Not so long ago, just two weeks ago, two significant shows in the Middle East ended. The first show in the Global Champions Arabians Tour series (total prizes of EUR 4 million) and the Arabian Peninsula Horse Show (a show for Straight Egyptian horses) took place in Doha, the capital of Qatar. The festival lasted for 9 days, it was a really intense and exciting time, and in addition to two shows and auctions, we also participated in the Open Days of the Al Jassimya Farm and Al Shaqab Qatar Foundation stud farms.

The hosts once again demonstrated very high standards in organizing the event and the number of horses entered in the show. The bar has been set exceptionally high. A very large sandy ring was covered on three sides with a giant tent for the audience and VIP guests. Everything is built in a traditional Arabic style, imitating a Bedouin tent, with lots of accessories such as lamps, carpets, and decorations with leather accents. The fourth wall of the ring was the charming sea. The waters of the Persian Gulf transported the audience to a different reality. The food offered and the smell of Arabic coffee with cardamom took us to the Middle East in a more literal way of experiencing our surroundings. The interior of the tent was a combination of brown and beige colors, red accents in the form of fringes on the ceiling and flowers in the arena emphasized the desert atmosphere, and golden accessories, including ornamental lamps, gave chic and elegance. The intertwining of tradition and modernity sounded perfect here, and the hospitality of the local people was sincere.

During the day, the landscape and surroundings were quite phenomenal – turquoise water, white seaside sand and top-quality horses were undoubtedly a successful combination. And all the magic actually began under the cover of darkness. The image of a perfectly lit ring against the background of the sea with boats moored at the shore and horses running into the ring would enchant anyone. It looked sensual and took you to a world different from our European shows.

The festival began with the opening of the Global Champions Arabians Tour and the competition of yearling horses and two-year-old fillies. The most outstanding of the bunch was the gold medalist of yearlings, the grey D Nafayes (D Seraj – D Danat by SG Labib), beautifully feminine, endowed with wonderful type, who proved her quality at many shows. The silver was won by the beautiful, bay daughter of the stallion Dominic M and the mare Weaam Al Jassim by Emerald J, of Sultan Al Thamer. Teha Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab – Marbella PCF by Exxalt) defended her bronze medal.

In the yearling colts competition, the gold medalist and therefore the champion was the son of two World Championship gold medalists – Afreen Al Shaqab (D Mezyan – Siwar Al Shaqab by SMA Magic One), a complete and very future-proof horse. The silver was won by D Borkan, who is the son of the legendary stallion FA EL Rasheem and the mare D Ajayeb, who is undefeated on the world rings, by RFI Farid. Both stallions won in their sections in the yearling classes and received the same final points. The bronze medal went to Mushwash Al Shaqab (Haash OSB – Shaikha Al Shaqab by Kahil Al Shaqab).

In the very exciting junior mares category, the bay Shahalel Al Shaqab (Na-Mous Al Shahania – Siwar Al Shaqab by SMA Magic One), unrivaled and undefeated since the beginning of her career, turned out to be the best this time, winning the gold medal. She is the daughter of by far most valuable mare present in Al Shaqab – Siwar Al Shaqab (SMA Magic One – Abha Myra by Marwan Al Shaqab), twice a gold medalist in Menton and World Champion Mare in 2021. However, the well-known and richly titled Dubai-based D Najlah (D Seraj – Elle Flamenca by Ajman Moniscione), also a fantastic type, won the silver medal in this fierce competition, despite the highest score in all youth classes. The bronze went to the Brazilian, chestnut-colored horse, also well known from Europe, Shahbrys HVP (Royal Asad – Rebecca HVP by Magnum Chall HVP).

In the junior stallion category, Aljassimya Farm undoubtedly dominated. Bandar Aljassimya (Picasso Di Mar – Miznat Aljassimya by Monther Al Nasser) took part in the decoration ceremony with a gold medal and the title of champion. The 2022 Gold Medalist of the Yearling Stallions of the World Championships, Menton and Aachen, Baz Aljassimya (Exxalt – MD Mirka by AJ Thee Luca), finished the competition with a silver medal. The judges awarded D Shakhara (D Shakhat – D Shamkhan by FA El Rasheem) with the bronze.

The time has come for the most anticipated confrontations of the entire event, the clash of real show titans – the Senior Mare Championship and the Senior Stallion Championship. One by one, they ran into the ring, mostly grey, but also bay and chestnut, with titles on many continents, and each of them was probably offered millions of euros. And so, the phenomenal AJ Kayya (AJ Kafu – Aja Caprice by EKS Alihandro) won the gold medal by the majority of the judges’ votes. With age, she has dried beautifully, which incredibly highlights her femininity and delicacy. In the ring, she still has the killer charisma for which she is so well known. The silver medal was won by Dubai’s D Shihanah (FA El Rasheem – D Shahla by Marajj), who is one of the most successful show mares in the world. Her offspring are also starting to win medals in major shows. The bronze medal was a Polish accent. It was won by the grey Emarella (Sahm El Arab – Emandorella by Eden C), bred in Michałów and owned by the Qatari Aljassimya Farm, who is a granddaughter of the timeless Emandoria. I wonder if she will follow in her grandmother’s footsteps and one day reach for a gold medal at the World Championships.

It’s time for the older stallions, i.e. the gladiator clash in the arena. In one ring, at the same time, bursting with excitement and testosterone, full of masculinity and self-confidence, they delighted the gathered audience. The stands went crazy! It was not just a fight for medals, but mainly for honor, pride and prestige. Everyone assumed that after the phenomenal stallion was withdrawn from the finals, Alexxanderr, E.S. Harir and D Seraj would compete for gold! Ultimately, it was won by the dazzling, snow-white E.S. Harir (AJ Dinar – TF Magnums Magic by Magnum Psyche), who was chosen by 10 out of 11 judges present in the ring. It is worth mentioning here that the judges were randomly selected by computer, which was intended to maintain independence in the finals. The silver went to the fabulous D Seraj (FA El Rasheem – Ladi Veronika after Versace). The Gold Medalist of the World Yearling Stallion Championships in 2019, the male and mature Rhan Al Shahania (Marwan Al Shaqab – Jwaaher Al Shahania by FA El Rasheem), won the bronze medal after a 5-year break in shows.

In addition to the champion titles, there will be cash prizes worth a total of QR 16,080,000 (EUR 4,180,000). Prizes were awarded to places from 1 to 6 in classes and the Top 10 of each championship. The classification for the ranking has also begun, which includes 7 shows from the Global Champions Arabians Tour series (on the day of the final in Doha, the next city where the GCAT 2025 show will take place was announced – London). This year’s entire series will end with a show in Paris, during the World Championships (December 6-7-8, 2024), and the next stop on this exciting adventure is the show in Abu Dhabi, which is being held this days in UAE.

Currently, the first place in the GCAT main ranking is the mare AJ Kayya, the second place belongs to the yearling D Nafayes, and the third place goes to Shahalel Al Shaqab. Each of them scored 20 points. E.S. Harir is in first position in the main stallion ranking, next is Afreen Al Shaqab, and Bandar Aljassimya is third, just like in the classification mentioned above, each of them scored 20 points. The latest GCAT ranking is the best trainer, currently number 1 is Raphael Curti, who scored 55 points, followed by Giacomo Capacci also with a total of 55 points, and Paolo Capecci was third with 54 points in the ranking.

The GCAT closing ceremony blew everyone away. The sky lit up with millions of colors, the fireworks and drone show was truly unique. The Qataris are known for their drone shows being some of the most sophisticated and simply the best in the world. Bewilderment and delight. The quality of the horses was certainly satisfactory and we can safely consider this event a very successful one.

After the first of the series of GCAT shows and the auction that we described earlier on the website, there was a moment for a show called the Arabian Peninsula Horse Show – a competition of purely Egyptian horses. The audience was much smaller than during GCAT, and the quality of the horses, with a few exceptions, especially in the youth classes, left much to be desired.

The gold in the yearling fillies competition was won by the beautiful Brooq Al Shaqab (Shagran Al Nasser – Laian Al Shaqab by Al Adeed Al Shaqab), who received the highest score in all yearling fillies sections, as much as 92.21 points. The gold and the highest score in the yearling colts group was taken by AKM Lusail (Shaheen AA – Aisha by Kamal).

Among the junior mares, the gold was won by the amazing Leena Al Nasser (Naseem Al Rashediah – Nadrah Al Nasser by Shagran Al Nasser), with a phenomenal head and type, as evidenced by the “20s” for these features and the final score, which was as much as 92, 93 points. Photos of a grey mare with an extremely slim head and a beautiful expression were circulating on social media. This is Leena Al Nasser. Ora Nasamat (Naseem Al Rashediah – Bint Sadaf El Asil by Al Ayal AA), despite the highest score in the junior mares’ classes, took the silver medal, scored an extraordinary score of 93.21 points in her section and most of the 20s for type and great movement . The Dubai-bred D A’Beer (Safeer Al Wadi – D Afaf by Frasera Mashar) returned with a bronze medal. In the junior stallion competition, the one who stood out the most from the entire group was the gold medalist Nader Al Ghanayim, another very decent offspring of a stallion bred by a Bahrain stud – Naseem Al. Rashediah.

The senior mares’ championship finally produced some real bombs, it was nice to watch these classes. With a score above 93 points. the milky grey mares pleased everyone’s eyes. The gold was won by the extremely feminine, with a beautiful black eye, Menouah Al Rayyan (Fares Al Rayyan – Bint Mesoudah M HP by Ashhal Al Rayyan). The silver medal was won by D Afaf (Frasera Mashar – Esa Arieanna Express by RZA Orienteexpress), who won her class with a total score of 93.57 points. The last place on the podium was taken by the phenomenal Zawaher Fila (Murtajab Al Nakeeb – Zahrana by Aybac), who dazzled everyone with her phenomenal movement.

In the senior stallions competition, the gold was won by another descendant of the stallion Naseem Al Rashediah – GJ Faheem, the silver went to D Tarooq by Asfoor Al Waab, who outperformed GJ Faheem in the class, receiving as many as 93.36 points from the judges. Purely Egyptian horses have a significantly different exterior than the Arabians known to us from international show rings. First of all, they take a long time to mature, as the youth classes have shown, that sometimes they turn from ugly ducklings into shiny swans.

To sum up the entire festival in Qatar – it is a paradise for Arabian horse lovers. When assessing the horses that performed during the GCAT, it is safe to say that their quality increases every year. This is a good sign that Polish Arabians of high quality can also do well at such a powerful show. Doha had a very strong start and whetted the appetite for subsequent editions. Such events are a needed experience, we are looking forward to the European editions and we hope that the Arabians in Europe will equal the quality of horses from the Middle East. We will probably see many of the giants who now compete in the Persian Gulf on European rings, fighting for medals!

At exactly 3:15 p.m. local time, the KIAHF festival officially opened at the seaside show arena in the Persian Gulf. Just fifteen minutes later, the yearling fillies began competed in the finals. This category always arouses great emotions, because future world stars who are at the beginning of the show season will appear in the following months during the most important shows in Europe: Cannes, Aachen and Paris.

The gold medal went to the grey Dubai Stud-bred D Fayes (Seraj – D Danat by SG Labib), who obtained the highest score in the classes, so her position in the championship was no surprise to anyone. However, the judges were not always so consistent, often the fight for the gold medal went on until the end and individual votes were decisive.

The second highest score and a silver medal were obtained by the daughter ofDominic M and the mare Weaam Al Jassim, bred in Qatar – Sultana Al Thamer. Teha Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab – Marbella PCF by Exxalt), who was second in her class despite having the same points as the winner, defended herself in the championship and won the bronze medal.

In the yearling stallions final the champion was the grey son of two gold medalists of the World Championships – Afreen Al Shaqab (D Mezyan – Siwar Al Shaqab by SMA Magic One), and the silver medal was won by the phenomenal son of the legendary stallion FA El Rasheem and the unbeaten mare D Ajayeb (by RFI Farid) – D Borkan. Both stallions won their sections in the yearling class and achieved the same final result. The bronze medal went to the son of the stallion Haash OSB and the mare Shaikha Al Shaqab by Kahil Al Shaqab, the colt Mushwash Al Shaqab. It was already the third medal for the Al Shaqab stud in the finals that started that day.

Among the junior mares, the beautiful bay Shahalel Al Shaqab (Na-Mous Al Shahania – Siwar Al Shaqab), unbeaten since the beginning of her career, turned out to be the best this time. She is the daughter of by far the most valuable mare currently in Al Shaqab – Siwar Al Shaqab (SMA Magic One – Abha Myra), a two-time gold medalist in Menton (as a one-year-old and a three-year-old) and in Paris (at the age of three). However, the phenomenal, well-known and titled D Najlah (D Seraj – Elle Flamenca by Ajman Moniscione), despite the highest score in all junior classes, won “only” the silver medal in this fierce fight.

It is worth noting that the competition for medals at such a large and high-quality show as this one takes place among horses with titles awarded all over the world, and often, as was the case in this championship, the medalists competing for medals are the medalists of shows in Menton, Dubai, Aachen and Paris. They changed their age category, from yearling fillies to junior mares, so they can compete again in all the most important shows with a clean slate.

The Bronze Medal went to the chestnut Brazilian-born Shahbrys HVP (Royal Asad – Rebecca HVP by Magnum Chall HVP).

In the junior stallion competition, the championship was dominated by horses bred by Aljassimya Farm. Bandar Al Jassimiya (Picasso Di Mar – Miznat Aljassimya by Monther Al Nasser) walked away with the gold medal, and Baz Aljassimya (Exxalt – MD Mirka by Aj Thee Luca) with the silver. The bronze medal was awarded to D Shakhar (D Shakhat – D Shamkhah by FA El Rasheem).

Then came the most anticipated confrontations of the day, the clash of real show titans – the Senior Mare Championship and the Senior Stallion Championship. The phenomenal AJ Kayya (AJ Kafu – AJA Caprice by EKS Alihandro) won the gold medal by the majority of the judges’ votes. It must be admitted that with age she has dried out, her femininity and delicacy are beautifully visible, she exudes charisma in the ring, which she has never lacked. The Silver Medal was won by Dubai’s D Shihanah (FA El Rasheem x D Shahla by Marajj). It is worth following her show career on the ArabianEssence platform, she is certainly one of the most successful Arabian mares in the world. Her offspring are also already winning medals in the most important shows. As you can see from her example, breeding is surprising, but in many cases it is predictable. Once again, during this show, we describe a mare, the daughter of a champion, who gives birth to wonderful horses that win all over the world. High quality will always prevail.

The bronze medal was won by the grey, maturing Emarella (Sahm El Arab – Emandorella by Eden C), bred in Michałów and owned by the Qatari stud Aljassimya Farm. It is a very nice feeling when a Polish-bred mare wins a medal in the championships at such an important and extremely difficult show. Congratulations to the breeders!

The time has come for older stallions. This is where the fight takes place not only for medals, but mainly for prestige, pride and honor. Everyone assumed that after the stallion Alexxanderr was withdrawn from the championship, the stallions ES Harir and D Seraj would compete for the gold medal! Ultimately, it was won by the dazzling, snow-white ES Harir (AJ Dinar – TF Magnums Magic by Magnum Psyche). He was selected for the gold medal by 10 of the 11 judges present in the ring. It is worth mentioning that the judges for each championship were randomly selected by computer. This method was intended to maintain independence in the finals. The silver medal went to the truly fabulous stallion D Seraj (FA El Rasheem – Ladi Veronika by Versace). The gold medalist of the World Yearling Stallion Championships in 2019, the now mature Rhan Al Shahania (Marwan Al Shaqab – Jwaaher Al Shahania by FA El Rasheem), won the bronze medal after a 5-year break from the show rings.

In addition to the honorary champion titles, there were cash prizes worth a total of QR 16,080,000 (EUR 4,180,800). Prizes were awarded to places from 1st to 6th in classes and the Top 10 of each championship.

The classification for the ranking has also begun, which includes 7 shows from the Global Champions Arabians Tour series (on the day of the final in Doha, the next city where the GCAT series show will take place was announced – London). The series will end with a show in Paris, during the World Championships (December 6-7-8).

Yesterday’s third day of the GCAT as part of a large festival called “Katara International Arabian Horse Festival” was also the last day of competition for horses in their age classes.

We started Saturday with the senior mares, 7-10 years old. The A section was won with a bang by the outstanding daughter of FA El Rasheem and World Gold Champion D Shahla, the seven-year-old D Shihanah with a fantastic score of 93.21, including a full set of “20s” for head and neck. Second place in the class belonged to the chestnut AJ Barakah (AJ Marzan – Princess Of Justice by WH Justice), whose wonderful movement was appreciated by the judges, as she received 7 x 20 for this feature and placed with a final score of 92.86 points. In section B, the well-known Michałów-bred Wildon (Shanghai E.A. – Wilda by Gazal Al Shaqab) took the class by storm, receiving 6 x 20 for type and the same marks for movement, receiving a total excellent score of 93.14 points.

The class of the oldest mares, i.e. 11+, was taken over by the phenomenal, milky grey Basandrasettimocielo (Ajman Moniscione – MA Scarlet by Hadid), well known from international show arenas, who scored 93.36 points.

As Abdulla Kammosy from Saudi Arabia told the portal polskiearaby.com: “the originators of the GCAT are certainly trying to reverse the global trend of declining quantity and quality of Arabian horses and to oppose the difficulties of many breeders in selling their horses. Such an initiative has a positive impact on the development of our entire industry. I hope that thanks to the fact that this is a planned series of shows, we will be able to watch famous and titled horses that we have not seen in the ring for several years, and whose owners are now motivated to remind the world of their existence. I believe that the GCAT will also influence the level of focus among smaller and larger breeders around the world, people will be even more motivated to breed high-quality horses. I keep my fingers crossed and wish everyone great success.”

After the end of the female competition, it was time for the most anticipated battle, pure testosterone, i.e. the older stallions.
The 4-6 year old class was won by the son of the Egyptian stallion Shael Dream Desert – WI Kanz. The B section was won by the bay Rhan Al Shahania (Marwan Al Shaqab – Jwaaher Al Shahania by FA El Rasheem) with a score of 92.57.

The 7-10 year old stallions (section A) were won by the grey son of the RFI Farida – Amaar, a veteran of shows in the Middle East, who won in good style with a score of 93 points.

The most anticipated and exciting class was the B section for 7-10 year old stallions. It was here that the most popular stallions in the world competed – both of them looked as if they were carved in marble or bronze and it can be said without hesitation that they were close to the ideal of an Arabian horse. What I mean here is the stallion Alexxanderr (Excalibur E.A. – AR Most Irresistible by ML Mostly Padron) and D Seraj (FA El Rasheem – Ladi Veronika by Versace).

Both “guys” received a set of “20s” for type and head and neck. Alexxanderr moved in the ring much better than D Seraj and won the “class of death”, thus gaining the highest score of the entire show – 94.14 points. D Seraj was second in class and scored 93.36 points.

In the class of the oldest stallions, i.e. 11+, the fantastic E.S. Harir (AJ Dinar – TF Magnums Magic by Magnum Psyche) turned out to be unrivaled. Like his younger colleagues, he charmed the judges by winning the maximum number of points for type and head and neck, and topped the class with a final score of 94.07 points.

As Giampaolo Gubiotti from Italy, representing Capecci Arabian Training Center, told polskiearaby.com: “staying in Qatar at this time of year is something really special, the country and the atmosphere in Doha are really favorable. The location of the show is excellent, it is certainly one of the most suitable places in the world for the promotion of purebred Arabian horses. The event has been taking place for the third year, in an excellent setting thanks to the professionalism of the organizer. The team we represent; Dubai Stud and the Capecci Arabian Training Center, was very well received, and our horses are doing their best to qualify for the championships. You can see the great excitement of the audience, many great horses taking part in the show, but probably one of the horses that is talked about the most is our yearling colt D Borkan. I believe that the Global Champions Arabians Tour, apart from great emotions here and now, thanks to its rank and huge financial prizes, will also be a promotion of Arabian horses that will reach many corners of the world.”

It was incredibly loud and very exciting. We can already imagine the level of excitement during tomorrow’s finals! It will be a duel of titans, a fight for titles, and therefore for enormous prestige and large financial rewards.

The second day of the GCAT was opened by three-year-old fillies, the beautiful TM Bella (TM Itaipu – TM Fahdeelah by Shanghai E.A.) won the first section with a very nice score of 92.57 points, and the chestnut daughter of the stallion Kanz Albidayer, Mzoon Al Diriyah fought equally bravely, taking second place with a score of 92.14.

The B section for three-year-old fillies was equally exciting. The phenomenal and well-known from show rings in Europe, D Najlah (D Seraj – Elle Flamenca by Ajman Moniscione), delighted everyone with her excellent type, which was confirmed by a “20” and the final score of 93 points. AJ Lima (AJ Kafu – TH Lamanda) won second place, beating D Aqsam (Excalibur E.A. – D Anaheed), as both fillies received the same score – 92.21 points.

In the junior stallion classes, the greatest stir among the audience was caused by the three year old Bandar Aljassimya, son of the stallion Picasso Di Mar and the mare Miznat Aljassimya by Monther Al Nasser, who won the A section of 3-year-old stallions, although the most “20” for type, head and neck went to the two-year-old Kassar Raghdan (Aja Justafire x Demetria by Marajj) who, of course, won his section. The final, the junior stallion championship, promises to be really interesting.

The highest scoring and most awaited yesterday were the senior mares classes (4-6 years old). Unrivaled in her section was the milky AJ Kayyah, daughter of the stallion AJ Kafu, out of the mare AJA Caprice by EKS Alihandro, who won the class with a great score of 93.79 points and a full set of 20s for type and head and neck. Section B was won with a slightly worse final score, but Emandoria’s granddaughter Emarella (Sahm El Arab – Emandorella by Eden C) was equally phenomenal. This beautiful mare bred in Michałów scored 93.21 points.

As the well-known breeder and judge Christine Jamar from Belgium told the portal polskiearaby.com: “the organization of this year’s show is at the highest world level, the horses are decorated in a unique atmosphere, with the sound of the sea waves behind them, with a wonderful play of lights and music. The details have been worked out, and this is extremely important when organizing a show. Moreover, the horses are of really good quality and well prepared, which gives a very good start to the GCAT!”

This exciting event is hosted by the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival. The first of a series of seven shows planned this year takes place in the capital of Qatar – Doha. The location of the show ring and accompanying events remains the same as during previous editions of the KIAHF title show. The arena impresses with its size, and the preparation of the ring is very reminiscent of last year’s World Championships. In terms of organization, the hosts once again set the bar very high. This time, the main theme of the tent is the history and tradition of the Bedouins. The interior is a combination of coffee brown and beige, Middle Eastern accents can be seen everywhere, colorful decorative fringes, which are often used to decorate Arab costumes and horse breastplates, decorated the ceiling with golden ornaments. Lamps decorated with Arabic patterns give the tent an atmosphere typical of the local culture. The entire show ground is phenomenally lit, both during the day and after sunset, which looks phenomenal. The ring is located exactly on the shore of the beach and even in the public sectors you can feel the sea breeze, and the view of the city panorama combined with turquoise water and horses running onto the arena can make every fan of this wonderful breed fall in love.

Yesterday’s competition started with yearlings (fillies and colts) and two-year-old fillies, the field was quite even and numerous. The standout was the well-known, two-year-old Shahalel Al Shaqab (Na-Mous Al Shahania – Siwar Al Shaqab by SMA Magic One), who received the highest score on the first day of the show – 92.93 points. The B section was taken over by a chestnut-colored, unquestionably beautiful daughter of the stallion Royal Asad – Shahbrys HPV, out of the mare Rebecca HPV by Magnum Chall HVP, who scored 92.5 points.

In yearling colts in both sections, the class winners had the same points, 92.64 points each. Section A was won by the half-brother of the previously mentioned Shahalel Al Shaqab – Afreen Al Shaqab (D Mezyan – Siwar Al Shaqab by SMA Magic One), and in section B the winner was the one about whom the entire Arab world had been talking for several months, the bay D Borkan (FA El Rasheem – D Ajayeb after RFI Farid).

In the yearling fillies category, there were as many as three sections, and the highest score was obtained by the beautiful grey daughter of the stallion D Seraj – D Nafayes, from the mare D Danat by SG Labib.

In the VIP sector, of course, there was no shortage of loud and exciting cheering for their favorites, and the music during the horse presentation stimulated the audience even more and raised the endorphin level among all those present.

The second day of GCAT will be held today from 3 pm, Qatar time. We will be able to admire the junior and senior mares classes, which will also have a Polish accent, such as the Gold Medalist of the Qatar National Championships – Emarella (Sahm El Arab – Emandorella by Eden C), bred at Michałów Stud. Of course, the entire show is broadcast on the ArabianEssence platform.

https://www.arabianessence.tv/events/kiahf-2024-gcat-doha-edition/730/

Al Shaqab Stud, Al Wajba Stud, Al Jumail Stud, Al Nasser Stud, Al Khor Stud and Al Shahania Stud

In a few days, another year will begin, which means a new breeding and show season. Let us return for a moment to sunny Qatar, where we were invited not only to the World Championships, but also to the open days of Qatar stud farms.

The day after the show, i.e. December 10th, 2023, we started visiting the legendary Al Shaqab. This is a stud-brand that produced such stars as Gazal Al Shaqab, Marwan Al Shaqab, Wadee Al Shaqab, Kahil Al Shaqab, Hariry Al Shaqab. These stallions appear in many pedigrees and are a strong genetic pillar of world breeding.

The horse presentation started at 10:00. Already at the entrance, guests could admire the trophies and decorated Arabian saddles. A very modern, well-thought-out and refined place. 18 horses (16 mares and two stallions) were presented, first in hand, then loose. The most interesting were the bay son of the stallion Haash OSB – Mushwash Al Shaqab (won his class at the National Show in Qatar), then the grey filly Khood Al Shaqab (Jyar Meia Lua – White Silkk by Dakar El Jamaal), this year’s gold medalist of the yearling mares championship at the National Show in Qatar. The beautiful, eye-catching Al Wazna Al Shaqab (SMA Magic One – Bushrah Al Shaqab by Hariry Al Shaqab), a mare with a phenomenal type and a beautiful head with big eyes, known from such shows as Menton 2022 (second in her class and silver medal in the junior mares championship), KIAHF bronze medal and Qatar National Show silver medal. Another phenomenal mare was the flea-bitten Safiat Al Shaqab (Kahil Al Shaqab – Shalimar Prestige by Nablus), winner of many medals at title shows, including: this year’s silver medalist of the senior mares’ championship at the All Nations Cup in Aachen, gold medalist in the same category of the show in Menton 2022.

A beautiful place, horses in excellent condition and of very high quality. Al Shaqab is a legend that has been going on for many years and still in the making; a place on the map that every lover of pure-bred Arabian horses should visit at least once.

The next stud farm we visited was Al Wajba Stud. A blooming place, full of greenery and very atmospheric. An air-conditioned tent was prepared for the guests, from which they could admire the horses presented in hand. The first to be shown was the pure Egyptian filly Zaina Al Wajba (Egaab Al Ryaan – Zahra Al Rayyan by Hilal Al Nakeeb) – the gold medalist of the Peninsula Arabian Horse Show yearling mares championship. The guests’ attention was drawn by the brilliant milky Yamama Al Nasser (Nasser Al Rayyan – Jurie Al Rayyan by Ansata Sokar), who is the champion of many shows, including: Peninsula Arabian Horse Show 2022. The outstanding colt LR Anselmo (RFI Unique – LL Almudena by Bey Shahdow TGS), silver medalist of this year’s world championships and silver medalist of this year’s Prague Intercup and Menton shows. Also presented was TM Ipanema (TM Itaipu – TM Haidee by Al Hadiyah AA), a filly with a very interesting pedigree, silver medalist of the Brazilian National Show. The next star we could admire was the daughter of FA El Rasheem, the filly D Thariah, known from many international shows, also in Europe.

The last three horses were the most awaited, namely: Excalibur E.A. (Shanghai E.A. – Essence of Marwan E.A. by Marwan Al Shaqab) – who was ultimately not presented. His absence was compensated by two phenomenal mares owned by Al Wajba Stud, well known to everyone, Baviera HVP (Marwan Al Shaqab – HB Bessolea by Besson Carol) and Mozn Albidayer (SMA Magic One – Mattaharii by Magnum Chall HVP), beautiful, close to perfect, two world champions . A wonderful place with an incredible collection of horses that many breeders would like to have in their stable.

We ended the first, extremely intense day of presentations on farms at Al Jumail Stud. A wonderful stud farm with buildings in sandy colors – yellow and brown, surrounded by a surprising amount of greenery, in the middle of the desert. Even though it was night, it was as bright as day because the entire facility was perfectly lit.

Al Jumail presented 14 horses: Assayla Al Shaqab, D Shafah, Afrodite MJ, Reem Al Jumail, Shahad Aljumail, Najlaa Aljumail, Nouf Aljumail, Aysha EV, Zayed Aljumail, Azzam Aljumail, Lady Lolita SPO, TM Bella, Bint Hazy Al Khalediah, Nomaas Al Jumail. One of the most outstanding of the entire group was the bay mare D Shafah (FA El Rasheem – D Shroud by Royal Colors), which we could see at this year’s world championships and at many other international shows, a beautiful mare with killer movement. Afrodite MJ (D IBN Rasheem – Lei My Star by Al Ayal AA) and Reem Al Jumail (SA Faez Simbad – Assayla Al Shaqab by Falah Al Shaqab) also attracted the attention of the audience, although they were only seen at shows from the Middle East. The Brazilian champion, the bay filly Aysha EV (Jyvar Meia Lua – Pietrah EV by Nuzyr HCF), turned out to be very interesting. The biggest attraction of the evening, however, was the beautiful TM Bella (TM Itaipu – TM Fahdeelah by Shanghai E.A.), a beautiful, feminine, phenomenal mare, with a stunning head and movement, champion of many title shows and bronze medalist of this year’s World Championships (she won her class, scoring as many as 93.07 points). The absolute star and probably one of the most successful mares currently in Qatar is the recently purchased from Kuwait, the milky-white Bint Hazy Al Khalediah (El Palacio VO – Hazy Al Khalediah by F Shamaal). At Al Jumail Stud that evening we saw one, but good quality stallion, Nomaas Al Jumail (Na-Mous Al Shahania x Assunta GCA by SA Faez Simbad).

After the presentation, there was a gala dinner for the guests. A place like from a thousand and one nights, a moonlit sky, sand buildings and illuminated horses. You can’t describe it in words, you have to be there and feel this amazing atmosphere.

Another day and two stud farms to visit. On December 11th, we started with a visit to Al Nasser Stud. 25 horses were prepared for the presentation, including 11 pure Egyptians. Reema Al Nasser (Al Adeed Al Shaqab – Al Jazi Al Nasser by Ansata Selman) is a two-time silver medalist of the Peninsula Arabian Horse Show, Leena Al Nasser (Naseem Al Rashediah – Nadrah Al Nasser by Shagran Al Nasser) – bronze medalist of the Peninsula Arabian Horse Show. Maisa Al Nasser (Sinan Al Rayyan – Zenubia Al Nasser by Imperial Mahzeer) is a beautiful mare with numerous titles in her show career. The Egyptian collection was finished by two stallions – the bay Fouad Al Bawady (Madheen Al Nakeeb – Feryal Athbah by Ali Valentino) and the chestnut-colored, well-known from the European show rings from a few years ago, Shagran Al Nasser (Ansata Selman – Dana Al Nasser by Mujahid).

However, pure Egyptian horses are of a different type than those we see at most shows, although they also have their own charm. In the second part of the meeting, we could see 14 pure-bred Arabian horses, and the opening belonged to the grey daughter of WH Justice – Salsabil Al Nasser, who is the silver medalist of the Qatar National Show in 2021. Two mares grabbed the eye, a bay daughter of the gold medalist of the World Championships and Menton Anood Al Nasser and the stallion Fadi Al Shaqab, the filly Arwa Al Nasser and the beautiful Rayyanah Al Nasser (Marwan Al Shaqab – Remal Al Nasser by Ashhal Al Rayyan), who this year was third in her class at the World Championships. Al Nasser Stud also presented to the audience the delightful Loulou Al Nasser (RFI Farid – Rihab Al Nasser by Marwan Al Shaqab), well known from shows in Europe, with her daughter Taima Al Nasser by Excalibur E.A. However, of all the mares, the greatest impression was made by Loulou Al Nasser’s half-sister, the grey Bshaier Al Nasser (WH Justice – Rihab Al Nasser by Marwan Al Shaqab) – this year’s bronze medalist of the senior mares at the World Championships and the Nations Cup in Aachen, and the silver medalist at this year’s Menton.

Finally, we could see the stallions, Razeen Al Nasser (QR Marc – Remal Al Nasser by Ashhal Al Rayyan) and the leased from Brazil TM Itaipu (El Tino – Faizah Carol by Shael Dream Desert), the Brazilian champion, who has already proven that he is also a good sire, thanks to his daughter TM Bella, who went through title shows in Europe and in the Middle East like a storm, winning a medal in each of them.

Al Nasser Stud gave the opportunity to get to know and compare Egyptian horses with show Arabians, which was a very good experience, because it is not only the pedigree that separates them.

The next stud farm on our list was the phenomenal Al Khor Stud; flowers, gardens, greenery and a cozy stable, this is how you can describe this place in a few words. This time, over 15 horses were shown and there were Polish accents, two daughters of the Janów mare Pilar (Fawor – Pipi by Banat). Bred by Al Shaqab, the mare Methail Al Shaqab, by Marwan Al Shaqab and Janów-bred Pinta, by Ekstern. Both mares are in excellent condition despite their age and of the old Polish type that we like so much. Another Polish note was also the grey with beautiful eyes, Layali Al Anwaar, daughter of the Michałów-bred Eskarina and the stallion Borsalino K, the mare Wilma PCF (Royal Asad – Sophie ELS by PA Gazsi), who is the Junior Bronze Medalist of the World Cup in Las Vegas in 2022, was also very pleasant. Al Khor stud is the owner of the dam of the previously mentioned stallion TM Itaipu, the purchased recently from Brazil mare Faizah Carol (Shael Dream Desert – Fanny Carol by El Nabila B). A wonderful place worth visiting and which debunks the myths that aging horses live in poor conditions. Al Khor showed that even elderly horses have decent conditions and can look great.

The last day of the tour and the last stud farm was Al Shahania Stud – the icing on the cake. A fairy-tale place with numerous fountains, plants, breathtaking stables and horses that looked like works of art, the library and rooms with trophies and awards won over the years made a great impression.

Nine horses were presented – Rose Al Shahania, Yulib Al Shahania, Menwer Al Shahania, Lilac Al Shahania, Sab’ah Al Shahania, Sultanah Al Shahania, Hamza Al Shahania, Wadeeah Al Shahania and Hamamat Al Shahania. The yearlings are great, moving, with fantastic heads. The offspring of Rhan Al Shahania, the Gold Medalist of the Yearling Stallions at the World Championships in Paris in 2019, with Michael Byatt at his side, definitely stood out. The attention was drawn to the exceptionally charming colt Menwer Al Shahania (Rhan Al Shahania – Anwar Al Shahania by Kahil Al Shaqab), probably the most promising of the entire group. The presented horses included Sab’ah Al Shahania (Marwan Al Shaqab – Assilah Al Shahania by SMA Magic One) – gold medalist of yearling mares at the Qatar National Show, Sultanah Al Shahania (Sultan Al Zobara – Majolicaa by Besson Carol) – gold medalist of the Qatar National Show and sixth in class at this year’s World Championships. The last horse presented that day was a snow-white mare, with an incredibly well-groomed mane and tail, Hamamat Al Shahania (Kahil Al Shaqab – Majolicaa by Besson Carol), gold medalist of many shows in Qatar.

Al Shahania Stud is a magical, elegant place that takes you to another world. The smallest details were taken care of. The stables are clean, and all the horses stick to people and are extremely friendly. The racing stable is amazing, at the highest world level. Awards won around the world, in the show sector, but also in Arabian horse racing, are placed in special rooms and exhibition halls, thus telling the stories of this very unique place.

Open days are a moment for reflection and analysis in which direction we want to go as breeders, because each stud farm has its own unique style and breeding vision. Certainly, such experience is almost necessary for every breeder to broaden his horizons, understand breeding, gain experience, and at the same time confirm his breeding philosophy or modify his own choices. We had an exceptionally nice time, in great company, with the great hospitality of the hosts, in amazing places and with beautiful horses.

Gallery of all photos

Fariborz Vadipoor (Iran) – breeder, show organizer

• What do you think about the World Arabian Horse Championship in Qatar?

For sure it’s the most luxurious event of the industry. At the end of each year Thousands of horses, hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts including breeders, trainers, specialists in different aspects of this industry and also followers who follow the shows and progress of this magnificent breed all gather together in one unite event, in person or via livestrems, to celebrate being a part of this family.

This year organizing the event in Doha, where we all witnessed the royal quality of organization, became an unforgettable experience which I believe was time to happen for the industry. Unbelievable atmosphere of the show in Doha was the perfect farewell to 2023 show season and greetings to 2024 breeding and show season.
So I believe everybody are agree that in term of quality level of the organization it will well preserved for Doha in future so we can say “what happened in Doha remains in Doha”. Taking steps in the way of perfection I hope organizers consider additional space for VIP and Ordinary visitors. Also everybody wished to see more global champions in the show which can be happening considering the additional plans to welcome European or American Champions.

• What do you think about The Global Champions Arabians Tour?

For sure it’s a perfect decision for the industry and best motivation for breeders and show enthusiasts to follow their favourite business, but I hope managers of the industry consider the importance of paying more attention to sport competitions of Arabian horses as well. Allocating a prize money for sport Arabians such as for under saddle competitions is the complementary addition to the GCAT plan. This combination is the key to energize all different levels and corners of the system.

• Your feelings about the quality of horses in the WAHC?

For sure the quality could be more challenging if more European or American horses were competing. I hope organizers will solve this problem for next editions of the show.

• How do you see the future of an Arabian horses?

I believe we are entering a new era in Arabian horse breed history.
As the world is passing a very tough transient time the Arabian horse society is not except from its side effects. People are suffering in different countries wither from wars, illnesses, poverty and politicians. But as the history of Arabian horses has showed us we can trust the good will which remains in foreheads of horses.

Janice McCrea (USA) – breeder, International judge

• What do you think about the World Arabian Horse Championship in Qatar?

I think it is nice to rotate between Doha and Paris. It was also nice to have farms in the area to visit. Organizational committee did an outstanding job creating a gorgeous venue from the bottom up. There was not a corner of that place that was not decorated. It was truly an outstanding event to showcase the Arabian Horse in a first class way.

• What do you think about The Global Champions Arabians Tour?

The Global Champions Arabians Tour is a good idea. The details need to be worked out. I wish it was aimed a new show horses and breeders large and small. It could be just the old champions taking all the money that we have all seen.

• Your feelings about the quality of horses in the WAHC?

Some classes were a little disappointing, after the top two or three. I especially thought that of the yearling fillies and colts. The older fillies and mare were good.

• How do you see the future of an Arabian horses?

I think the future of the breed depends on all of us. We need new young people to get involved. Outreach programs are needed worldwide. True breeders are hard to find. The expense of keeping horses and showing is getting out of reach for most families in our country. I love this breed and I hope the numbers and passion returns to the glory days. My family has been involved seriously since 1960 and I have seen many trends and changes, not always for the better.

Abdulla Kammosy (Kingdom of Saudi Arabian) – breeder, agent. manager

• What do you think about the World Arabian Horse Championship in Qatar?

For sure it was amazing and a great experience. Organizer did an incredible work and we annoyed it that Paris is different for sure, but what they did in Qatar is fantastic, we can’t ask for more.

• What do you think about The Global Champions Arabians Tour?

It’s the future. It will change all in this business and will give more value.

• Your feelings about the quality of horses in the WAHC?

As all World Championships it’s only few good horses.

• How do you see the future of an Arabian horses?

The future will be as nobody can imagine.

Malika Al Shraim (Qatar) – Member – WAHC Hosting Committee & Director International Marketing

• What do you think about the World Arabian Horse Championship in Qatar?

It is indeed a very proud and exciting moment for our country. Arabian horse championships are prestigious events that showcase the beauty, athleticism and unique characteristics of Arabian horses. These competitions bring breeders, trainers, farms and enthusiasts together from around the world. Hosting the World Arabian Horse Championship 2023 in Qatar serves as a platform for promoting the breed, fostering international collaborations within the Arabian Horse community and celebrating the qualities of these magnificent horses. Also, such events provide the opportunity to showcase the country’s culture and hospitality on a global scale.

• What do you think about The Global Champions Arabians Tour?

The Global Champions Arabians Tour is a unique platform to create a new and exclusive Arabian Horse Championship taking place in state-of-the-art venues in iconic locations and offering the highest prize money in the sport. It will be a unique tour of Arabian Horses and will bring the sport of Arabian Horses to the next level. It will be connecting people and cultures through a common passion.

• Your feelings about the quality of horses in the WAHC?

The horses participating in the World Arabian Horse Championship 2023 – Qatar are of top quality from around the world in fact some of the world-famous Arabian horse are here. These horses are known for their distinctive appearance, endurance and versatility. Breeders and owners invest significant effort and resources to train horses that meet the breed standard and excel in various disciplines, including conformation competitions. So here, at World Arabian Horse Championship 2023 – Qatar, you will be witnessing the finest Arabian horses competing to be the World Champion.

• How do you see the future of an Arabian horses?

The future of Arabian horses is influenced by various factors, including trends in breeding practices, evolving equestrian sports and changes in the global horse industry. Some trends and considerations that may shape the trajectory of Arabian horses are: breed preservation and promotion, international collaborations, emerging technology and genetics, market dynamics, equestrian tourism and promotion, education and awareness about Arabian horses. The future of Arabian horses will likely involve a combination of tradition and innovation. A fusion of both the worlds to meet the needs of the equestrian world. Organizations, breeders, trainers and horse enthusiasts must unite to play a key role in the shaping up the future trajectory of Arabian horses. Now, The Global Champions Arabians Tour is the future of Arabian horses.

Kathleen Olsson (Sweden) – breeder, judge

• What do you think about the World Arabian Horse Championship in Qatar?

My thought is that it was a show worthy to call World Arabian Horse Show. The setup was extraordinary and the location where amazing. Of course, it was a bit different not go to Paris as usually but Doha did an amazing job to create that special feeling.

• What do you think about The Global Champions Arabians Tour?

I think that everything that can create more interest and hype around the Arabian Horse is worth try. This is something big and I hope it will be a success.

• Your feelings about the quality of horses in the WAHC?

Like in all shows, it was mixed quality. We saw some amazing ones, both new addition and old stars.

• How do you see the future of an Arabian horses?

I will always look at the bright side and with optimism. As a personal thought I hope that European breeders and show will have a rise and can start to bloom more again.
It is an amazing animal and in this time in the world we need to surround us with things that matters for us.

Azzam Alqassem (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) – handler, trainer, manager

• What do you think about the World Arabian Horse Championship in Qatar?

I think is a very good move, we have noticed a lot of participants and huge audience. I think it will improve the horse market.

• What do you think about The Global Champions Arabians Tour?

I think it’s a golden chance for breeders and owners, it will improve the horse market and will let old people to come back on the market.

• Your feelings about the quality of horses in the WAHC?

We have noticed new people who come and won some prizes. Good quality overall of horses.

• How do you see the future of an Arabian horses?

Improving and the market will grow.

For 42 years, the most important show of the season took place in Paris, the European capital fashion, chic and elegance. This year’s World Championships were significantly different from the previous ones, starting from the location and the prevailing climate. Old Doha Port is located centrally in the capital of Qatar, Doha and adjacent to most popular tourist attractions in the country, e.g. Souq Waqif (market), or Doha Corniche (coast with tourist, sport and museum attractions). The old port underwent reconstruction in the District Mina, and the district itself consists of 37 buildings that provide a variety of services and attractions for visitors (apartments, cafes, souvenir shops, local clothes, perfumes, jewelry, etc.) and has a cruise terminal. The old port of Doha, whose renovation cost two billion Qatari riyals (QR1 = PLN 1.09), is expected to become a permanent port for cruises and become a tourist attraction in the heart of the always hot capital of the richest country in the Persian Gulf. The unique architecture makes this place one of a kind; characteristic buildings in pastel colors, with original murals on the walls, take us to another world. Built from scratch just for this year’s World Championships, the huge arena looked different than what we usually saw in Paris: it was fresh, bright and, above all, you could feel that it was happening in the Middle East. A phenomenal show ring and VIP sector for breeders, guests and the media were literally astonishing. The harmonious turquoise-white decor with floral accents, harmonized perfectly with the showground where the sea merged with the city skyline and modern skyscrapers. During the day one could feel the freshness and lightness of this amazing place where you can fall in love at first sight. While at night the illuminated city reflected in the calm surface of the water, which added even more magic to it all. Harmony, wealth, splendor and many reasons to admire it all. This is a short way to describe the experiences associated with this place.

The atmosphere during the show was much livelier than on European arenas, the cheering for the horses was amazing, and you could feel excitement and emotions everywhere. The show started in the afternoon and ended late in the evening. Naturally There was a specific dress code for everyone (both locals and visitors). Sometimes looking at shows in Poland and Europe, maybe it would be worth introducing such one as well. Arabian horses are elegance, uniqueness, a kind of art. That’s why it’s worth adding a specific character to such events.

The show venue and the organization itself were at the highest, world-class level. However, nothing is perfect and this is where some criticism is due. One could definitely feel the departure from the traditional style of the Parisian shows, which have always been a certain determinant and status quo. It is true, however, that most interested people associate the World Championships only with Paris (the tradition, which has been going on for 42 years, has become firmly rooted) and it will always be a permanent reference for other events of this type.

The championship started on Thursday afternoon and, among other things, on that day another exciting event in the Longines series was announced, the “Global Champions Arabians Tour”, offering the highest prize money ever available in the world of show horses, amounting to as much as 17,000,000 EUR. The main goal of the event, which runs throughout 2024, is to create a new level of popularity and recognition of purebred Arabian show horses. The GCAT will consist of seven shows in which horses will earn points for the places won, and then the totals will be included in the final championship and the top ten of the season. Additionally, cash prizes are also provided for handlers during each event. The seven shows will take place at the following locations and dates:

• Doha – February
• Abu Dhabi – February
• Muscat – April
• Cannes – June
• Valkenswaard – July
• Rome – September
• Paris – December

Coming back to the World Championships: over 150 horses from 21 countries came to this important event. The only horse that came from Europe was the stallion WF Gawin (Magic Magnifique – WW Gawina by Emerald J), owned by Ainger Vilabrille Cimas (Spain), and you could count on the fingers of one hand the number of European-bred horses already in the colors of their new owners. The World Championships with practically no horses from Europe (the absence of Polish horses hurts the most) is a strange situation. The only direct Polish accent was the Janów-bred Pomian (Gazal Al Shaqab – Pilar by Fawor), who was in great shape, although the movement for which he was so well known was unfortunately not presented. The show was judged by as many as 15 judges and a system of deleting the scores (lowest and highest) was used, which is most often used in the case of a large number of judges in the ring.

Yearling fillies started the competition on Thursday. The first three places in the classes stood out significantly from the rest of the field, and the greatest admiration was given to the yearling Shahalel Al Shaqab, daughter of World Champion and Menton gold medalist from 2021, Siwar Al Shaqab and the stallion Na-Mous Al Shahania, who is a full brother of the stallion FA El Rasheem. Shahalel Al Shaqab was unrivaled, gaining as many as 93.36 points in the class and the majority of the votes in the final round. The silver medal of the Yearling Mare Championship was won by the daughter of Royal Asad and Rebecca HVP, the beautiful, chestnut Shahbrys HVP, floating above the ground, bred in Brazil and owned by Ajmal Stud. The bronze medal was awarded to the grey Amirah Alymeen (Sultan Alenaya – Semsem Al Enaya by Xtreme Dream).

In the junior classes, as in the yearling classes, the first three places were the most eye-catching. In many age classes, the first 2-3 places were of impressive quality, while the next positions could be described as horses “not quite Paris-worthy”. The highest score of the show – 93.86 points – and the gold medal for junior mares was awarded to the spectacular D Beisan (D Seraj – RAH Rosalia by Rahere), well known from the show rings in Europe and the Middle East, bred by Dubai Stud and owned by Al Shaqab, a filly with excellent type and a phenomenal head and neck. Nourah Al Khalediah (Hilal Al Khalediah – Ghazalat Al Khalediah by PA Gazsi), a filly with amazing type and movement, both in class and in the Championships, was just behind D Beisan and won the silver medal, also with the judges’ predictions for gold, so she was on D Beisan’s heels, and the podium was closed by the grey TM Bella (TM Itaipu – TM Fahdeelah by Shanghai EA) owned by Al Jumail Stud, a daughter of an interesting stallion bred in Brazil and currently leased by the Qatari Al Nasser Stud . This is definitely a stallion worth paying attention to and considering in breeding plans.

After the break, we could admire the older mares, most of whom aroused as much emotion as the older stallions – beautiful, well-deserved horses, fully developed and closest to the ideal. Unlike the youngsters, the classes here were already quite even, but the winners of both classes deserve to be remembered for their extraordinary beauty: D Shihanah (FA El Rasheem – D Shahla by Marajj), known as the winner of many title shows, and the mare Basmah Albidayer (Fadi Al Shaqab – Bidayer by Emigrant), which is a combination of modernity and old Polish lineage. Both mares received over 93.5 points. In the championship, the judges unanimously awarded the gold medal to D Shihanah, and Basmah Albidayer received the silver medal, while the bronze was won by the wonderful WH Justice daughter, whom we remember from Aachen this year – Bshaier Al Nasser (WH Justice – Rihab Al Nasser by Marwan Al Shaqab).

On Friday, testosterone entered the arena in its purest form; a real clash of titans and an evaluation of well-known sires and future stallions. The first section of the yearling class was won by the son of the stallion EKS Farajj, the grey Sari Ajmal, a very complete and pleasing colt, scoring 92.36 points. The bay LR Anselmo (RFI Unique – LL Almudena by Bey Shahdow TGS), who won the B section of yearling colts, was placed with a slightly lower score. There were no surprises in the Yearling Stallion Championships. The gold medal went to the top-ranked Sari Ajmal, the silver medal was awarded to LR Anselmo and the bronze to Sahm Sarm, who is also a son of EKS Farajj.

Afterwards came time for the younger stallions, here the splendor was occupied entirely by the winner of the second series, D Shahhar, son of this year’s two World Champions – D Shihanah and Excalibur E.A. A stallion with great movement, very typical, with a beautiful head. There were no surprises in this championship either and this year’s gold medalist was the previously mentioned outstanding D Shahhar. For the first time in the history of world championships, the gold medalists in the same year were: sire (Excalibur E.A.), dam (D Shihanah) and their son (D Shahhar). The silver medal in the junior stallion championship went to the phenomenally moving, bay Lehon (FA El Rasheem – Aragia Vanilla by Kahil Al Shaqab), while the bronze medal went to the son of D Seraj, the grey D Sharar (out of FT Shaella).

At the most awaited moment, the senior stallion classes arrive. Seething with testosterone, arousing waves of emotions and a huge stir among fans cheering for their team favorites. The VIP stands literally went crazy with emotion. The fight in the championship took place between two giants already known all over the world, each of them won their section with scores above 93 points. The phenomenal EKS Farajj and the stunning Excalibur E.A. Both stallions are masculine, muscular, with excellent Arabian type, beautiful heads and wonderful movement. Without a doubt, we can say that they are the quintessence of beauty. Excalibur E.A. (Shanghai E.A. – Essence of Marwan E.A. by Marwan Al Shaqab) won the gold medal by majority vote. The silver this time belonged to the younger EKS Farajj (IBN Farid – EKS Bint Helwah by Laheeb). Both stallions, apart from their excellent conformation, proved that they are great sires. As previously mentioned, their sons won gold medals in the category of yearling and junior stallions.

This year’s Platinum Champions were the mare Anood Al Nasser (Ashhal Al Rayyan – Aleysha Al Nasser by Gazal Al Shaqab) and the stallion EKS Alihandro (Marwan Al Shaqab – OFW Psylhouette by Padrons Psyche).

To sum up, the show was organized at the highest level with attention to every detail, a phenomenal atmosphere that is sometimes missing in Europe and, most importantly, outstanding pure-bred Arabian horses. Qatar is undoubtedly a unique place that each of us should visit, but is it suitable for the World Championships? We will try to answer these and other questions soon in the next publication. We also know that next year we will be able to encounter more native accents during the World Arabian Horse Championships 2024 in Paris, which we are looking forward to. The World Championships will return to the Persian Gulf in 2025.

The new location of the World Championships, which is the Old Doha Port in the capital of Qatar, takes us to the fairy tale of One Thousand and One Nights, it feels unique, tradition intertwined with modernity. After 42 years of running the show in Paris, the most important show of the season is moved for the first time to the Middle East. The show ring and VIP sector for breeders, exhibitors, guests and media – they simply blow your mind.

The organizers built a gigantic arena on the beach from scratch, and the stands for VIPs and the audience are bursting at the seams! The interior is turquoise and white, floral, with typical Arabic decorations. The showground is a combination of the seaside with a panorama of the city of Doha, which is very impressive both during the day and in the night.

The atmosphere is dynamic, friendly and very lively, with cheering for the horses adding even more flavor to it all.

Yesterday begun with the females competition, we could admire the world’s “top of the top” mares of all age categories. In short – their quality was breathtaking, some of them were close to ideal, which was also confirmed by the judges’ scores (the winner of each age section had over 93 points).

I guess one of the main fireworks of the day was the official announcement of an exciting event in the Longines series: “Global Champions Arabians Tour”, which will start in 2024 in the capital of Qatar – Doha and will be continued in other cities in Europe and the Middle East; Abu Dhabi (UAE), Muscat (Oman), Cannes (France), Valkenswaard (Netherlands), Rome and Paris. The organizers announced a prize pool of: 17,000,000 euros for the winners. Today we are all impatiently waiting for the stallions’ competition, so I encourage all Arabian horse lovers to follow the live show on the ArabianEssence platform.

Stay up to date:
https://www.arabianessence.tv/events/world-arabian-horse-championship-2023-doha/696/

On August 11-14th, 2023, one of the most awaited events for lovers of the most beautiful horses took place, i.e. the world-famous Pride of Poland Sale and the Polish National Arabian Horse Show. The stud farm in Janów Podlaski can be safely called the capital of pure Arabian horses in Poland. It is a historic place and close to the heart of every person who has anything to do with this wonderful breed of horses.

This year’s Janów was different than usual, there was no outdoor show or the green arena that most of us associate it with. The whole event was organized under a roof to probably prevent possible bad weather, for which the organizers were not prepared a year ago. The indoor riding arena in Janów has turned into an exclusive, very elegant and very modern place. The interior was on par with high-ranking foreign shows, and the navy blue arrangement with white tables looked chic and exquisite, the huge LED screens were phenomenal, and the entire arena was very well lit.

The space was excellently used, and the VIP sector around the ring turned out to be a good idea. Organizationally, everything was buttoned up, including the roof over the warm-up area, giving comfort to the horses and their presenters while waiting for entry. Despite the high temperatures, it was quite chilly in the arena itself. Bałałajka Restaurant was up to the standard of catering for such a large event, and the food was really tasty.

In the room on the ground floor, you could admire a beautiful collection of trophies won at national and international shows by horses from Janów Podlaski and Michałów, as well as photographic works by three artists: Karolina Misztal, Mariusz Wideryński and Sylwia Iłenda. Both the show catalog and the auction catalog were pleasing to the eye and quite transparent, although the auction catalog lacked information on the pedigrees of the stallions that the mares were bred to and their breeding history, i.e. what they had produced so far, apart from that it was only in the English version.

This year’s Arabian Days opened with the saddle classes, which began on Friday at 11:00. In total, 9 horses took part in three disciplines (Classic Pleasure, Hunter Pleasure, Historical Polish Costume). It’s always a nice touch to see what excellent mounts Arabians are. The competition in the 45th Polish National Arabian Horse Show began with the yearling colts. The winner of the first group was the bay Phenix Al Miro (D Zeidan x Psyche Lejla by Pogrom), bred and owned by Mirosław Rogowski, presented by Juri Samoilenko. The second group of yearlings was dominated by this year’s gold medalist Poker Face KL (RFI Unique x Plivia by Kahil Al Shaqab) presented by Glenn Schoukens, bred and owned by Klikowa Arabians. The colt in Janów looked very promising, presented a sensational type and thus won the highest score in the yearlings and junior stallions – 92.70 ex aequo with Michałów’s Złoty Medal (senior stallions).

In the two-year-old and three-year-old stallion classes, the winners were Morion’s sons – Michałów’s El Medar (Morion x El Medonia by Shanghai E.A.), who won silver, and the gold medalist among the junior stallions El Draco RA (Morion x El Medisa by Shanghai E.A.), bred and owned by Czesław Gołaszewski. The senior stallions were taken over by the milky grey Złoty Medal (QR Marc x Złota Orda by Pesal) with Artur Łojowski and, as his name obliges, he returned to Michałów with the gold medal of senior stallions and, as I mentioned earlier, the highest score.

Saturday belonged to female classes, in which the numbers were much larger than on Friday. Three classes of yearlings, two of which were won by private breeders. The first victory and the silver medal belonged again to the offspring of D Zeidan, won by the bay filly Cararra (D Zeidan x Calatina by Emerald J), bred by Marek Kondrasiuk, owned by Alicja Najmowicz, shown by Marek Demczuk. In class 1B the winner was Paweł Kozikowski’s pupil Katarina AO (Raoud Al Bidayer x Kadira of Sinus by Fadi Al Shaqab), bred and owned by Adam Ochmann. The last class of yearlings was dominated by representatives of state studs: the winner from Michałów – Livorna (AJ Azzam x Liguria by El Omari) and Janów’s Wencedora (Haash OSB x Wilga by Om El Bellissimo), which won this year’s yearling fillies gold.

It was Janów who definitely dominated the two-year-old class, thanks to the beautiful daughter of Magic Magnifique, Abellia out of Axara by Kahil Al Shaqab. She was unanimously hailed as the gold medalist of the junior mares, which she absolutely deserved. After the break, the categories of senior mares, often called “classes of death”, began. Among them, the highest rated horses during the entire show, excellent mares, mature, self-confident, full of everlasting charm and charisma, which are the quintessence of an Arabian horse. This year’s senior mare gold, the title of the best horse in the show and the award for the most beautiful head went to the privately bred Evett Magic (S.M.A Magic One x Evolett by Ajman Moniscione), bred by Zalia Arabians of Katarzyna Dolińska-Witkowska, owned by Tomasz Tarczyński, fantastically prepared and presented by Juri Samoilenko. Silver was also awarded to private breeders: Chrcynno-Palace Stud thanks to the wonderfully moving, grey Echo Anastazja (Psyche Keret x Echo Aurora by Eternity Ibn Navarrone-D), and the bronze went to Michałów’s Zigi Zana (QR Marc x Zagrobla by Monogramm), which delighted in Tarnów, winning there, apart from the Gold Medal of Senior Mares, a whole range of additional prizes, including the Prince Paweł Sanguszko Cup for the Highest Rated Horse in the Show.

Special prizes should also be mentioned in the case of the show in Janów. Here, the highest score of the show went to Michałów’s El Bellisima (Ascot DD x Ekliptyka by Ekstern), and the prize for the best movement to the Janów-bred Altamira (Ekstern x Altona by Eukaliptus), owned by Adam Ochmann. This year’s WAHO Trophy was awarded to the legendary stallion Pogrom (QR Marc x Pętla by Visbaden). The best presenter turned out to be the bravely fighting Artur Łojowski, and the best trainer was the reliable Mateusz Tokarski. His charge Patanga (Om El Bellissimo x Pepita by Ekstern) received the award for the best racing horse of the show. Michałów Stud won the prize for the best breeder.

As many as 117 horses were entered in this year’s National Show. Their quality was satisfactory. The classes of older horses are definitely better than those of yearling and younger horses. After Sunday’s championships, the most awaited event, the Pride of Poland auction, begun. This year, horses were sold for the amount of EUR 2,151,000 (46 horses on offer, 31 sold), of which two Michałów mares received the highest amounts: the beautiful El Esmera (Sahm El Arab x Esmeraldia by QR Marc) was sold to Al Zobair Stud (UAE) for 810,000 Euro, and Wildona (Shanghai E.A. x Wilda by Gazal Al Shaqab) went out in the world with a hammer price of 650 thousand Euro to Switzerland (Hanaya Stud). The auction was well prepared both for future buyers who came in person and those who submitted bids online (one mare was sold to Portugal thanks to the online system).

On Monday, a second auction was held under the name Summer Sale. The highest prices were obtained by two Ekstern daughters from Michałów: Apolonia out of Argolida by Grafik fetched 75,000 thousand Euro, and for Editoria, daughter of Editha by Eden C – 35 thousand Euro. To sum up, this year’s show and sales turned out very well, both in terms of organization, visuals and the final result of the auction. There were many spectators in the stands as well as in the VIP sector, and the whole event ran smoothly and without any weather surprises.

Vademecum of XLV Polish National Arabian Horse Show & Pride of Poland 2023

Results of the Championships:

Yearling Fillies:
Gold – Wencedora (Haash OSB x Wiga by Om El Bellissimo) bred & owned by Janów Podlaski Stud
Silver – Cararra (D Zeidan x Calatina by Emerald J) bred by Marek Kondrasiuk, owned by Alicja Najmowicz
Bronze – Eleganza (Haash OSB x Eduarda by Pogrom) bred & owned by Janów Podlaski Stud

Yearling Colts:
Gold – Poker Face KL (RFI Unique x Plivia by Kahil Al Shaqab) bred and owned by Klikowa Arabians
Silver – Gladius SA (Dominic M x Ginessa by Shanghai E.A.) bred and owned by Waldemar Bąk
Bronze – Phenix Al Miro (D Zeidan x Psyche Lejla by Pogrom) bred and owned by Mirosław Rogowski

Junior Mares:
Gold – Abellia (Magic Magnifique x Axara by Kahil Al Shaqab) bred and owned by Janów Podlaski Stud
Silver – Psyche Apsara (Ghaith Al Zobair x Psyche Victoria by Ekstern) bred and owned by Chrycynno-Pałac Stud
Bronze – Bellaria (Wortex Kalliste x Bokasa by Ekstern) bred and owned by Janów Podlaski Stud

Junior Colts:
Gold – El Draco RA (Morion x El Medisa by Shanghai E.A.) bred and owned by Czesław Gołaszewski
Silver – El Medar (Morion x El Medonia by Shanghai E.A.) bred and owned by Michałów Stud
Bronze – Al Narciso (Erantis x Amorena by Pogrom) bred and owned by Janów Podlaski

Senior Mares:
Gold – Evett Magic (S.M.A. Magic One x Evolett by Ajman Moniscione) bred by Katarzyna Dolińska-Witkowska, owned by Tomasz Tarczyński
Silver – Echo Anastazja (Psyche Keret x Echo Aurora by Eternity Ibn Navarrone-D) bred and owned by Chrycynno-Pałac Stud
Bronze – Zigi Zana (QR Marc x Zagrobla po Monogramm) bred and owned by Michałów Stud

Silver Stallions:
Gold – Złoty Medal (QR Marc x Złota Orda by Pesal) bred and owned by Michałów Stud
Silver – Wolare (RFI Farid x Wieża Marii by El Omari) bred by Wojciech Parczewski, owned by Sławomir Bubas
Bronze – Barok (Om El Bellissimo x Baida by Balon) bred and owned by Janów Podlaski Stud

Special awards:
Pure Polish Award of PAHBA – Echo Anastazja (Psyche Keret x Echo Aurora by Eternity Ibn Navarrone-D) bred and owned by Chrycynno-Pałac Stud
Highest Score Mare – El Bellisima (Ascot DD x Ekliptyka by Ekstern) bred and owned by Janów Podlaski Stud
Best Movement – Altamira (Ekstern x Altona by Eukaliptus) bred and owned by Janów Podlaski Stud
Best Head – Evett Magic (S.M.A. Magic One x Evolett by Ajman Moniscione) bred by Katarzyna Dolińska-Witkowska, owned by Tomasz Tarczyński
Best Breeder – Michałów Stud
WAHO Trophy – Pogrom (QR Marc x Pętla by Visbaden) bred and owned by Janów Podlaski
Best Handler – Artur Łojowski – Michałów Stud
Best Trainer – Mateusz Tokarski – Janów Podlaski Stud
Best Racehorse of the National Show – Patanga (Om El Bellissimo x Pepita by Ekstern) bred and owned by Janów Podlaski Stud
Izabela Pawelec-Zawadzka Trophy – El Draco RA (Morion x El Medisa by Shanghai E.A.) bred and owned by Czesław Gołaszewski

Pride of Poland results:

Lot 0 Wildona (Shanghai E.A. x Wilda by Gazal Al Shaqab) Michałów Stud – 650.000 euro – Switzerland
Lot 1 Celita (Lawrence Al Gazal x Cella by Ekstern) Białka Stud – unsold
Lot 2 Majama (Shanghai E.A. x Minerwina by Kahil Al Shaqab) bred and owned by Wojciech Parczewski – unsold
Lot 3 Babetta (Emerald J x Belinda by Kahil Al Shaqab) Janów Podlaski Stud – 112.000 Euro – Belgium
Lot 4 Elaksa (Shanghai E.A. x Elara by Gazal Al Shaqab) Michałów Stud – withdrawn
Lot 5 Pustynia Ognia (Empire x Pustynia Kahila by Kahil Al Shaqab) Michałów Stud – unsold
Lot 6 Basilea (Pogrom x Bambina by Kahil Al Shaqab) Janów Podlaski – unsold
Lot 7 Escotia (Ascot DD x Emancja by WH Justice) bred by Stanisław Sławiński, owned by Jarosław Naze & Anna Janas-Naze – unsold
Lot 8 Patria (Eden C x Palmeta by Ecaho)Janów Podlaski Stud – 62.000 Euro – Belgium
Lot 9 El Esmera (Sahm El Arab x Esmeraldia po QR Marc) Michałów Stud –
810.000 Euro – United Arab Emirates
Lot 10 Paris (Kahil Al Shaqab x Palmeta by Ecaho) Janów Podlaski – 40.000 Euro – Poland
Lot 11 Frestona (QR Marc x Frymuszka by Ekstern) bred by Jan Dobrzyński, owned by Paweł Dobrzyński – unsold
Lot 12 Pazienza (Wortex Kalliste x Pregola by Vitorio TO) Janów Podlaski – unsold
Lot 13 Palisandra (Kahil Al Shaqab x Pasjenza by Enzo) Michałów Stud – unsold
Lot 14 Alsandrina (Equator x Alhasa by Ganges) Janów Podlaski Stud – 20.000 Euro – USA
Lot 15 Pesalina (El Omari x Parmania by Kahil Al Shaqab) Michałów Stud – 25.000 Euro – Poland
Lot 16 Bogini Róż PA (Kahil Al Shaqab x Blackrose by Abyad AA) P.P.H. Parys Sp. z o. o. – 170.000 Euro – Belgium
Lot 17 Bella Mia (Morion x Beira by Pogrom) Janów Podlaski – 66.000 Euro – KSA
Lot 18 Pentoria (El Omari x Pentra po Poganin) bred by Michałów Stud, owned by Alicja Najmowicz – 29.000 Euro – Belgium
Lot 19 Wespera (Morion x Wogeza by Equator) Michałów Stud – 30.000 Euro – The Netherlands
Lot 20 Palemona (Polon x Prometida by Kahil Al Shaqab) Janów Podlaski Stud – 17.000 Euro – Turkey
Lot 21 Calatina (Emerald J x Calatea by Ekstern) bred & owned by Marek Kondrasiuk – unsold
Lot 22 Ferrum (Morion x Ferrmaria by El Omari) Michałów Stud – 81.000 Euro – Sweden
Lot 23 Pegala PS (Gazal Al Shaqab x Percepcja by Laheeb) bred by Przemysław Sawicki, owned by Klikowa Rzepka – 39.000 Euro – Belgium

Summer Sale:

Lot 1/s Editoria (Ekstern x Editha by Eden C) Michałów Stud – 35.000 Euro – Belgium
Lot 2/s Teodora (Pomian x Tartina by Perseusz) Janów Podlaski Stud – 20.000 Euro – UAE
Lot 3/s Forga (Morion x Forgissima by Vitorio TO) Michałów Stud – 31.500 Euro – Portugal
Lot 4/s Echo Bey Asila (Psytadel x Egzyna by Eldon) bred and owned by Janusz Ryżkowski – unsold
Lot 5/s Almawiwa (Abyad AA x Alara by Eden C) Janów Podlaski Stud – 9.000 Euro – Turkey
Lot 6/s Apolonia (Ekstern x Argolida by Grafik) Michałów Stud – 75.000 Euro – Belgium
Lot 7/s Aloja (Ascot DD x Aliara by Europejczyk) Janów Podlaski Stud – unsold
Lot 8/s Golstera (Empire x Goltra by Alert) Michałów Stud – 18.000 Euro – UAE
Lot 9/s Ametyda (Paris x Atanda by Eden C) Janów Podlaski – 6.000 Euro – Turkey
Lot 10/s Paera (Emerald J x Paeksa by Ekstern) bred by Lech Błaszczyk, owned by Piotr Pruszyński – withdrawn
Lot 11/s Endibia (Eternal x Ekliptyka by Ekstern) Michałów Stud – unsold
Lot 12/s Paliada (Ekstern x Pollina by Om El Bellissimo) Janów Podlaski Stud – 9.000 Euro – Turkey
Lot 13/s Esperana (Morion x Elerta by Alert) bred and owned by Jan Głowacki – 22.000 Euro – UAE
Lot 14/s Lambada (Emerald J x Lawinia by Ekstern) Michałów Stud – 5.000 Euro – Germany
Lot 15/s Eduela (Amanito x Eneria by QR Marc) Janów Podlaski Stud – 5.000 Euro – Poland
Lot 16/s Pustynia PS (Marwan Al Shaqab x Prokanitsa by Karnaval) bred by Przemysław Sawicki, owned by Klikowa Rzepka – 9.000 Euro – Germany
Lot 17/s Kopra (Equator x Kasjopej by Eldon) Michałów Stud – unsold
Lot 18/s Bella Bellisa (Erantis x Bellisa by Poganin) Janów Podlaski Stud – 8.000 Euro
Lot 19/s Emigrannta (E.S. Harir x Estopa by Emigrant) bred and owned by Paweł Dobrzyński – unsold
Lot 20/s Ekaja (Morion x Ellena by Ekstern) Michałów Stud – 12.000 Euro – Czech Republic
Lot 21/s Bella La Fuerte (Fuerte x Bogini Marajj by Marajj) bred and owned by Wojciech Parczewski – 34.000 Euro – Israel
Lot 22/s Forla (El Omari x Formia by Gazal Al Shaqab) hod. i wł. SK Michałów – 10.000 Euro – UAE
Lot 23/s Pia Mari (Pogrom x Pia by Ganges) Janów Podlaski Stud – 16.000 Euro – Poland