The five-hour-long flight from Warsaw to Doha allowed us to step into the fascinating world of the Orient. The exotic city of Doha inspired awe not only because of the phenomenal architecture to be seen everywhere, but primarily due to its omnipresent aura of serenity and kindness. Such extraordinary atmosphere surrounded the Arabian Peninsula Horse Show, which took place between 29th January and 1st February 2025 as an integral part of the fifth edition of the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival. The Festival, which ended on 8th February 2025, consisted this year of three events: the Arabian Peninsula Horse Show, the Katara Arabian Horse Auction, and Global Champions Arabians Tour, its most prestigious part.

The Katara Cultural Village Foundation in collaboration with the Racing and Equestrian Club and the Qatar Equestrian Federation organizes Katara International Arabian Horse Festival annually. The Festival is graced with the esteemed patronage of the Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Professor Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, General Manager of the Foundation pointed out in his message to the guests that the Festival is a tribute to the tireless efforts of breeders who devoted their lives to preserving the purity of Arabian bloodlines. Moreover, the Festival expresses the fact that Katara fully embraces its responsibility to preserve and promote heritage, with the Arabian horse standing as a powerful symbol of strength, elegance and loyalty.

The Arabian Peninsula Horse Show is a specific origin show open to Straight Egyptian horses registered or eligible for registration by the World Arabian Horse Organization (WAHO). 139 horses were registered for the show representing six countries: Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. The horses competed in 12 classes for considerable prize money. Suffice to say that the owner of the winning horse in senior classes is awarded with 250 000 QR. Therefore, there is a lot at stake, although what ultimately matters is the prestige of being the owner of the best horse.

The Show itself takes place in a fairy-tale scenery created by a show complex erected at a huge expense upon the Katara beach to last only for the duration of the Festival. Yet, the organizers spared neither money nor effort in order to secure dazzling conditions for the presentation of horses. All premises were designed in sophisticated aesthetics drawing on Bedouin culture, combined with subtle shades of brown, beige and white, thus creating the effect of subdued luxury. Such scenery in conjunction with shimmering ultramodern skyscrapers looming on the horizon in a way symbolizes the underlying concept behind the event, namely the connection of a centuries’ long cultural tradition of Qatar with the challenges of the modern world. The entire place provided a grand and dignified setting arranged meticulously for the sole purpose being to admire the beauty of Straight Egyptian horses participating in the show. This year, the horses were evaluated over days by a panel of 14 judges, among whom there were Poles this time. It is worth mentioning that the organizers every year indicate a different colour as the dress code in place. This year, black attire was to be observed.

Day 1, Wednesday 29th January – the first day of the Arabian Peninsula Horse Show welcomed the guests with sunny, though somewhat windy weather and a comfortable temperature around 20 degrees Centigrade. The performance of Qatar Air Forces Music Battalion proved a beautiful and original element of the opening ceremony. Upon completion of the customary welcome speeches, the competition could begin in the starting classes of yearling fillies and yearling colts.

At this point, a slight remark needs to be made. While analysing the show, one has to bear in mind that we are watching Straight Egyptians, not Pure Polish Arabians. Therefore, evaluation criteria and breeding considerations are somewhat different. Due to their narrow gene pool, the Arabian horses classified as Straight Egyptian are very similar in appearance and conformation. These horses are characterized by their delicate, refined build and narrow chest. Delicate construction makes them susceptible to all kind of injuries, while rather frequent cases of disqualification during the show resulted mainly from lameness. Additionally, Arabian Straight Egyptian mares suffer from reproductive health problems; hence, each new foal is highly valued. Yearling fillies opening the competition already showed everything that is best in a Straight Egyptian Arabian horse, namely a small, exquisitely chiselled wedge-shaped head set upon a long, arched neck. Their large, dark eyes gain additional expression against the prevailing milky grey colour of coat, prevailing in that breed.

Of the yearling fillies competing in classes 1A and 1B, only one in class 1A was bay among the remaining grey fillies. And yet, after fierce competition, the victory in class 1A with 91.70 points went to her, the wonderful bay beauty QUMRIYAH (Naseem Al Rashediah x Kamar Ega) owned by Qatari Al Hamama Stud. It is interesting to note that third in the same class was a grey filly displaying a high potential for future, GJ MAJESTICA (Majd Al Qusar x Hadiye Al Shahania) owned by Al Nasser Stud from Qatar and bred by Glenn Jacobs. The same Glenn Jacobs known for taking photographs of Polish horses. However, not everybody knows that apart from being a photographer, he is also a highly successful breeder of Straight Egyptian Arabian horses. Unfortunately, movement remains the weakest point of yearling fillies. Nonetheless, according to judges, especially fillies competing in class 1A seem promising, as more than half of them received notes above 90 points. From the group of 11 yearling fillies competing in class 1B, the victorious one proved to be the truly charming ANHAJEEAH AL SHAQAB (Naseem Al Rashediah x Mashhoorah Al Shaqab) from Al Shaqab Stud in Qatar.

18 yearling colts competed in classes 4A and 4B. Also here, one bay colt stood out against the grey crowd, though without success. In class 4A, the public was absolutely taken by the grey colt SAIF AL WADI (Naseem Al Rashediah x Nefertiti Al Wadi) belonging to Saudi Al Wadi Stud. During his presentation, that charismatic colt freed himself from the handler, whereupon he started to walk in a highly dignified manner away from the show ring towards the adjacent pier leading to docked boats. After a while, Saif Al Wadi decided to turn back out of his own free will. Walking slowly and majestically, he then appeared again at the side of his handler as if nothing had happened. No intervention was undertaken, as everybody awaited calmly and respectfully for the colt to finish his walk. This manifestation of Saif Al Wadi’s independent character met with enthusiastic acclaim from the public. The judges were equally impressed viewing the beauty and charm of the Saudi colt. Saif Al Wadi received a total note of 91.43 points, thus winning his class. In the second class of yearling colts 4B the unquestionable number one proved to be the astounding grey D SADN (D Labbad x D Asfoorah) owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud from the United Arab Emirates. D Sadn achieved the highest note of the day, being 92.57 points. Myself, I was greatly captivated by the movement and charisma of the Qatari colt IBN AL NAIF (Ansata Nile Echo x Al Jood Al Naif) belonging to Al Naif Stud.

Day 2, Thursday 30 January – the second day of the show proceeded with the competition of junior fillies and junior colts, ergo horses aged 2 and 3 years. According to the regulations applicable during the show, age groups are determined by the date of birth, with the year starting on 1st October and ending on 30th September for the junior classes (fillies and colts as per the Middle East breeding season) and starting on the 1st of January and ending on 31st December for the senior classes (Mares and Stallions).

The cold and violent wind raging during the second day of the show failed to disrupt the rivalry of junior horses. Junior fillies of class 2A initiated the competition. Of the 15 fillies registered, 2 were absent and 2 were disqualified. Of the 11 fillies competing in class 2A the grey GHAYA EL ALYA (Quemar Al Zaman Al Waab x Ghezlan Al Waab) representing Al Hamama Stud definitely stood out above the rest. Among a varied group of competing fillies, as confirmed by dispersed notes, Ghaya El Alya could boast with an exquisitely shaped small head of excellent proportions and harmonious build. Deservedly, she won her class with the note of 91.50 points. Class 2B that followed surpassed the level of the previous class. The high note of 92.07 points as well as victory in class 2A was awarded to a filly of stunning beauty, BAGHA AL FARIDA (Baarez Al Farida x Sheroukh Al Farida), owned by the Egyptian Al Farida Stud. My favourite filly in that class was MAYAN AL NASSER (Shagran Al Nasser x Reema Al Nasser) of Qatari Al Jaham Stud attracting with her splendid movement and charm.

The competition of junior colts gave them an opportunity to manifest on the ring their personality, charisma, but also their striking femininity. One gets the impression that these junior colts have a strong potential to show much better movement than was actually the case. The obstacle often seems to be the lack of cooperation and coordination between the horse and the handler. This phenomenon was highly noticeable during the show. 11 horses were registered in class 5A, thereof only 9 entered the competition. One chestnut colt and one bay colt added diversification to the prevailing grey colour of the participants. However, only 3 colts manage to receive notes of 90 points and above. Victory in class 5A with the note 90.93 went to SH SAHER (Motair Al Baida x PSE Razeelah) from Alshaya Stud in Kuwait. The last class of the day, i.e. class 5B, took place after nightfall, lighted by a breath-taking illumination worthy of the Tales of One Thousand and One Nights. Like in the previous class, only 9 colts competed of the 11 individuals registered for class 5B, as 1 was absent and 1 disqualified. Generally, horses in that class displayed fluid, dynamic movement. Undoubtedly, most of them have a bright future ahead. The performance of MALEEH AL NASSER (Nasser Al Rayyan x Sarab Al Nasser) of Al Nasser Stud provoked an extraordinary explosion of enthusiasm and acclaim from the public. It turned out that the public and the judges were unanimous in their preferences. Maleeh Al Nasser won class 2B with a very high note of 92.07, thus outclassing his rivals. Personally, I was absolutely taken and charmed by the third junior colt in that class HAITHAM AL SHAHEEN (Fares Al Rayyan x Ghamer Al Shaqab) belonging to Al Shaheen Stud from Qatar.

Day 3 Friday 31 January – the third day of the show was marked by an increase of temperature in Doha, which seemed to bode heated competition. Of the15 senior mares registered for the first class of the day, a bevy of 13 milky white and dark eyed beauties entered competition in class 3A. During a joint presentation of all the competitors, one mare released herself from her handler, apparently driven by an urge for a solo walk. Fortunately, the handler quickly regained control of the situation, bringing in place the mare in his care by a calm gesture. The competitive level among senior mares proved very high, which found reflection in the notes awarded by the judges, attaining above 90 points for the majority of the mares in competition. The classes of senior mares revealed a known truth that the Arabian horses are late maturing. With age, the mares bloom, ultimately achieving the full spectrum of their beauty. The even and high level of competition inevitably made it possible only for an exceptional beauty to win the class. Indeed such was the case.

The winner of 3A with 92.29 points was the phenomenal SHEIHANA AL NASSER (Naseem Al Rashediah x Al Jazi Al Nasser) from Qatari Al Nasser Stud. On her heels was the extraordinary D’ANNAFEYYAH (Asfoor Al Waab x D Folah) owned Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, with the note of 92 points. A slight shadow was cast upon the rivalry in class 3B of senior mares due to the notice that one of the handlers received from DC a yellow card. Although 14 mares were registered for the class, only 11 entered the competition, of which 2 were disqualified. An undisputed victory in class 3B went with the impressive note of 92.64 points to the absolutely wonderful and unique NADRAH AL NASSER (Shagran Al Nasser x Jamila Nasser) representing Al Nasser Stud. The public showed Nadrah Al Nasser their admiration by applauding intensely her performance, when the mare impressed with her exceptional quality and fascinating movement. Another noteworthy senior mare came second in that class with the note of 91.79 points, i.e. LUJINA (Al Ayaal x Mashalla Aleha) x Mashalla Aleha) from the Kuwaiti Ashayel Arabian Horse Stud. It is interesting to note that according to the catalogue, the breeder of Lujina is Ali Ali Mahmoud from Poland.

After the dark, Friday was crowned with the competition of senior stallions in classes 6A and 6B. 10 senior stallions were registered in each class. Also here, one stallion gracefully escaped from his handler to receive in reward great applause from the public. The rivalry between senior stallions proved equally heated. It became apparent once again that with age, Straight Egyptian Arabian horses gain in beauty. 9 stallions competed in class 6A as one stallion was disqualified. Amongst a range of other excellent horses, one was especially catching the eye from the first moment on the ring. D MEMZER (Asfoor Al. Waab x Extreme Wonder) from Dubai Arabian Stud excelled due to his dynamic movement, captivating personality and exquisite head. He won his class with a note of 92 points. However, a real gem was yet to be discovered among the participants of the last class 6B of senior stallions. Born in 2018, GJ FAHEEM (Naseem Al Rashediah x Hadiya Al Shahania) seemed to declare from the very first moment on the ring: “Veni, vidi, vici”. The owner and the breeder of this brilliant stallion is Glenn Jacobs mentioned earlier. GJ Faheem is very difficult to describe. One has to experience GJ Faheem personally with own eyes in order to appreciate fully his exceptional charm and beauty. GJ Faheem became gold champion in the last edition of the show. This year, he won his class with the highest note of the show, being 92.79 points, thus placing himself in the role of the favourite for the highest prize this year.

As rivalry in classes has ended after 3 days of competition, it is now time for a few, general reflections. Undoubtedly, Arabian Peninsula Horse Show revealed the extremely high level and strength of the Straight Egyptian breed conducted on the Arabian Peninsula, as well as an incredible potential of that breed on a global scale. Those who consider with scepticism Straight Egyptian Arabian Horses would change their mind upon viewing the horses participating in the show. The judges were very severe in their evaluations, as no horse managed to reach a note of 93 points. The competition clearly pointed to the supremacy of studs from Qatar in breeding Straight Egyptian Arabian Horses, while the stallion Naseem Al Rashediah needs to be pointed out as the most successful sire of that breed.

Day 4 Saturday 01 February – the last day of the show emerged with beautiful sunshine and azure sky, creating a perfect background for the championships as the last chord of the Arabian Peninsula Horse Show. Rules for championships state that that if the total number of entered horses is less than 180, the top five horses from each class qualify for the championships. If the number of entered horses is more than 180, only the top 3 from each class qualify for the championships. This year, champions were to be chosen from a group of 5 top horses from each class, totalling 10 horses for each category. That day, the public was more than ever animated, eagerly awaiting for the winners to be crowned. There were no surprises, though. The best won.

The wonderful bay QUMRIYAH (Naseem Al Rashediah x Kama Ega) became the gold champion of yearly fillies, silver title crowned GJ MAJESTICA (Majd al Qusar x Hadiya Al Shahania) bred by Glenn Jacobs, and bronze went to the charming ANHAJEEAH AL SHAQAB (Naseem Al Rashediah x Masshoorah Al Shaqab. As can be seen, the entire podium of yearly fillies was occupied by the studs from Qatar: Al Hamama Stud, Al Nasser Stud and Al Shaqab Stud. Naseem Al Rashediah is the sire of the gold champion and bronze champion.

In the championships of yearly colts, gold covered the phenomenal D SADN (D Labbad x D Asforaah), silver was received by the mischievous SAIF AL WADI (Naseem Al Rashediah x Nefertiti Al Wadi), while broze title went to IBN AL NAIF (Ansata Nile Echo x Al Jood Al Naif). The podium was divided between studs from the United Arab Emirates (Dubai Arabian Stud), The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Al Wadi Stud) and Qatar (Al Naif Stud). Naseem Al Rashediah is the sire of the silver champion.

Supremely beautiful BAGHA AL FARIDA (Baarez Al Farida x Sherouk Al Farida) became the gold champion of junior fillies, the title of silver champion was awarded to the lovely GHAYA EL ALYA (Qamar Al Zaman Al Waab x Ghezlan Al Waab), and the bronze title was received by LATEEN AL DANAT (Naseem Al Rashediah x Mona Aldanat). Gold honoured the junior filly from the stud in Egypt: El Farida Stud, silver honoured the junior filly from the stud in Qatar: El Hamama Stud, while bronze is the success of Al Danat Farm from Kuwait. Naseem Al Rashediah is the sire of the bronze champion.

The favourite of the public, MALEEH AL NASSER (Nasser Al Rayyan x Sarab Al Nasser) became the gold champion of junior colts, silver title was awarded to MEJRIN AL SALAM (Motair Al Baida x Layan Al Salam), and the bronze went to AKM LUSAIL (Shaheen AA x Aishaa). Gold and bronze graced two studs from Qatar, Al Nasser Stud and AKM Arabians. Silver podium is the success of Al Salam Stud from Kuwait.

In the midst of flashing photographers and a large international audience, the judges finally decided on the titles in the last, most exciting classes of senior mares and senior stallions. Yet, nothing could threaten the position of favourites, so final results came as no surprise.

Unquestionably, the highest step on the podium among senior mares was occupied deservedly by the supremely beautiful, NADRAH AL NASSER (Shagran Al Nasser x Jamila Al Nasser). As expected, silver medal was awarded to the exceptional D’ANNAFEYYAH (Asfoor Al Waab x D Folah), while the lovely LUJINA (Al Ayal AA x Mashalla Aleha) became the bronze champion. The following studs were proud of the trophies received: Al Nasser Stud from Qatar, Dubai Arabian Horse Stud from the United Arab Emirates and Asayel Arabian Horse Stud from Kuwait.

The championships of senior stallions constituted the final icing on the cake. There could be no doubt as to the stallion most worthy to occupy the first place. During the competition, that stallion gained widespread admiration and the highest note of the show. No other could become the gold champion of senior stallions but the exceptional GJ FAHEEM (Naseem Al Rashediah x Hadiya Al Shahania), owned and bred by Glenn Jacobs. Congratulations. Behind him as silver champion came BASHEER AL WAAB (Sinan Al Rayyan x Amaal Al Waab) bred by Sheikh Abudullah bin Khaled Al Thani, while the bronze title went to the charismatic D MEMZER (Asfoor Al Waab x Xtreme Wonder). Success could be celebrated by El Alya Stud from Qatar and Dubai Arabian Stud from the United Arab Emirates. Yet first and foremost the owner and breeder of the gold champion deserved to celebrate. This great achievement of Glenn Jacobs was awarded with prize money amounting 250 000 QR. Naseem Al Rashediah is the sire of the gold champion of senior stallions.

4 days in the company of beautiful Straight Egyptian horses bred on the Arabian Peninsula proved an unsurpassed aesthetic experience, as the breath-taking beauty and sweetness of these horses is unquestionable. It needs to be underlined that not only huge funds, but also enormous effort is put by the breeders of the competing horses to achieve such wonderful results. That effort is seen as a way to honour the ancient cultural heritage connecting horses with the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula. For them, breeding horses is a passion and the pursuit of a long-time strategy. The organizers of Katara International Arabian Horse Festival aim to provide a global platform that offers knowledge and expertise about purebred Arabian horses, enabling horse owners to exchange this knowledge and expertise with one another, contributing to their development and growth. The task of promoting the beauty of these horses, along with the accompanying breeding tradition also aims at elevating the status and significance of purebred Arabian horses around the whole world. Undoubtedly, the State of Qatar is an questionable leader in spreading the true belief in the power the Arabian horses on a global scale and in a global perspective.

At his point one has to express great admiration for the organizers, who made their utmost to take the best care of all the guests invited. The Organizing Committee of Katara International Horse Festival displayed the highest level of professional prowess and efficiency. All organizational aspects of the event were perfectly coordinated, which secured smooth operation at all levels, as well as full comfort and satisfaction to all the guests admiring the beauty, strength and elegance of Straight Egyptian Horses from the Arabian Peninsula. Last, but not least, one cannot forget about the extremely touching kindness, courtesy and willingness to help shown to the guests not only by the organizers, but also by every single inhabitant of Qatar met on the way. Leaving the hospitable thresholds of Qatar, we will remain with the message that the breeding of Straight Egyptian Arabian horses is immanently linked with the tradition and the feeling of national identity of that country, as expressed in the motto: “Breeding for heritage”.

It is a great honor and privilege to hold the position of president, manager and chief breeder at a Polish State Stud. However, it is also a great responsibility. With all these conditions in mind, Hanna Sztuka took over the management of Białka Stud on November 15th, 2021. As the manager in Białka, she is responsible for the entirety of the stud’s activities, including breeding matters. Hanna Sztuka quickly showed that action is her element. Because to want is to do. Two months after Białka was taken over by Hanna Sztuka, Arabian horse lovers were invited to a New Year’s Meeting and a presentation of breeding stallions. This meeting took place last Saturday, January 22nd, 2022.

Like a charming fairy, Białka welcomed guests wrapped in a snow robe sparkling with ice crystals. Despite the frosty weather, the turnout was good. A large group of people took advantage of the invitation to the New Year’s Meeting in Białka, from the presidents of other State Studs, through private breeders, to Arabian horse lovers. There was Lucjan Cichosz, acting as the president of Janów Podlaski Stud and Marek Skomorowski, acting president of Michałów Stud. There were also private breeders known for their show successes, incl. Waldemar Bąk, Józef Pietrzak, Wojciech Parczewski and Andrzej Wójtowicz. However, it is especially worth noting that many small private breeders for whom breeding Arabian horses is a passion and a way of life also showed up. It is among them that we can find the most ardent supporters of Pure Polish horses and the use of Arabian horses. So it is safe to say that the Saturday meeting in Białka was a meeting of real horsemen made of flesh and blood.

The presentation of breeding stallions from Białka Stud, which took place in the indoor arena, started the New Year’s Meeting, and the mood was enhanced by the huge Christmas tree decorating the interior. The guests were welcomed by Robert Krześniak, member of the Management Board of Małopolska Hodowla Roślin. As we have learned, 2022 is a special year for MHR. On September 3rd, celebrations are planned to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Białka Stud and the 150th anniversary of MHR. Then, Hanna Sztuka took the floor, together with the stud’s employees to present the stud’s breeding stallions to the guests. Among them were stallions of breeds other than Arabian, but it was the Arabian stallions that aroused the greatest interest among those gathered in Białka. This interest focused on the main attraction of the event, namely the stallion D Kaheel, leased to Białka Stud for this breeding season. As you know, emotions are need to be built upwards in a good movie script, so we had to wait for the grand entree of the star. The waiting was made pleasant by the guests with hot snack: bigos washed down with non-alcoholic wine.

The honor of inaugurating the event went to the stallion Palatino (Pesal – Palmeta by Ecaho) b. 2006, bred and owned by Janów Podlaski Stud, leased for this season to Białka. Palatino is the son of the stallion Pesal, born in 1991 in Białka Stud, the pride of Białka breeding, as well as a representative of Ilderim d.b. Everything has already been said about the qualities of Pesal: his dazzling beauty and extremely gentle character are features extremely desirable in breeding. Palatino is his father’s inherent son. He has all the features that characterize the classic type of Polish Arabian stallion, i.e. correct build, beautiful head, beautiful eye and phenomenal movement and bravery. The owners of Białka hope that Palatino will leave some worthy offspring and extend the Ilderim family there. It is also worth mentioning at this point that the team of Białka presenters was supported during the presentation by Piotr Dwojak, who had not been seen for a long time. It is a good thing that this experienced and talented presenter will once again add his skills to the state stud farms. Another Arabian stallion presented at Białka was the young stallion Celadon (Pogrom – Celita by Lawrence El Gazal) b. 2019, bred and owned by Białka Stud, which is currently being prepared for a breeding career at his home stud. Maybe not everyone remembers that the dam of Celadon belongs to the Babolnian Bent-El-Arab damline, well represented at Białka.

The next one was Pentagram (Druid – Pętla po Visbaden), b. 1999, bred by Janów Podlaski Stud, owned by Grzegorz Miklaszewski, currently on lease to Białka Stud. Pentagram is a horse of outstanding utility type, the son of the best purebred racing horse in post-war Poland, the stallion Druid and a representative of the Bairactar d.b. sireline. Pentagram is a correct horse with great utility values, features which are desirable in Białka breeding. As is commonly known, although Białka Stud is striving to strengthen its show line, utility horses are an extremely important area of the stud’s activity.

Another Arabian stallion presented at the breeding stallion parade in Białka was Falset (Ekstern – Flaminia by Gaspar) born in 2018, bred and owned by Michałów Stud. Falset is the last son of Ekstern, an epochal sire. Falset underwent racing trials at the racetrack. Interestingly, his maternal stud decided to select the stallion Falset for castration and sale. At the last moment, the head of Białka Stud saved him from the knife. As you can see, she noticed the breeding potential and valuable origin in this stallion, as he represents the lineage of Kuhailan Haifi d.b. and the extremely valuable and rare Ukrainka damline through Forta. The point is not that Falset should produce outstanding offspring, but that he should leave good horses. It is also about extending his male lineage. Hanna Sztuka is known for the fact that her breeding choices are non-obvious and may arouse controversy, but her undoubted breeding intuition has so far produced unexpectedly good results.

Another stallion bred and owned by Białka Stud, who got a chance to prove himself in breeding, is Palert (Alert – Pericola by Kahil Al Shaqab), born in 2018, bred. Palert also represents the lineage of Ilderim d.b., which is undoubtedly the advantage of this stallion, because this is the family that is to be cultivated in Białka.

The chestnut stable mate of Palert also turned heads, i.e. Belmari (El Omari – Bint Ermina by Kabsztad), born in 2017. Silver medalist in the junior stallions class at the National Arabian Horse Show in Janów Podlaski in 2020 and bronze medalist of the 2021 National Show in the senior stallions category. Belmari undoubtedly appears to be a promising sire, although you never know in advance how a given individual will perform in breeding.

Hanna Sztuka is committed to cultivating Polish sirelines. Thanks to her inquiry, she found in private hands a representative of the extremely rare male line, Krzyżyk d.b. This stallion is Orbitale (Wojnicz – Olivia by Eldon), grandson of Olita from Janów, bred and owned by Wiśnicz Stud. This grey stallion, known to endurance lovers, and at the same time handsome, gives hope for offspring with versatile abilities. The offspring of this stallion is also a chance to continue the male line of Krzyżyk d.b. at Białka.

As prof. Krystyna Chmiel says, Arabians have been transformed into show models, while Arabians can do anything, because they are exceptionally clever and intelligent horses. It is good then that Białka Stud relies on the versatile use of Arabian horses, and the working type is not a disadvantage there, but an advantage. However, one cannot disregard the realities of the Arabian horse market. Maintaining and improving the show line are sine qua non conditions to maintain the prestige and sales success of the state studs. Hence the decision to lease the show type Arabian stallion to Białka, which crowned the presentation of Białka breeding stallions.

Białka can boast the lease of the stallion D Kaheel (FA El Rasheem – D Muwadah by QR Marc), b. 2016, bred by Dubai Stud and owned by Abhaa Arabians from Kuwait. The decision to lease this stallion was dictated by purely commercial reasons. This stallion is the son of one of the top world class sires at the moment and represents an outstanding show line. D Kaheel meets the expectations of Białka, as it is a horse with large frames, exceptional beauty and great movement, with a suspension phase. A head endowed with a large black eye, small well-developed ears and in the movement and standing position D Kaheel wonderfully exposes his neck. He works under saddle and already has offspring. However, his greatest advantage is his extremely gentle and friendly nature. The guests who welcomed the newly arrived stallion had the opportunity to see it for themselves. We were allowed to get very close to him, to stroke and examine him closely. D Kaheel passed the balance test with flying colors, when Krzysztof Czarnota lifted his hooves and Krystyna Chmiel was touching his ears. D Kaheel was calm and allowed everything without showing any irritation or impatience. Although, as Piotr Dwojak told me, the stallion immediately gave up on these attractions. D Kaheel is delightful in every aspect and we wish that he will leave a field of future champions in Białka.

When the presentation of breeding stallions was over, everyone went to the stud’s office to listen to a lecture by Prof. Krystyna Chmiel “Polish male families and their importance in breeding”. The lecture was held under the maxim of: “not a word about Saklawi I”. Two more sayings sponsored the presentation of Krystyna Chmiel, namely: “let’s hurry to use stallions because they leave so quickly” and: “one good stallion is worth a herd of medium mares”. The bitter conclusion was that Polish breeders did not know how to respect and appreciate the great stallions in which Polish state breeding abounded. Instead of using them, these stallions were either sold or unused. It is difficult to report in detail what we heard from the professor, as this lecture was full of details and nuances worthy of an audience composed of real experts. It turned out that they were among the audience. Small private breeders present in the room reported that they knew or owned this or that horse mentioned in the lecture, or had or have offspring of these horses. It was possible to find out that in the hands of private breeders there are still many horses from disappearing Polish male lines, often those that are no longer present in state breeding. The speaker discussed in detail 7 Polish male lines, i.e. Bairactar d.b. imp. 1817 to Weil, Krzyżyk d.b. imp. 1876 to Jarczowce, Koheilan Adjuze d.b. imp. 1885 to Babolna, Ilderim d.b. imp. 1900 to Sławuta, Ibrahim d.b. imp. 1907 to Antoniny, Kuhailan Afas d.b. imp. 1931 to Gumniska and Kuhailan Haifi d.b. imp. 1931 to Gumniska.

In the face of the extremely critical situation of Polish male lines, in the opinion of Krystyna Chmiel, a query should be made as to who and has what in private breeding, in order to possibly collect and freeze the semen of stallions from old Polish families present only in private breeding, in order to be able to restore these families to the state studs. This postulate of the professor is not new, but so far none of the people responsible for state breeding want to implement it, or rather commission its implementation.

As I mentioned earlier, the lecture by Krystyna Chmiel met with a lively response among the private breeders present in the room. There is a general opinion that the stewards of state Arabian horse breeding do not have any idea for this breeding, and the conclusions of the presentation were not encouraging. The time of preparations for the next Pride of Poland auction is approaching. Meanwhile, there is great uncertainty in the background, will they change the legal status of the studs or not? Who will be the organizer of this year’s auction? There are many unknowns. At this moment, there is nothing else to do, except that while waiting for further developments, the heads of the state studs should do their best within the scope of their duties. Certainly, the example of the New Year’s Meeting in Białka showed one thing. The pandemic is a pandemic, but studs should be more open to the organization of various events, such as breeding parades, breeding conferences, etc., available to a wide range of Arabian horse breeders and lovers. This is conducive to building a positive atmosphere around Arabian studs, and all activities in this direction are extremely necessary. In addition, such meetings are extremely pleasant, integrate the environment and, despite even bitter thoughts, carry a large charge of positive energy. Certainly, everyone returned from the Białka meeting satisfied and full of enthusiasm. So we are waiting for the next meeting in Białka and for the presidents of Michałów and Janów Podlaski to follow the example of Hanna Sztuka, inviting everyone willing to similar presentations of breeding stallions at their studs. And for Białka and Małopolska Hodowla Roślin, thank you for this year’s New Year’s Meeting.

This year, the appetite for Białka was extremely acute. The breeders wanted to present their young horses again to an audience wider than just judges and officials after a one-year break; and the audience was hungry for a direct view of Arabian youngsters. After all, on-line broadcasts are only a substitute for a real experience. Defrozen pandemic restrictions meant that it was finally possible to go to the enchanting Białka Stud to meet all those who come to the Junior Arabian Horse Spring Show every year. Marek Romański, acting President of Michałów Stud, told me that during this year’s Białka he was most pleased with the presence of the audience.

The regulars of Białka know why the Junior Spring Show is such a unique event in the Polish show calendar. Arabian enthusiasts come to Białka not only because the June event is the inauguration of the show season. They are present there not only because of the first verification of the breeding choices made that have been made. The unique value of the Białka event is expressed in the concept of genius loci, which makes Białka a unique, almost magical place. This genius loci, that is, the elusive spirit of the place that surrounds Białka, cannot be artificially created, as this spirit is created by many years of tradition. The lack of perception of such subtleties was probably the reason for the unfortunate proposition from before the pandemic to move the Junior Spring Show to near Cracow. Let’s hope that similar concepts are irretrievably gone. Białka is for the Junior Spring Show what Janów Podlaski is for the National Show. 2018 has clearly shown that debating tradition brings dire consequences. So let’s enjoy Białka in Białka.

Fans of Białka are an international group. The world-renowned and appreciated show judge Koenraad Detailleur counts himself among this group. As he stated in one of the interviews for Tutto Arabi, the Junior Spring Show in Białka is one of the shows that he most willingly judges. This year he joined the jury panel once again. Koenraad, who is also a famous breeder from Belgium, likes Białka because as a judge he can see and discover very promising young Arabian horses that he has never seen before. Some of the yearlings presented in Białka often later win prestigious international titles. So it is one of those few shows where nothing is known or decided in advance. It should be emphasized that Białka Stud and its crew are professionals. Therefore, it is not surprising that the organization of the event was flawless, the musical setting based on universal evergreens raised the mood, and the unpretentious atmosphere without the use of publicizing officials favored the focus on Arabian youngsters.

The colts class inaugurating the championship showed a very disturbing phenomenon, which is the lack of Polish stallions in both state and private breeding. In short, the Saklavi I male line completely dominated Arabian horse breeding in Poland. I asked a respected breeder, Wojciech Parczewski, why private breeders do not use Polish stallions, i.e. stallions from male lines indicated by the Polish breeding program. Wojciech Parczewski’s answer was simple. These stallions are unavailable, they are simply not there. Therefore, breeders use what they have, that is Saklavi I. This year many breeders presented their offspring by the stallions Ghaith Al Zobair, Wadee Al Shaqab and the Polish-bred Morion. There were also many other, highly exotic pedigrees, to quote only the following: Habibi B (Psyche Keret – 227 Hafiza B / Teyshir B). However, as it turned out, the use of Morion gave the best results. The winner of the yearling colts class, Michałów’s El Maestro (Morion – El Medonia / Shanghai E.A.) won the Yearling Colts Championship. Janów Podlaski did not manage to compete in this class (or in any other) with Michałów. The beautiful grey colt Agadez (Magic Magnifique – Adelita / Kahil Al Shaqab) was only 4th in the Yearling Colts Championship. Let’s hope that next time Adelita will be bred to a Polish stallion instead of another celebrity from the Saklavi I family. The use of the stallion Shiraz de Lafon in Janów’s breeding is astonishing, but the year-old Encarino (Shiraz de Lafon – Eneria / QR Marc) will probably encourage to stop further experiments involving the mating of Janów mares with various odd stallions. The Silver Medalist among the yearling colts was also Michałów’s Porto Rico (Złoty Medal – Parmania / Kahil Al Shaqab), the bronze medal went to the charming Glorius M (RFI Farid – Ginga / Galba), bred by Piotr Podgórny.

The two-year-old stallion class had a poor lineup, as did the three-year-old stallion class. The two-year-old highly decorated Ferrum (Morion – Ferrmaria / El Omari) did not have a worthy competitor in his class, winning the undisputed and unanimous title of Junior Champion Stallion for Michałów Stud. Marek Kondrasiuk’s two-year-old colt Chicago (Wortex Kalliste – Calatea / Ekstern) turned out to be the best of the private-bred junior stallions, winning the Bronze Medal of the Junior Stallion Championship. In the two-year-old class it is worth mentioning Janóws-‘s Czaro (Poganin – Cedora / Kahil Al Shaqab). Czaro is distinguished by his Polish pedigree on the father’s side. He fought bravely, achieving a score of 90.17 in his class and fifth place in the Junior Stallion Championship. It is a pity that among two-year-olds we have such a situation: there is Ferrum, and then nothing for a long, long time. Generally, it is a bad prognosis for breeding.

The three-year-old stallion class again showed the supremacy of Michałów horses in Białka. Pointer (Sahm El Arab – Palanga / Ekstern) won the class and the Junior Stallion Silver Medal. As you know, Pointer was placed on the Pride of Poland 2021 auction list. Janów’s Pinito (EKS Alihandro – Piniata / Eden C) competed with him in one class. In 2018 Pinito became a revelation among the colts born in Janów. Unfortunately, it quickly turned out that little Pinito was very sickly. It is a blessing that he has finally managed to regain full health. The second in class Pinito took only fourth place (Top Five title) in the junior stallions championship, just ahead of his stable mate Czaro. Unfortunately, this is where the “successes” of Janów Podlaski Stud in Białka end. Concluding the topic of three-year-olds, it is worth mentioning another pearl by a stallion from outside the Saklavi I family, i.e. the stallion Palert (Alert – Pericola / Kahil Al Shaqab) from Małopolska Hodowla Roślin Sp. z o.o.

In breeding, fillies are valued and arouse the greatest interest. There was a lot to choose from, as the yearling fillies class was very numerous. I waited with interest for the presentation of Janów’s yearling Basilea (Pogrom – Bambina / Kahil Al Shaqab), full sister of Brodnica, who was withdrawn from the championship. Basilea confirms that the Pogrom-Bambina mating is very fortunate. Unfortunately, Basilea, like other horses from Janów Podlaski, did not show any willingness to compete, making the impression of being tired. As a result, she did not go beyond second place in the class. The outstanding yearling Bogini Róż (Kahil Al Shaqab – Black Rose / Abyad AA), bred by Dąbrówka Stud, won first place in her class and the title of the Silver Medalist of the Yearling Fillies Championship, but nothing managed to break the supremacy of Michałów Stud. Morion’s daughter, El Mariella (Morion – El Marina / Ganges), took the first place in the class and the title of the Yearling Champion Mare. The remaining Top Five places of this championship also went to Michałów. The competition in the two-year-old mares and three-year-old mares class is reflected in the result of the junior mares championship. All the places were taken by mares from Michałów Stud, headed by the only mare in Białka arousing genuine admiration, that is El Medida (Morion – El Medara / Shanghai E.A.). El Medida deservedly and unanimously also won the title of Best in Show. Thus, Morion became the best sire of Białka 2021.

To sum up, during the last weekend we saw many good horses in Białka, but there were no fireworks. The use of the same, world-fashionable sires from the Saklavi I line in breeding gives a very even, but very similar, group of horses. As a result, the competition is not very exciting and sometimes even boring. The poor result of private breeding shows that a fashionable sire is not a simple guarantee of success. Long-term breeding thought is essential. For state Arabian horse breeding, the conclusions from the Białka event are devastating, and the fall of Janów Podlaski Stud from triumph in 2019 to a historic defeat in 2021 clearly shows the effects of manual control of state Arabian horse studs. The strength of Michałów Stud was the weakness of Janów Podlaski Stud. Personnel reshuffle is not a substitute for a strategy that you simply lack. The current owners of state horse breeding do not have any vision or plan for this area of state activity. Things go on with the force of inertia, on the basis of announcing successive illusory “successes”, subsequent auctions and shows, following the philosophy that it will be done somehow. In a word, we pretend everything is fine. In fact, state-owned Arabian horse breeding is on a precipice. There is no breeding program, because even professor Krystyna Chmiel is not able to break through to decision-makers with such a program. Instead of the Polish Breeding Program, we have lease of mares from the state studs for embryos and a complete lack of any well-thought-out breeding policy. Finally, the decision-makers must clearly define whether we want to bring state-owned horse studs to an entity whose goal is only self-financing, eliminating the mission and subordinating breeding only to the profit criterion. Or maybe, however, openly focus on the Polish Breeding Program and a mission, going programmatically towards breeding unique Pure Polish horses in the state studs? Krzysztof Poszepczyński announced the creation of a special award for the best Pure Polish horse among horses competing in the National Championships in Janów 2021. However, there are discrepancies in the community regarding the definition of what Pure Polish means, i.e. mainly how many Saklavi I can be in Pure Polish . The next PAHBA General Meeting is supposed to discuss this issue. We will see with what effect.

The facts are as follows. State horse studs must act as a gene bank by making breeding progress. To do so, they can no longer function as commercial companies. Arabian horse breeding is an area where breeding meets cultural heritage. Therefore, a mechanism should be created to finance state studs, partly from the funds of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and partly from the budget of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. These postulates are not new, but policymakers do not heed them. The National Arabian Horse Institute sounds proud, but in the end a new and specific formula for the financing and operation of Arabian horse studs must be created. Meanwhile, we are doomed to operate in the area of ill-considered, unspecified and incomprehensible propositions such as “the merging of studs”. It is also difficult to talk about collecting a gene bank, since it is not really known what breeding program is to be implemented. Following this path, we doomed ourselves to breeding regression and the sale of the best individuals for the financial result at the end of the year. All the way to zero.

There was also no planned program of permanent, year-round promotion of Arabian horses from state studs through a special team appointed for such promotion. The idea is as old as the hills. The Arabian horse is a commodity that requires advertising to convince buyers of the uniqueness of the product offered. Marek Grzybowski knows something about it, and he was a co-author of the successes of the auction in Janów. Instead of working to create a program of promotion of the Polish Arabian horse, the repeated pattern of spitting on state-owned Arabian horses in the global media is allowed in the period preceding the Pride of Poland auction. The last media campaign performed by the same people as always, was de facto spitting on Polish studs under the guise of fighting for Encarina. Instead of recreating a unique product, which is the Pure Polish horse, we have brought the Polish Arabian horse to be similar to all other Arabians in the world, available everywhere. No promotion, black PR and outrageously low reserve prices are a recipe for transforming the Pride of Poland auction from an elite event into a cheap horse market. Is that the point?

There are also some down-to-earth aspects without which there is no chance of success in state-owned horse breeding. It is about the planned training of staff for state studs, from grooms, farriers and presenters, through animal technicians, veterinarians, to stud management specialists. The scholarships announced by Ardanowski in 2019 for the best graduates of veterinary and animal husbandry who want to work at state studs turned out to be a hollow word. The facts are that the studs lack grooms and other personnel necessary for the daily care of horses. If there is no one to give water, feed, take out to the pasture, clean hooves, etc., etc., all plans will be to no avail. The problem in this area is really serious and needs to be tackled. Finally, it must be said that the policy of changing presidents as pawns on a chessboard, from one acting president to the second, according to the criterion of “divide and rule”, led to a deep crisis of Janów Podlaski Stud. Will we finally see a normal competition for the presidents of Michałów and Janów Podlaski?

A charming place such as Białka Stud deserves the best of everything. For a long time this stud played the role of Cinderella, standing in the shadow of the show giants, which until recently were Michałów Stud and Janów Podlaski Stud. There was no idea for Białka. However, it seems that such an idea already exists. The head of Białka Stud, Jarosław Skrzypek, revealed to me the basics of this idea. The stud in Białka will keep the show lines, but at the same time it intends to develop a sports line, mainly towards horse racing, but also endurance. Moreover, Białka Stud is planning to develop a horse riding school and horse recreation department. Thanks to this information, a breeze of optimism blew. However, it must be remembered that the implementation of these utterly sensible plans requires time and money. However, the great atmosphere in Białka and the beauty of the noble Polish-bred Arabian horses make us hope that not all is lost.