jane is Chance to Dance, the last daughter of legendary broodmare Mulawa Chance. A classic flea-bitten grey with worldclass quality and charisma who has charmed every recent international visitor, Chance to Dance is in foal to Klass for late 2013 for a highly anticipated foal. The Mulawa broodmare band now boasts thirteen daughters of Magnum Forty Four in production, with another five daughters to join in the next two years. No other sire utilised by Mulawa has ever contributed so many daughters to the breeding program.

The Sons of MAGNUM FORTY FOUR The Magnum Forty Four sons have recently been rewriting the history books under saddle. Mulawa Below: Mustang’s Magnum

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a d a c n i r

trike

15 years young and still at the top of his game

Strike was judged 2013 Supreme East Coast Champion and runner up was one of his beautiful daughters Cool Breeze Charm. Strike has now won 28 Australian National Championships including champion halter for 13 consecutive years. Trincada has some very beautiful youngstock for sale mostly by Strike and his sire Pinelodge Pride. Simeon Santa Fe will sire his first foals this coming season.

rincaadnas rabi

For more information please phone Sue Williams 03 5032 1526 or 0429 913 358 trincada@hotmail.com

Shortly after some impressive debut wins, Allegiance suffered a broken hock while playing in his paddock. “Sometimes fate insists on rewriting the story very differently than we intend,” expounds Jane. “Allegiance was a colt of extreme type, quality and refinement. We expected him to be the first Mulawa horse to establish worldwide acclaim for the breeding program. The broken leg was a devastating setback.” Julie remembers the incident with both sadness and hope. “We strongly believe in giving every horse a fighting chance at Mulawa. We gave Allegiance every chance to succeed if he had the heart and desire to do so.” In the end, it turned out that Allegiance’s desire to live astounded all at Mulawa, and he not only survived the broken hock, but now serves as junior sire at Mulawa with nary a noticeable detection of any permanent lameness. “In the end, fate did us a favour,” states Jane. Greg goes on to boldly pronounce Allegiance as “a step ahead of his sire Magnum Forty Four in terms of his impressive ability to consistently sire foals of extreme type, quality and refinement, with long upright necks, smooth well balanced bodies, beautifully sculpted faces and those classic Forty Four eyes.” He adds, “The best foals of the current foal crop are sired by Allegiance, on par with those of Klass and surpassing the contribution of every international sire used this past season including WH Justice.” Jane believes “that it will be the Mulawa-bred get of Allegiance that will make him famous around the world,” while Greg poignantly adds “that it is only appropriate that the baton be passed to the next generation through Allegiance the same year that Magnum Forty Four was lost to the program and to the world.”

The Legacy Lives On…

Inspired has dominated the most recent show season, winning Champion Arabian Gelding Under Saddle at the National Stud Show, East Coast Championships and the Australian Championships. Inspired was also named East Coast Supreme Champion Saddle Horse of the Show, while his Australian Championship earned in 2013 gave Magnum Forty Four the unique distinction of siring two full sibling Australian Champions in the same year. Several of the Forty Four sons who have earned major championships in-hand are now earning significant titles under saddle: Anastazi MI, Astor, High Calibre, Rapid Fire, Aces Wild, Falzon Four Claim and Chelleason’s Magnum Gold, to name just a few. Former East Coast and Australian Champion Because is enjoying a brilliant new life with amateur owner Rene Theoctistou, demonstrating the ultimate versatility and willingness of the Forty Four get,

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as he successfully competes in multiple saddle and halter classes each time out. Two other recently sold young sons are making an impact in the halter arena: National Stud Show Reserve Champion Yearling Colt Trust MI (out of DM Marcedes True Love) sold to South Australia; and Scottsdale International Reserve Champion Two Year Old Colt Maxium (out of Sahtarah) sold to a Venezuelan-Mexican partnership. Two of the best young Forty Four sons are both out of daughters of Parkview Audacious, a significant sire for Mulawa that was, rather ironically, handed his first loss in stallion competition in the show ring by Forty Four. These are Atuned MI (out of Mulawa Alexa), an undefeated winner as a yearling as National Stud Show, East Coast and Australian Champion, and Allegiance MI, named National Stud Show Champion Yearling Colt and Reserve Supreme Champion Junior Stallion on his one and only outing in the show ring.

Never quite escaping the scars of his past, the stifle injury eventually caused Forty Four to be permanently stabled. Incredibly content with his exalted reinstatement back into the show stable, Forty Four quickly earned the reputation as a staff favourite, as he was always eager for an affirming pat and a well deserved carrot. Unfortunately, just after the New Year, the injury manifested itself in complications with his hind foot, eventually resulting in laminitis. As he grew more uncomfortable and the prognosis was grim, the decision was made on January 24th to give Forty Four a peaceful passing via humane euthanasia. His presence at Mulawa will be forever missed. His distinguished face with those unforgettable eyes hanging over his barn door, are still felt by all those who knew, admired and loved this remarkable stallion. Magnum Forty Four was the sire of a lifetime, surpassing expectations exponentially in every respect. He has gone on to greener pastures, but will surely never be forgotten, as those qualities that have so defined the “Forty Four look” for the last decade live now in abundance in scores of his inherently exceptional get, grandget and great-grandget, not only at Mulawa and across Australia, but now in the most important Arabian breeding programs around the world. The story of Magnum Forty Four is most certainly one of great fortune, of lives impacted profoundly, ending most happily with a legacy that will endure with lasting significance and acclaim. ♦

Stallion Directory Big Valley Yours Truly Homozygous Black Tobiano Colt

Silver Sams Apache Chief Big Valley Yours Truly Rothlynne Charcoal

Lindall Centurion Purebred Arabian

Silvers Sam I Am

Gadir Fen

WH Kadeen

Profile: Big Valley Yours Truly – Captivating 3 year old, Homozygous black tobiano colt. Mature approx 15.2hh 50% Arabian, Reg No: PS 24462. Unshown to date. Visit our website to view his first foal. Wonderful temperament. Stud fee: $800 LFG, excellent mare care guaranteed. Contact: Colin and Kerry James Stud name: Krystal Creek Arabians 2333 Pacific Highway, Cowper Northern NSW 2460 Ph: 0438 226 246 Email: krystalcreekarabians@gmail.com www.krystalcreekarabians.com.au

Noah Al’Jamil Ibn Choice

Frejlina

Noah Al’Jamil Ibn Choice c7331 100% pure

Amir El Shaklan Our Choice Bluegrass Fascination

Proﬁle: Outstanding movement, conformation & exceptional temperament. Multi supreme champion winner including East Coast Top 10 & NSW State Title Winner 2010. Champion at Castle Hill, Camden & Res Champ at Hawkesbury 2010/2011. He has started competing in Endurance 40km trainers - low return heart rate. Stud fee: $1000 purebreds, $800 others. GST inc. Natural service. Contact: Dominique Stud name: Beautiful Arabians Ph: 0411 084 161 Email: dominique.gunner@hotmail.com

Marneross Just Jazz

Raadin Royal Star (IMP USA) Arabian Park Bentina Kadisha Arak Kadisha Little Ragey

Lindall Kimba Lindall Kimberley Lindall Zoﬁa

Proﬁle: 2006 Australian Champion Stallion shown by Amateur Owner. Supreme Purebred exhibit at Halter. A Class Winner under Saddle. Producing athletic ability, conformation and temperament. LFS/CA/SCID Clear. Stud fee: $1000 Contact: Mark, Kathy and Jessica Saggers Stud name: Stone Vale Performance/ Asab Arabians – 937 Glamorgan Vale Rd, Glamorgan Vale QLD 4306 Ph: 0413 054 182 www.asabarabians.com

Proﬁle : Jazz has been a successful endurance horse completing over a dozen endurance rides varying from 80km to 160km. Jazz obtained his ROM and on record he has completed numerous dressage and shows. He is passing down outstanding temperament and conformation through his foals and they are also showing potential in the above ﬁelds. Bookings essential and a booking fee will be required. Located in Barnawartha, Victoria. Stud fee: $900 (also offering AI)

Contact: Shandelle Watson Stud name: Shafawah Arabians Ph: 0458 903 704 Email: shafawaharabians@hotmail.com

The Prince of Egypt Straight Egyptian

Sanadik El Shaklan Sun King Raindrop

Windsor Park Royalstar

Kadisha Veronica

Lindall Centurion

Beautiful Arabians presents

S K Shakla Khan (US)

Purebred Arabian

Sharon Meyers

Pacs Legacy

Rothlynne Midnight Magic

Marneross Just Jazz

Cajun The Prince of Egypt Rianda’s Ryeema

Simeon Shai (exp USA) Tarong Sharaf Tarong El Nefous Rianda’s Rashaa

Proﬁle: A Champion show horse with a great deal to offer all breeders of Arabian Horses. A tall typey horse, 15.2hh, with a pretty face and lovely eyes. He has excellent feet and legs and the sweetest nature. Siring winning foals with friendly natures. Unique Straight Egyptian bloodlines. SCIDS, LFS, CA clear. Stud fee: $1000 – Straight Egyptians; $700 – all others.

ARABIAN STUDS & STALLIONS

AVAILABLE NOW ON ITUNES

YOU CAN DOWNLOAD CURRENT AND BACK ISSUES

Contact: Graeme Ferguson Stud name: Hazeldean Arabians, Coolah NSW Ph: 02 6377 1473 Email: graeme.ferguson@bigpond.com

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Breeding and Management Journal This section shares some of the issues that affect breeders, whether they be veterinary, management, technological or simply human-interest in nature. In Tricks, Tools, and Techniques for Breeding Arabians, Dr Stacey Oke DVM, MSc, takes us through the newest developments in improving conception, pregnancy, and foaling rates. She also discusses gender selection, the ins and outs of cloning; and the future of genetic testing. When it all goes wrong is a must-read, touching story by Kerry Chapman of Gleniph Arabians, whose love, dedication and perseverance is saving the lives of foals following a horror foaling season complicated by several cases of placentitis. The article that follows on from this, Placentitis by Dr Chris Rayson BVSc, explains more about this common, devastating threat to unborn foals. The breeding season is once again upon us. Is your stallion prepared to give his best performance? Stallion Preparation for the Breeding Season by David Gillett

Above: Mares at Simeon Stud Breeding and ManageMent Journal

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gives us an insight into the running of a professional breeding facility and shares tips from Equine Vet Leanne Polsen on what you should consider when preparing your stallion. Whether or not to exercise young horses is always a topic of debate. In Exercise for young horses – is it a good idea?, Professor Brian D. Nielsen, of the Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University tells us not only that it can be beneficial, but also how to go about it for maximum benefit and without injury. In Hendra Virus: Should your horses be vaccinated? we look at the new Hendra vaccine. What are the risks of the deadly virus to your horses…and to yourself? Dr David O’Meara BVSc MANZCVSc updates us on the latest Hendra information and shares some advice about the new vaccine. ♦

David Gillett

Tricks, Tools and Techniques

for Breeding Arabians By Stacey Oke DVM

MSc

It takes more than “making magic” to get a healthy foal on the ground. Horse owners are passionate, and in the throes of passion, owners’ thoughts salaciously turn to… breeding. Indeed, “love and magic have a great deal in common. They enrich the soul, delight the heart. And they both take practice,” an anonymous proverb professes.

frequently, some “magic” on the veterinarian’s part. Although an owner/breeder may initially be focused on producing a healthy foal, most of us quickly recognise that breeding an Arabian means more – it means being committed to the preservation of this regal breed.

Breeding is an exciting, rewarding endeavour requiring an intense commitment on the owner’s part and,

“Arabian horse owners have been the guardians of the bloodlines for millennia. New genomic tools will

Above: Breeding is an exciting, rewarding endeavour requiring an intense commitment – Ray Of Light foals

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allow owners to continue to protect this valuable breed with improved safety, maintaining healthy diversity, and avoiding genetic disease,” shares Samantha Brooks, PhD, an associate professor at Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Director of the Brooks Equine Genetics Lab. Brooks was also an honoured speaker at the 2011 World Arabian Horse Organization Conference held in Doha, State of Qatar (off the Arabic coast). The goals of this article are to describe the newest “tricks of the trade” that were developed to help improve conception, pregnancy, and foaling rates; how to select the sex of your future foal; the ins and outs of cloning; and a brief look at the future of genetic testing.

is also known that the vast majority (60%) of those fetal losses occur within the first 45 days from the time of ovulation,” says Samper. “We know that it is early in the first trimester when most pregnancies are lost, yet we still don’t know why or, more importantly, how to prevent EED,” laments Tom Stout, VetMB, PhD from Utrecht University’s Department of Equine Sciences in the Netherlands, who also presented at the AAEP Convention. According to Stout, there are three major factors that impact EED: the maternal environment, the embryo itself, and “external” factors. “It appears that embryonic abnormalities account for the most significant portion of EEDs,” advises Stout.

Please note that because various Arabian organisations have very specific (and typically stringent) rules, this article simply provides an overview of the possibilities available to breeders without either endorsing or encouraging any particular breeding strategy.

That said, because we have little to no control over genetic abnormalities in a microscopic embryo, veterinarians often concentrate their efforts on manipulating the mare in an attempt to improve pregnancy and foaling rates.

The Magic of Medicine: Limiting Early Embryonic Losses

“It is important to ensure that post-breeding endometritis is adequately controlled, anatomical defects contributing to pneumovagina or urovagina (the abnormal entry of air into or pooling of urine in the vagina) are addressed, and that mares are appropriately retired from breeding if certain conditions, such as a badly damaged cervix, exist,” recommends Stout.

Unlike famous magicians such as David Copperfield who can seemingly conjure almost anything from thin air, a mare’s womb is a completely different story: a mare needs to have a healthy uterus and overall reproductive health to carry a foal to term. “Owners often spend significant time contemplating the logistics of the project, such as choosing the stallion, breeding method, and where the breeding will occur,” explains Juan Samper, DVM, PhD, Dip. ACT from JCS Veterinary Reproductive Services in Langley, British Columbia, Canada. He adds, “Despite all the best laid plans, the reality is that not all mares will get pregnant in a given season, but the chances of success are increased when mares are bred at dedicated facilities with veterinarians and trained technicians that can properly address any and all underlying reproductive issues.” EquiBreed NZ, a breeding facility located in Cambridge, New Zealand appears to concur as their website boasts, “90% of all mares AI’d [artificially inseminated] at EquiBreed NZ Ltd last season were sent home PREGNANT! This includes old, young and problem mares, fresh and frozen semen and embryo transfers!” In the previous breeding season, however, EquiBreed NZ reported that 100% of mares were sent home pregnant, which proves that even seasoned professionals encounter “problem” mares. A myriad of conditions can adversely affect conception and pregnancy rates, and such factors were a hot topic at the recent Annual Convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), held Dec 1-5, 2012 in Anaheim, California. Samper, for example, detailed a variety of medical conditions that can adversely affect pregnancy. Of those, early embryonic death (EED) was the most significant cause of fetal losses. “It is currently estimated that 15% of foals detected on day 15 after ovulation (during a routine rectal ultrasound examination) fail to survive to term. It

Tricks, Tools and Techniques for Breeding ar aBians

Endometritis – defined as an inflammation of the lining of the uterus – is a common and important contributor to EED. “While all mares develop a post-breeding uterine inflammation (following artificial insemination) that must be appropriately managed, some mares develop a chronic, persistent endometritis that can potentially result in repeated foal losses,” says Stout. Traditionally, endometritis is treated using a threepronged approach: addressing any defects in the uterine defence (e.g., pneumovagina); eliminating infectious agents (bacteria, fungi); and medically controlling the post-mating endometritis with uterine lavage (wash), antibiotics, and mucolytics. As the treatment of endometritis continues to evolve, novel strategies are being explored, such as the use of stem cells or “autologous conditioned serum.” Those therapies are typically used for soft-tissue and/or musculoskeletal injuries rather than in reproduction. Researchers from Colorado State University relayed their preliminary results at AAEP using so-called “biologic therapies” to control mating-induced endometritis. They found significant decreases in white blood cells (that fight infection) in the uterus of treated mares compared to controls, and a significant increase in the anti-inflammatory mediator called “interleukin-1 receptor agonist.” Based on those positive results, the research team recommended further research in this field.

No Rest for the Wicked Harr y Houdini’s luck ran out on Halloween in 1926, at the height of his career as a magician, when he refused to seek medical attention for a

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simple appendicitis. The moral of the story for breeders is to never let your guard down – routinely monitor your mare throughout gestation to keep your mare in foal. Ahmed Tibary, DMV, PhD, Dipl. ACT said at AAEP that even when you think you are home-free, remain vigilant and watch for some of the other most common causes of fetal loss in the final month of pregnancy: colic, abnormal mammary development, and abnormal abdominal shape/development. Kristina Lu, VMD, Dipl. ACT from Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Kentucky concurs with Tibary and encouraged veterinarians to monitor the “combined thickness of the uterus and placenta” (CTUP). This is because the CTUP typically increases in mares that are about to abort. For example, a CTUP >8 mm during the 9th month of gestation, >10 mm during the 10th month, and >12 mm after 330 days are indicative of impending abortion. The most common cause of an increased CTUP is an inflammation of the placenta, called placentitis, and one of the most common causes of placentitis late in gestation is bacterial infection. This occurs when bacteria enter the vagina, pass through the cervix, and become established in the previously “sterile” uterus. Owners are encouraged to examine their mares frequently for vaginal discharge and to call their veterinarian with any concerns.

And for my Next Trick: “Natural” Selection Step right up and pick a foal, any foal… their sex, that is. Although the first foal produced in the southern hemisphere using sex-sorted semen was produced in 2001, the use of this technology is still relatively new. Sex-sorting involves separating X (female) from Y (male) sperm, but beware that the magic words for sorting semen are “high-speed flow cytometry.” Samper warns, “There are many companies and patents claiming that they can alter the sex ratio of the offspring, but only high-speed flow cytometry can separate X- and Y-bearing sperm reliably.” The process of high-speed flow cytometry involves taking a fresh ejaculate and running the sample through the high-tech cell-sorting machinery, which separates the X sperm from the Y sperm. Even then, the resultant samples are only between 90% and 95% pure, meaning that about 5% of the sorted sperm won’t produce a foal of the desired sex. It is also important to realise that despite being called “high-speed,” it still takes 2–3 hours to sort enough sperm to produce a single dose of 20 to 40 million sperm, which is a much lower number of sperm than typically used to inseminate mares.

The Mystical “C” The word “clone” has rolled off the tongue like a purring kitten as often as it has been spat out with contempt since the first foal, Prometea, was cloned in 2003. Indeed, various equine organisations and enthusiasts got up in arms when a Quarter Horse clone was brought to Australia in 2011. Notwithstanding the ethical and regulatory issues surrounding cloning, there is no denying that the

technology is nothing short of miraculous. To review, a cloned foal can actually be produced in a couple of ways. The most common is a process called “somatic cell nuclear transfer”, which involves obtaining and transferring the nucleus (where the DNA lives) from a “somatic” or “normal” body cell, such as skin, nerve, or muscle cells, to an unfertilised ovum (egg). Once the DNA is transferred into the egg, the egg is stimulated to begin dividing (replicating) in culture dishes in the laboratory until it is an embryo. The embryo is then transferred into a recipient mare, as during a routine embryo transfer procedure. The DNA is not altered in any way during the cloning process, which means that the resultant foals are not considered genetically engineered. Further, cloning companies do not guarantee that the resultant foal looks or behaves exactly as the donor (“parent”), only that the cloned foal’s DNA is identical to the donor. Cloning, an advanced assisted reproduction technique, could ultimately prove to play a valuable role in breeding programs. According to an article included in the Kentucky Equine Research library (available at: http://www.ker.com/library/ EquineReview/2005/HorseWorld/HW29.pdf) there are two main benefits of cloning: 1. To pass on the genetic material of a horse that is unable to breed, such as geldings. “One of the first foals produced for this reason is a clone of Pieraz, endurance rider Valerie Kanavy’s Arabian gelding. Born in the spring of 2005, this colt should grow up to produce semen that will pass on the physical traits of his champion father [genetic donor],” the article stated. 2. To safeguard populations of endangered equine species such as Przewalski’s horses and Somali wild asses. Cloning can provide “extra copies” of individual animals which could subsequently be moved to new geographic locations, eliminating the chances that an entire herd could be destroyed by disease or natural disaster. Despite the benefits that cloning could offer the Arabian breed, at the 2011 WAHO conference, “The delegates also voted to re-confirm Rule 19 on Cloning as it stands, it remains a mandatory WAHO rule that any Arabian of any age produced by cloning and that the foals of any Arabian which was produced by cloning must not be registered under any circumstances.”

DNA and Genetic Testing – Beyond Parentage The vast majority (if not all) Arabian organisations require a DNA sample to be submitted when owners are registering a foal. Many of those same Arabian organisations also recommend testing for three specific genetic conditions: severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome (SCID), lavender foal syndrome (LFS), and cerebellar abiotrophy (CA). According to Brooks, “The goal of such testing is not to ‘cull’ certain horses, but rather to give breeders the tools they need to make educated

and strategic decisions, protecting the health of their foal crop and the future of the breed.” Much of the success related to DNA testing is attributable to the decoding of the equine genome. “It has revolutionised research in this field,” says Brooks. “Before 2008, when the genome was decoded, there were only a small handful of single genes discovered. Since 2008, that number has doubled. The LFS case is a great example. We acquired the samples in the fall, received the genotype data in February, and had our answer in March. The genome has provided us with powerful genetics tools that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.”

What does the future hold for Genetic Research in Arabians?

all those samples ready to use,” enthuses Brooks. “Owners and registries could either bank DNAcontaining hair samples or request samples sent for parentage testing be kept for their future use. Hair roots are stable and could easily be stored in an acid-free paper envelope away from humidity.”

Concluding Thoughts Wouldn’t it be lovely if we could simply pull the perfect foal out of a hat and avoid all the unpleasantness of pregnancy losses and genetic disorders? Considering the scientific advances in the past decade, the idea of producing a perfect Arabian may not be all smoke and mirrors. In the meantime, owners are encouraged to continue their responsible breeding practices that are helping maintain healthy bloodlines. ♦

“It would be great to form some sort of genetic bank so that some day if a problem comes up, we have Above: Illustration by Robin Peterson

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Is Your Stallion

Ready For The Breeding Season?

by david gillett With the breeding season upon us, many of us are planning matings and preparing our mares for foaling and re-breeding. But is your stallion prepared? What measures have you taken to ensure he’s at his peak for the duties ahead of him? Equine Vet Leanne Polsen works with stallions of various breeds every day. Leanne’s workplace, The Quipolly Equine Centre, offers a fully-equipped, purpose-built stallion station, where clients have the option of standing their stallion for the season or bringing their stallions in for breeding or shipments as required. At Quipolly, Leanne is involved in: • • • • • •

Stallion training to mount the phantom mare and collection in an artificial vagina (AV) Semen evaluation and testing Chilled semen processing and shipment Semen freezing Frozen semen storage Investigation of problem breeders.

In this article, Leanne kindly details not only how stallions are managed at Quipolly for optimum success, but also what to look for in measuring a stallion’s reproductive viability, and the steps all owners can take to give their stallions the best chance at settling mares.

Above: Good stallion management is imperative to maintaining a stallion’s physical health (Pictured is Simeon Shifran) Right: A breeding evaluation by a qualified equine reproduction vet can reward you with beautiful foals, and happy mares and stallions (Pictured is Sabtah Nahlah and Naajmir) Is your stallIon ready for the breedIng season?

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Breeders often concentrate on getting their mares ready for the breeding season, assuming the stallion will simply do the job. What can the breeder do to make sure their stallion is in top form for the breeding season? Good stallion management is imperative to maintaining a stallion’s physical health, libido, longevity, attitude and behaviour as well as sperm production. Spermatogenesis – the production of sperm cells – takes 60 days, therefore care and appropriate action must be taken prior to the commencement of the breeding season. If the stallion has been part of an intensive training program prior to the season, it is important that the stallion has time out for effective sperm production, as excessive heat during exercise can be detrimental to semen quality. On the opposite end of the scale, stallions retired from work often become obese which can affect libido. Stallions should be kept in good working condition. The housing of stallions is generally a matter of personal preference; however stallions should not be maintained

David Gillett

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in complete isolation and should be able to see other mares and stallions wherever possible. While some research has shown that housing stallions together can decrease the level of male hormone production, I have not seen this decrease in overall fertility for stallions at QEC. Exercise requirements vary considerably with each individual stallion. Some stallions, if given the opportunity will exercise freely, while others prefer to graze or stand quietly in the paddock and forced exercise is required. Appropriate exercise should be determined by soundness, body condition, age, temperament and environmental factors such as temperature. It is worth noting that excessive exercise may negatively impact on seminal characteristics.

Should a stallion be fed a higher protein diet during the breeding season? There is little information concerning the nutrient requirements of the stallion or the impact nutrition has on breeding soundness. However we do know that it is important to maintain appropriate body condition. The most common error made is over-feeding, where stallions are allowed to become obese. This negatively impacts on behaviour, longevity and libido. There is also evidence to suggest that fat stallions are more prone to colic, laminitis, behavioural problems and decreased longevity.

What are the most common problems presented at Quipolly with regards to breeding stallions? The most common problems are behavioural ones. Managing a performance and breeding stallion is often complex. The stallion must not exhibit sexual behaviour whilst out on show or in work, but must know the difference when asked to breed a mare.

Theriogenology’s manual for clinical evaluation of a stallion advises that these stallions should be considered ineligible as a sire due to the heritability of these conditions. 2. Examination of external reproductive organs, and occasionally, examination of internal reproductive organs. The external reproductive organs should be examined both visually and manually, looking for debris, lesions or scars, on the penis or prepuce, as any trauma or injury can be detrimental to the stallion’s ability to cover a mare. 3. Semen collection and evaluation.

How do you evaluate breeding potential? An accurate measurement of sperm concentration is critical in calculating total sperm number, and is one of the most important measurements used to estimate a stallion’s fertility. An evaluation of a stallion for potential fertility begins with a breeding soundness examination. This involves: 1. History and assessment of breeding records, and a general physical examination. When working with a stallion at QEC, the more information an owner can provide about their stallion the better. A full history including management, performance, travel and breeding is ideal, as the more information we receive, the quicker we can settle the stallion into a routine and achieve results. During the general physical exam, particular attention will be given to the stallion’s ability to approach and successfully mount the mare. Conditions that adversely affect the stallion’s ability to mount usually involve the musculoskeletal system of the back and hind limbs and should be corrected before psychological problems develop, and the stallion refuses to mount due to the pain associated with breeding. If conditions such as cryptorchism, combined immunodeficiency, parrot mouth, haemophilia, cataracts or wobbler syndrome are identified, The Society for

Is your stallIon ready for the breedIng season?

David Gillett

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An accurate assessment of semen quality depends on proper semen collection techniques due to the semen’s susceptibility to environmental influences and mishandling. The ejaculate will be assessed for its gross appearance, gel free volume, colour and consistency. Colour changes may be associated with blood, urine or puss within the ejaculate.

At what age do you recommend that a stallion be used for the first time? There is no set age for when a stallion should be used for the first time. My recommendation for this would be when the horse is both physically and mentally mature. Introducing a young stallion to breeding early in his career may set him up for some embarrassing and even dangerous vices such as masturbation or unruly behaviour in the future.

At what age is fertility greatest in stallions? Fertility is greatest in a stallion’s earlier years, most usually between the ages of four and seven. Semen numbers increase into a horse’s early teens, but its ability to get mares pregnant decreases. It has been reported that testicular degeneration begins after age 13. However, if the stallion has had good fertility prior to this age, the degeneration that occurs will have little effect on future breeding performance.

Age-related decline in a stallion’s fertility is often gradual in onset, and depends on the progressive nature of testicular degeneration. Many stallions are already exhibiting quite obvious sperm reduction by the time they are 16 or 17, and many are almost infertile by the time they are 20 years old.

How often can a stallion serve mares and retain viable sperm? This varies with individual stallions. A stallion’s daily sperm output is directly proportional to testicular size – as a rule of thumb the larger the testicles, the greater the daily sperm output. Stallions that have not ejaculated for some time will accumulate dead/aged semen in the epididymis. A clean-out period is recommended where the stallion is collected in an AV or allowed to cover mares on consecutive days before a true breeding is anticipated.

What can be done for stallions with low sperm motility or low libido? Factors affecting motility may be: • Physiologic: The horse’s age, the number of days’ sexual rest. • Pathogenic: Fever, testicular degeneration or related to collection and processing techniques. There are a number of reasons for low libido. Libido may be improved with management, or can be improved with drugs as required.

For older stallions do you agree AI is a better option for best results? Are there differences in preparing a stallion for live cover instead of artificial breeding? At QEC, the stallion is prepared the same way as for collection in an AV or live cover. The stallion is brought to the covering area and stimulated by an in-season

Above: Arabian mares at The Quipolly Equine Centre

mare to achieve an erection, the penis is then washed with warm water to remove debris and contaminants that may be harmful to the semen or introduce infection to the mare. The stallion is then allowed to tease the mare and mount. The stallion’s penis is guided into the mare or an AV.

What is the optimum motility rate you would like to see in frozen, chilled and fresh semen? At what level would you class the stallion as a poor breeding prospect? Whilst motility is important, it is the progressive motility that really matters, as these are the cells that are going to travel and fertilise the egg. Concentration and volume need to be considered also. The acid test for fertility is pregnancies achieved, and you only need one sperm to perform that task. • Fresh and chilled – semen of 60% or greater progressive motility is good, 30% to 60% is okay. • Frozen – 30% or greater progressive motility is usually deemed suitable for commercial use. Studies suggest that a stallion should produce at least one-billion progressively motile sperm to satisfy the requirements of a breeding soundness exam.

What are the benefits of AI versus natural cover?

3. Semen can be collected from stallions with problems: Each year stallions are either injured or have trouble breeding due to inherent libido (sexual behaviour) problems. Stallions may be taught to collect in a standing position without the need to mount, and because semen only needs to be collected every other day, it reduces the effects of breeding pressure and injuries. 4. Semen is evaluated each time it is collected: With natural service it is not until pregnancy rates are established that we can assume the semen was okay at the time of breeding. With AI we can look and measure parameters related to fertility every time we collect. 5. Prevents stallion overuse: A Thoroughbred stallion may be asked to breed as many as four mares in a day. If his fertility is good he can achieve around 97% of mares in foal with good farm and veterinary management. However in an AI program, the stallion could be collected three times per week and still have enough semen to breed the same number of mares – maybe even more, in a less taxing manner, which is particularly good for stallions with a low libido. 6. Allows more mares to be bred: AI lets us divide one ejaculate into multiple doses. Typically, that is around seven to twelve doses on an every other day collection schedule.

1. Disease control: Preventing skin-to-skin contact such as with natural service. Diseases it protects against include the herpes virus – equine coital exthanema – and contagious equine metritis. In addition, antibiotics can be added to the semen at the time of insemination or collection, reducing or totally eliminating any bacteria present when breeding the mare.

7. Permits breeding of mares with problems: Each year mares are presented for natural service that may not be psychologically ready for service – she may be a nervous/agitated maiden or a mare with a foal at foot worried about her foal. Other mares will have physical disabilities that prevent her from being bred by natural service, such as laminitis.

2. Decreased chance of injury: Semen is generally only collected every other day in an AI program, so there is much less chance for injury. With AI, semen can be collected on a phantom and an in-season mare may not even be needed. This can eliminate injury to the mare (if she didn’t want to be served) and stallion, but also it dramatically reduces the chances of injury to staff involved in the breeding process.

8. Allows mares to be bred at the best time for conception: Because we can store semen either cooled or frozen, mares can be bred when they are most suited for conception. In a natural service program this would necessitate breeding the stallion as many as five to six times per day. Most stallions would not handle a breeding schedule like that for very long.

What is the process in teaching a stallion to mount a phantom? Typically a stallion will be introduced to the covering shed without another horse in sight, so he becomes familiar with the surroundings. The next time the stallion is introduced to the covering shed he will be allowed to tease a hobbled, in-season mare, then he will be encouraged to mount the mare with his penis diverted into an artificial vagina for collection. If collection into the AV is successful, the next collection attempt will be on the phantom. An in-season mare stands on the offside of the phantom and the stallion is allowed to approach the mare from behind at a 45 degree angle across the nearside of the phantom. The stallion is then encouraged to mount, once mounted his penis can be directed into the AV.

Freezing semen is becoming more and more popular. Please tell us about the process and how many doses to expect. • Semen is collected in an AV in the usual manner, with steps taken to minimise contamination. • The ejaculate is measured for volume and concentration before being extended and assessed for motility. • The sample is then centrifuged, leaving a concentrated sperm pellet at the bottom of the centrifugation tubes. The supernatant is then removed and the semen expended out in the freezing media. • Concentration is measured and adjustments made to freeze at the desired concentration for example 200 million sperm cells per ml. • The extended semen is then loaded into straws, labelled with the stallion’s name and registration number, the freezing centre, date and/or lot number. • The straws are then sealed. • Loaded straws must then go through a cooling phase before being frozen in liquid nitrogen. The initial freeze performed is usually a “test freeze”, with the ejaculate divided and frozen in different freezing medias to find the most compatible one, resulting in the best thawed progressive motility. As a general rule 20% of stallions freeze well, 20% of stallions cannot be frozen successfully and the other 60% vary in the middle from adequate to good. The number of straws frozen per collection varies with the volume and concentration of the ejaculate.

What new technologies are being explored at this time at Quipolly that may help low quality frozen semen achieve a pregnancy? The Quipolly Equine Centre proudly supports researchers from Newcastle University, determining the differences in semen from stallions that typically freeze well and that do not. This is a work in progress. In theory, if your stallion is fed well and exercised regularly he should be fit enough to perform the tasks required of him during the breeding season. A breeding evaluation by a qualified equine reproduction vet just before the breeding season should not be overlooked, as it could save you time, money and sleepless nights and reward you with beautiful foals, and happy mares and stallions. ♦ Left: Managing a performance and breeding stallion is often complex (Pictured is Windemere Imperial Nahdejni)

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When it all goes wrong By Kerry Chapman Breeding our beautiful Arabians leads to joy and sometimes heartbreak. The devastation of placentitis is something we have learnt about in the past couple of breeding seasons. In 2011/12 we had six mares in foal and they all presented with placentitis. Two foals, thankfully, were healthy, another was born very ill and spent weeks at the vet hospital. She was raised an orphan and heartbreakingly, we lost the other three babies late term. Looking for answers, we had placentas tested, dead foals tested, blood tests done on mares and our paddocks tested for anything and everything. Hairy caterpillars were suggested as another possible culprit, but I have never seen any, nor do we have many trees on the property. As we already had mares in foal for the following season, we stuck to our plans and awaited our largest foal crop in many years. Determined not to use the Above: DJ’s legs When it all goes Wrong

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same paddock for pregnant mares again (just in case), we had them spread all over the property in different areas, and we put them all on hard feed. Our first foaling was in August. There were no problems, and the foal appeared pretty much on time. The next mare, Bess, wasn’t due until late October, though when she started bagging up early we took her to Pepper Tree Farm in Cowra to foal down. Pepper Tree Farm offer a full vet service and re-breeding service, so we felt that this was the way to go for the older, maiden mare, as we wanted her back in foal. Bess was examined and diagnosed with mild placentitis. She was put onto meds, and foaled two weeks early, for a live, healthy foal. The placentitis diagnosis prompted us to get our remaining nine pregnant mares scanned, just to make sure things were okay with them. Unfortunately, three mares: Justine, Sally and Rose, presented with placentitis at various stages, so they were instantly put onto meds twice daily. This is where the fun started.

Justine bagged up very quickly after her scan, and within a week had waxed up. This was around the 12th of November and she wasn’t due until the 21st of January, so needless to say we weren’t holding out much hope for her foal. Sally, who had the worst case of placentitis, was due to foal on the 7th of January and the third mare, Rose, was due on the 24th of January, so we knew we had a long and nervous wait ahead of us. Meanwhile, another of our mares, who was due to foal on the 15th of December, waxed up on the 3rd of December and foaled fairly normally on the 4th. The foal, a filly, was a bit backward and not as active as we would have liked, and the mare wasn’t producing much milk. The filly needed plasma, followed by supplementation with what we called her ‘baby milk’. Both Hannah and Sally waxed up on the 14th of December. Hannah was only at three-hundred-andsixteen days at that stage, and due to foal on the 24th of December. Worried that she was going to foal way

too early, we hoped she’d hold on a little longer, but she foaled the following day. We were on hand for Hannah’s foaling, and as we left the foaling stable after the birth, Richard noticed Sally acting strangely. We moved her into one of our small yards near the stables, and she gave birth twenty minutes later. All went fine with the foaling and baby seemed to be okay, though IGG tests on both foals alerted us Sally’s baby required plasma. As the vets were giving Sally’s baby her plasma, Justine, who, being Hannah’s best friend was close by in one of the other small yards near the stables, decided to have her foal. Justine was only three-hundred-and-five days. This was not good. The muck that was present was awful and I was so thankful that the vets were there. They gave the little, and I mean little, foal some plasma via a tube to help him along… but he couldn’t stand. He wanted a drink, so we milked mum and fed him via a bottle as much as we could through the night. We also got him up and let him stand a bit but he had no strength and his legs were crooked. As the vets were booked to return the following morning, all I could think about was keeping this tiny colt, Jake, alive until then. What a fighter Jake turned out to be and what a character. By the following morning, he could stand a bit better and he found the teat himself and drank and drank and drank. The vets returned and gave him plasma and some other meds, splinted one leg that was knuckling over badly and said “Good luck.” At this point, Jake decided to push himself into me and put his head up on my chest to demand a kiss. Naturally I co-operated, as it was like he was saying “Thanks, let’s have a cuddle.” We took Jake’s splint off the following afternoon. Then he had another setback – he suffered a seizure of some kind. I held him in my arms and cried. I thought we were going to lose him and I cried for the mare too, because she loved him so very much. He proved himself to be a fighter again, as after a little while, his breathing settled and he got up and had a drink. He was not going to give up. A few days after this, yet another mare, Elly, waxed up, though she wasn’t due until the 7th of January. She foaled on the 22nd of December, at three-hundredand-twenty-four days – not too bad considering the others. However, her foal did look quite premature in many ways and was not overly strong. At this stage, we were out of stables to put all these babies into and had to just hope the others would hang on for a while longer. Of course, that would have been too easy. Rose began to wax up – and she hates stables – so we quickly put up a shelter in a small yard, hoping we could keep the foal in there if need be. It would at least be out of the burning hot sun. We moved Rose into this yard and put the foaling alarm on her. We put her best friend, Maddy, who wasn’t due until the 3rd of February, next to her. On Christmas morning, I went out to check on Rose and there she was, under the shelter, giving birth to her baby at three-hundred-and-eleven days. A very active colt popped out and he seemed just fine. We did an IGG test on him the following day and he was

perfectly healthy. What a huge relief. We were so very pleased that Rose used the shelter and in fact, she kept him in there for three days out of the sun. He is our first ever Christmas baby, and very special. By then we were hoping for a rest. All our January foals were born, so we imagined we might have a month to relax and take care of the new babies. How silly of us to think that… Early January saw Dee wax up, though she wasn’t due until mid-February. She didn’t have placentitis, and I was very worried about what was going on. On the 10th of January, Dee was still hanging on, but dripping milk, so I moved her into a yard with a stable attached, up in our old shearing shed stables. I was just walking back down to the house from checking on Dee at about 8am and noticed Maddy lying down, foaling at three-hundred-and-sixteen days with no warning at all. This birth was traumatic. The foal was huge but healthy, and we needed to get him out of the sun. We had nowhere to put them and they couldn’t stay where they were, so we evicted another horse from a stable and put them in there. It was a bit small and low, but it just had to do. By that stage we had early, high-maintenance foals basically hanging from the rafters, and the stress was really taking its toll on us. We needed time to get everything under control, but this was not to be. At 3.30am the next morning, Dee’s foaling alarm went off and she foaled at three-hundred-and-eight days… again, much too early. This foal’s legs were really crooked, like Jake’s, although this colt, DJ, was at least able to get up and drink.

We still had one mare left to foal, due on the 13th of March, however she decided to conform to this season’s pattern and foaled on the 15th of February at three-hundred-and-thirteen days. All seems to be going well with them though, thank goodness. The vets keep asking me if I’m sure I have my dates right as all these early births are just not right. Of course I have my dates right. I’m so exhausted and know how much time and effort it is going to take to look after the mares and foals with many of them needing to stay in stables for long periods. During our thirty years of breeding Arabians, we have seen some leg issues with foals, but all have come good with various degrees of confinement and light exercise. We had never seen legs like those of DJ and Jake. We sent some photos to Ken Jacobs at Wagga University and he said they would require surgery: a Transphyseal Bridge would need to be performed on each leg. Jake and DJ are currently down at the University and hopefully the outcome of this apparently routine procedure will be good for them. Thanks to networks like Facebook I have managed to cope with all these dramas better than I otherwise would have. Sharing experiences and having reassurance that problems don’t just happen to us really helps. I hope other people will benefit from us sharing our story. All that is left to say is that we’re not sure if we are looking forward to the next foaling season or not… ♦

Above: The Christmas baby, Gleniph Santa Rose (Craveff x The Nile Rose)

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which are commonly associated with the equine reproductive tract, such as BHS (Beta-Haemolytic Streptococcus) and E. coli. It occurs more commonly in older mares, especially if they have poor vulval conformation or if they have a history of injury to the cervix from a previous difficult birth. Ideally the cervix should be completely sealed. It is when this seal breaks down that problems can occur from infection getting through into the uterus.

Focal Placentitis There is another less common form of placentitis known as ‘focal placentitis’. This is where there is a localised area of infection anywhere in the placenta. If the area is small enough and remains contained, it may not affect the foal’s development at all, but if the area is large enough, then once again the mare can lose the pregnancy.

Symptoms

PLACENTITIS:

A devastating threat to your unborn foal Dr Chris Rayson BVSc Ourimbah Veterinary Hospital, Pacific Highway, Ourimbah NSW

The most common cause of pregnancy loss in Australian horses is infection of the placenta or ‘placentitis.’ As most of us know, the placenta is the sac which contains the developing foal within the pregnant uterus. The blood vessels within the placenta join the foal’s umbilical cord, so that the blood circulating within the placenta is actually part of the foal’s circulation. The placenta is closely attached to the internal lining of the uterus (or endometrium), which has a very rich blood supply as part of the mare’s circulation. While the mare’s and the foal’s blood do not actually mix, there is a very close attachment between the placenta and the endometrium. Nutrients and oxygen pass from the mare’s bloodstream to the foal’s, and waste products in the foal’s blood pass in the other direction.

Anything which disrupts this close relationship between the placenta and the uterus can adversely affect the development of the foal. If the disruption is severe enough, then the foal will die and the mare will abort.

Ascending Placentitis The most common type of placentitis is known as ‘ascending placentitis’. This is defined as infection that starts at the cervix and then spreads through the various layers of the placenta to the umbilical cord and thus into the foetus. At the same time, the placenta starts to separate from the endometrium near the cervix. The area of separation then tends to spread forward from the cervix, thus reducing the area of close contact between the maternal and foetal tissues. In ascending placentitis, infection occurs through the cervix and into the placenta, typically with bacteria

Commonly, mares with placentitis will abort their foals in late pregnancy or give birth to a foal that is small, weak and sickly and therefore less likely to survive. The most common signs that a mare has placentitis and is at risk of aborting or premature delivery are a purulent vaginal discharge (i.e. pus) and premature development of the udder and milk production. Ultrasound examination shows thickening of the placenta and separation from the endometrium near the cervix. There may also be softening and swelling of the cervix and cloudiness and increased cellularity of the placental fluid. The foal’s heart rate and activity may also be reduced.

Prevention and Treatment One of the most useful ways of helping to prevent contamination of the reproductive tract in older mares is the Caslick’s operation. This is usually done straight after serving or when an early pregnancy test is done. This helps to stop faeces, dirt etc from entering the vagina. It is also important that the mare’s general health and condition are taken care of. It is especially important that she is fed an adequate diet for pregnancy and that she has regular hoof and dental care and worming. If the mare develops a vaginal discharge or starts to run milk too early, then it is important to get veterinary help straight away. Usually the vet will take a swab of the discharge to determine what bacteria are involved and start the mare on an appropriate antibiotic. Other commonly used treatments include anti-inflammatory drugs and hormone treatments. The actual drugs used and dosages will depend on the individual case. Regular ultrasound examinations are also very useful to monitor the placentitis and the health of the foal.

Summary Placentitis is the most common cause of equine pregnancy loss in Australia. It is more common in older mares and mares that have had a number of previous pregnancies. The risk can be minimised by careful monitoring of the mare throughout pregnancy and by appropriate veterinary intervention. ♦

Above: Every owner’s dream: A healthy mare and foal (Pictured is Simeon Samra with filly by Simeon Sahron) PLACENTITIS: A DEVASTATINg THREAT TO yOuR uNBORN fOAL

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Stuart Vesty

Exercise for young horses – is it a good idea?

by Brian D. Nielsen, Ph.D., PAS, Dpl. ACAN Professor, Equine Exercise Physiology Department of Animal Science Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824-1225 U.S.A.

A great frustration for owners and trainers is when a horse experiences unsoundness upon entering training. As a result, many individuals believe it is important to wait until a horse is skeletally mature before commencing training with the belief that doing so will prevent injuries. Many factors that influence soundness, such as genetics and conformation, are beyond the control of a trainer. However, the management of young horses before they ever enter hard training can be controlled and such management, which should include exercise, provides one of the greatest opportunities to prevent injuries. To understand how to prevent injuries, it is critical to understand how bone and other tissues respond to exercise. First, contrary to what most people believe, bone is a rather dynamic tissue and responds to whatever forces are applied to it. Though it is impossible to witness with the naked eye, bone bends with applied force, such as when a horse takes a fast stride. There is a certain amount of bend that the bone “finds desirable”, often termed the optimal strain environment. When bone bends too much, the bone senses it is not strong enough and an attempt is made to lay down more bone, so that when similar forces are applied the bone will not bend as much. In contrast, if bone does not bend enough, the body senses that there is too much mineral present (which is inefficient from an energetic standpoint – carrying around more mineral than is needed will only slow a horse down when trying to escape a predator) and mineral will be lost. By losing that mineral, the bone becomes less rigid and will be able to bend more so that the optimal strain

Above: Free exercise is one of the best ways to maintain skeletal strength (Pictured is Simeon Sakaar (Simeon Shifran x Simeon Sanaa))

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environment is once more established. Though it is not quite this simple, the phrase “use it or lose it” typically applies to bone. Some examples of the manifestations of bone’s response to exercise, or the lack thereof, have given some pretty clear guidelines as to how bone in young horses responds to varying housing and training conditions. First, research has clearly demonstrated in numerous studies that placing young horses (weanlings, yearlings and twoyear-olds) into stables without any opportunity to sprint results in a loss of bone from the skeleton. Even walking a horse for an hour or two on a mechanical walker has been shown to be insufficient to prevent bone loss associated with stabling. While most people would believe that cantering done in the first few months of training would stimulate bone to become stronger, this is not the case if the horses are not given any opportunity to sprint – either forced (such as when being ridden) or voluntary (such as when turned out). While this may not be an issue for animals that will not be trained and ridden at speed such as racehorses, many in the horse industry still falsely believe that working horses slow is beneficial to bone while working them fast is harmful. A study we conducted at Michigan State University, failed to show a difference between the mineral content of the cannon bones of two-year-old Arabians kept on pasture with free access to exercise, versus pasture-mates that were subjected to endurance training for months, in which horses were trained on a high-speed treadmill to complete sixty-kilometre long exercise tests. In fact, if anything, the horses not in training appeared to be gaining more bone mineral than did the ones in long-distance training and there may be a logical explanation for that. When the horses in endurance training were returned to the pasture each day, they likely preferred to eat and rest as opposed to run around and play (which would include some short sprints). By contrast, the pasture-mates would not be tired from training long distances so they would be more inclined to run around and play. Again, this study demonstrates that without any high-speed exercise, bone will fail to become stronger – no matter how far you train them. Interestingly, it does not take many strides at speed to elicit a positive response. Using weanlings kept in stables, an eighty-metre sprint down a laneway once per day, five times per week for a 42-day period resulted in substantially greater bone gain than was seen in similar weanlings kept in stables without exercise. There was also greater bone gain than was seen in group-housed weanlings kept in a dry-lot. And in a very dramatic response, young bull calves kept in individual stables that were similarly sprinted 50 metres in a laneway five times per week showed dramatic improvements in mineral content of bone, as well as fracture force, when their bones were subjected to mechanical testing, compared to ones housed similarly but with no forced exercise and to those that were group-housed in a pen without exercise (Figure 1). The conclusions that can be drawn are simple. To gain strength, bone must be exposed to the large forces that accompany running at speed. Fortunately, it does not take many strides to accomplish this (and doing too many, especially when not adapted to it, certainly can cause damage). While horses do not necessarily spend

ExErcisE for young horsEs – is it a good idEa?

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Figure 1

Figure 2

a lot of time running while out on pasture, it only takes the occasional short sprint to prevent bone loss and, especially with young horses kept in a group, they usually sprint enough to maintain a reasonable amount of bone.

Other types of forced exercise may have advantages but should be evaluated for other concerns. One such type of forced exercise is on a high-speed mechanical walker – often referred to as a free-flow exerciser. While they are a great improvement over the traditional walker (because they can go faster, they allow a horse more freedom within a compartment rather than being attached by a chain, and because they usually have a much greater radius than a traditional walker), they are still not ideal for the prevention of bone loss. Rarely can they maintain a pace as fast as one would want a young horse to sprint to experience the same load on the skeleton that would be experienced while racing. Instead, the likelihood is that lower loads would be experienced but over a greater distance. Since bone responds more to the intensity of the load, rather than the number of strides taken, this does not do one as much good as compared to a very short high-speed sprint in a straight line. And considering that the exercise in a walker is done in a circular fashion, the potential exists for cartilage damage to occur. Uneven loading of joints, such as going at speed through turns, can lead to early problems with osteoarthritis. Thus, one needs to be cautious about doing too much fast work in exercisers, or, even worse, on a lounge line. The smaller the circle and the faster the speed, the greater the damage to cartilage.

A study we conducted at Texas A&M University in the early 90s demonstrated that when yearlings were removed from pasture and placed into stables at the onset of race training, a dramatic decrease in the mineral content of the cannon bone (as indicated by radiographic bone aluminium equivalence or RBAE) was observed (Figure 2). The mineral content (and presumably bone strength) remained lower until horses began to be sprinted after a few months of slow training. Not surprisingly, by introducing speed when the mineral content of the cannon bone (and likely other bones) was lowest, the greatest number of bone-related injuries occurred. Unfortunately, replacing mineral that was previously lost as a result of disuse is a slow process. In that study, even after nine cycles of racing every two weeks, the mineral content was still lower than before horses had ever entered training. A similar response was recently reported with young Thoroughbreds entering training and being placed into stalls in Kentucky within the United States. Thankfully, bone loss does not need to occur. In a research study where Arabian yearlings were trained while on pasture, the mineral content continued to increase as one would expect with growing horses. This is in comparison to former pasture-mates that had been placed into stables and within a month had lost a significant amount of mineral. Obviously, maintaining young horses on pasture at the onset of training is not practical for everyone. If such is the case, several options exist. First, a little bit of turn-out in an area that allows the horse some opportunity to run around for a short period of time is probably adequate to prevent most of the loss seen in the early stages of training. While longer periods of turn-out have advantages for a number of reasons, truthfully, if the horse is able to sprint at least 50 metres once a day, that is probably sufficient for bone. If turn-out is not an option, being able to put similar short sprints on a horse being ridden can likely yield similar positive results – though granted, in the early stages of training such sprints under saddle may be difficult to achieve while maintaining the proper mindset of the young athlete.

In summary, one needs to remember the adage, “use it or lose it” when thinking of bone. If bone is not subjected to relatively high loads through sprinting, it will quickly lose strength and be ill-prepared to handle speed once it commences. Fortunately, bone does not need many strides to maintain or increase its strength, however it is important to remember that exercise in a straight line is preferable to circular exercise to avoid damage to joints. From a practical standpoint, allowing weanlings and yearlings access to free exercise by being raised on pasture or turned out in large paddocks is one of the best ways to maintain skeletal strength. Contrary to the opinion of many, training horses while young can actually be beneficial if done correctly and not overdone. Many studies have demonstrated that by delaying the onset of training, more injuries are encountered than if one were to start training while younger. However, regardless of the age, if the horse is maintained constantly in stables and not allowed regular opportunities to run and play on their own, the chance for injury goes up dramatically. To avoid injury, it is important to let a horse be a horse! ♦

Top Left: Figure 1. Example of cross sectional computed tomography image of fused third and fourth metacarpal bone from confined and exercised calves (Hiney et al. 2004. J. Anim. Sci. 82(6):1612-1620) Top Right: Figure 2. Total RBAEs of all horses and periods during which bone-related injuries occurred (Nielsen et al. 1997. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 17(10):541-549)

Hendra Virus:

Should your horses be vaccinated? By David O’Meara BVSc MANZCVSc, Scone Equine Hospital

It is an appropriate time now that a Hendra vaccine is available for use in horses to review the most important points of the emergence of Hendra virus as a horse and potential human disease. Hendra virus is a zoonotic disease, in that it can be passed from animals to people. It can cause disease in horses and has only rarely caused disease in humans. Although the incidence of human infection is rare, history has shown that the majority of people that have been infected with Hendra virus have died. This most serious human health risk from infection with Hendra virus challenges the way that we relate to horses and the tactile bond between humans and horses, especially when the horse is ill. The response of most horse owners who have a sick horse is to touch and care for their loved horse and especially focusing on the horse’s head. It is this activity that makes us feel that we are helping our equines, because the horse seems to seek out this attention from a pat and a nuzzle. Unfortunately this is the type of act that, in the event of a horse possibly infected with Hendra virus, places an elevated risk of exposure to Hendra virus. The risk of exposure to Hendra virus forces all people in contact with sick horses to change their approach to contact.

Emergence of Hendra Virus Hendra virus was first encountered and recognised in Queensland in 1994 from cases that occurred in Mackay and then in the Brisbane suburb of Hendra. It was from the outbreak in Hendra that the well known racehorse trainer Vic Rail, who had trained the champion racehorse Vo Rogue through his race career, lost his life after being infected with the virus that was later described and named Hendra virus. A total of 20 horses died in the Hendra outbreak. A human fatality was later attributed to Hendra virus from the earlier Mackay case. The number of cases annually was low in incidence after 1994 with only 7 cases over the period from 1994 to 2008. A significant outbreak at Redlands in southern Queensland in 2008 resulted in the death of veterinarian Ben Cuneen, infection of a veterinary nurse and the loss of 8 horses. In 2011 there was a large increase in the number of cases and significantly the locations of cases were

Above: Dr David O’Meara administering the vaccine

spread across a much larger geographic area than previously experienced. There were 18 separate incidents in 2011 spread from far north Queensland to northern New South Wales. This was the first occasion that positive cases were identified in northern New South Wales and west of the Great Dividing Range in Queensland. There was also a farm dog in 2011 that tested positive to Hendra virus. Since 2011 there have been 8 cases in Queensland that were identified from Port Douglas down to Rockhampton, and so far in 2013 there has been a case near Mackay, and another in Kuranda. In total at the time of writing there have been 62 confirmed cases in horses, and 20 strongly suspicious cases in horses in which testing was not possible. In all at least 82 horses are known to have either died from the infection or were euthanised. Most importantly there have been 7 people who have tested positive

and 4 of these people have died as a result of the Hendra virus infection.

How Hendra Virus is Transmitted from Flying Foxes to Horses Hendra virus has been found to commonly exist in flying foxes (fruit bats) and these animals are the subclinical reservoir of the virus. It has been found in flying fox populations in various regions across Australia, throughout the habitats of the 4 species of flying fox in which Hendra virus has been found. It is thought that biological factors result in the virus load in the flying fox population increasing and then resulting in a high probability of ‘spilling over’ to horses. There is research currently underway to investigate this area as well as to why cases have not occurred in other areas where flying foxes and horses co-exist. Hendra virus can be transmitted from flying foxes by horses ingesting material contaminated by infected

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flying fox body fluids and excretions. Hendra virus is only in significant amounts directly under the trees where flying foxes are spending significant time. Horse owners should fence off and restrict horse access to the under canopy area of these trees. Flying foxes prefer to feed on nectar and pollen from eucalypts, melaleucas and banksias; however, they are attracted to a broad range of flowering and fruiting trees. Some examples of the trees and vegetation that have been identified as attractive to flying foxes: • a range of fig trees (including Moreton Bay fig trees) • melaleucas (including paperbarks) • eucalypts • bottlebrushes • mandarin trees • climbing asparagus vines • cocos palms. Remember that any flowering or fruiting tree with soft fruits or stone fruits may attract flying foxes. Property owners need to identify any trees that are attractive to flying foxes.

Horse to Horse Transmission Horse to horse spread is very difficult but is possible under certain situations where infected cases are stabled close with others. It seems that horse to horse spread is very unlikely if the affected horses are kept in paddocks as opposed to stables. In the majority of cases investigated where more than one horse was affected, the horses were exposed to the infectious agent at the same time rather than it spreading from one horse to another.

How Humans have been Infected The few cases of Hendra virus infection in people have occurred following exposure to significant levels of respiratory secretions and other body fluids from an infected horse while nursing and treating infected horses, or during autopsy procedures. Other people have reported having some contact with infected horses but have remained well, and their blood tests have shown no evidence of Hendra virus infection. There is no evidence of Hendra virus spreading from person to person or directly from flying foxes to human. Flying foxes can carry a different virus called Australian bat lyssavirus which is a rabies-like infection that has resulted in fatal zoonotic infections in Australia so contact with flying foxes should be avoided.

is characterised by a rapid onset and worsening progression. Clinical signs may vary from discomfort on legs and shifting weight, vague colic type signs, nervous system abnormalities (ataxia, muscle twitching, depression, dazed and aimless walking, apparent blindness), respiratory distress (white or blood-tinged frothy discharge from the mouth and nostrils, particularly in the terminal stages), weakness, collapse or sudden death. The case history in many circumstances is a very sick horse that deteriorated and died within 48 hours despite treatment, or that a horse had been found dead in a paddock. There may have been a sick horse encountered within a few weeks after an unexplained dead horse on the same property. The incubation period for Hendra virus in horses ranges from 5 to 16 days. There have also been situations where a Hendra infected horse has been found to have gone through or been caught in a fence from ataxia and staggering due to the effects of the infection. There is a high case fatality rate, and the official protocol is for any horse that tests positive to be euthanised. In the majority of cases, horses have been living in paddocks in close proximity to flying foxes and often the horses have sheltered under the trees where the flying foxes are feeding overnight.

Hendra Virus Prevention The best method of preventing human infections is to prevent the occurrence of Hendra infected horses. Any successful disease control program must employ multiple strategies such as vaccination, biosecurity, and management of horse environment. Elimination of flying foxes is not possible as they are a protected species and there is scientific evidence that any attempts to cull or move flying fox populations may actually cause stress in the flying foxes resulting in increased shedding of Hendra virus. Also although the fatality rate in Hendra infected people is high, the disease unfortunately has a low priority in public health compared to other diseases so the likelihood of a human vaccine being developed is remote. There is now a large and continually growing bank of information on the biology of flying foxes and how to separate their activities from the living space of horses. The focus of disease prevention now has what appears to be a very useful vaccine for our horse population to greatly reduce the risk of Hendra virus disease.

Hendra Vaccine

Clinical Signs in Horses and Common Case Presentations

The commercial vaccine for horses which is now available has been released under a restricted permit that requires administration only by a veterinarian. This is to ensure that the vaccine is used under the correct protocol as the data on the horses vaccinated must be collected and entered into a database to build statistics on its use and to track any vaccine failures. No vaccine is 100% effective. In trials the vaccine was very effective in the small number of horses used in preventing vaccinated horses becoming infected when live Hendra virus was introduced into their system.

The problem with identifying a Hendra virus case is that the clinical signs in horses are very variable and initially may be a lethargic horse with an elevated temperature which obviously is similar to many other ailments affecting horses. Hendra virus infection

The actual vaccine is an intramuscular injection and has only a subunit of the virus so there is no possibility of causing any viral disease. The conditions of use are very specific and require two vaccinations given exactly 21 days apart. Veterinarians need to be

The essential message is that humans have only been infected when the possibility of Hendra virus was not considered. No human has been infected when biosecurity such as hand hygiene and appropriate protective gloves, overalls, mask and goggles have been used.

Hendr a Virus: sHould your Horses be Vaccinated?

224

Above: Artificially coloured electron micrograph of Hendra virus

formally accredited to administer the vaccine and must conduct a clinical examination of each horse and collect owner and horse identification details. Horses must be microchipped before vaccination. The veterinarian is required to enter these details onto an online database within 48 hours of both occasions of vaccination. If the data is not entered in this manner, the horse is not able to be certified as being fully vaccinated. These factors mean that the timing of vaccination needs to be planned carefully to ensure that the conditions of use can be fulfilled. As the database of horses vaccinated grows, and statistics generated of the vaccine’s use and degree of effectiveness, the conditions of use may change in time. Due to the risk to people and horses from Hendra virus it is imperative that the vaccine program is rolled out in the best manner possible.

Advice to Horse Owners • Always consider the possibility of Hendra virus and the way it can present. Assume that it could occur at any time of year, and in any region where flying foxes live. • Prevent horse access to areas where flying foxes roost or feed, and protect horse feed and water sources. • Identify trees on your property that may be attractive to flying foxes when flowering or fruiting. • Use hygiene and appropriate barriers (gloves, disposable overalls, etc) to prevent contact with horse bodily fluids, as a general protocol. This prepares people for the eventuality of a case occurring. • Ensure that all horses are vaccinated especially if in regions where Hendra cases have occurred in the past. • Be informed. Current information can be found on Queensland and New South Wales Department of Primary Industry websites including brochures and advice for horse owners. Hendra virus, although having potentially catastrophic consequences, is a disease of low incidence, low degree of transmissibility and is readily preventable. The virus is endemic in flying foxes which are a constant in our environment and all people dealing with horses must adapt habits and ideas to keep our horses and people free from this disease. ♦

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Alexandrina Farm ............................................................................96–97

Magic Breed (Aust) ............................................................................. 193

Almazaan Stud .................................................................................... 101

Mangalo Park Arabians ...................................................................... 201

Aloha Arabians .................................................................................... 119

Marian Duncan ................................................................................... 154

Alphalea Arabians ........................................................................... 78–79

Mulawa Arabians ............................................................................ 17–24

Al Shaqab ................................................................................... 146–151

Mylani Lodge ......................................................................................... 62

Anderton Park Arabians ..................................................................... 187

Nalla Arabians ........................................................................................27

Arabhorse.com.................................................................................... 122

NARA Australia .................................................................................... 166

Arinya Park .......................................................................................... 183

Noran Arabians ................................................................................... 193

Asab Arabians and Stonevale Performance..................................... 121

Oak Ridge Arabians ....................................................................... 58–59

Asileh Arabians ................................................................................... 180

Orabanda Arabians ............................................................................. 123

Azale Arabians .......................................................................................73

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Ramadan Arabians ............................................................................... 83

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STALLION DIRECTORy

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Lavender Park Arabians ..................................................................... 127

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othbury Park Arabians

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(Sobek x Om el Ebony Dream) First Frozen Semen Sobek Foal born to Sandra Menzel Germany!

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othbury Park Arabians

Dianna & Charles Zammit 1451 Upper Colo Road, Upper Colo, NSW, 2756 P: 00 61 2 4565 9277 M: 0412 078 910 E: rothburypark@optusnet.com.au W: www.rothburypark.com.au