This year’s Polish Arabian Junior Spring Show (2nd-3rd of June) turned out to be unexpectedly lucky for the event host, the Białka Stud. The horse from Białka, a one-year-old bay stallion Parillus (Ascot DD – Parilla/Enzo) that entered the finals from the third place in his class, was chosen Best in Show! It was a real sensation. “Since his birth, Parillus has been holding promise for the future”, says Renata Kurzyńska, Białka’s chief specialist in horse breeding. “He was very delicate, petite, refined, as if sculpted. He was found very attractive during the spring inspection. We were watching him for several months, he developed extremely positively and we decided to prepare him for the championship. It was not a surprise for us that both our representatives, Parillus and the bronze medallist Belmari, made it big in their class or in the championship, but the title of Best in Show for Parillus astonished us. First of all, it is very hard for the yearlings to break through in competition with two- or three-year-old horses – after all, they are still foals. Second of all, high-class horses have been coming to Białka for many years now. Moreover, this is a show with a large number of contestants. So we did not even dream of such a result! This is the first title of Best in Show for Białka during this show, and a great joy for us.” The joy is even greater as this year marks the 90th anniversary of the “birth” of Białka – at least as an idea – because in 1928 the government of the Second Polish Republic decided to establish a Stallion Stud in this place.

Janów, that won five classes and three medals, also has reasons to feel satisfied. Two medals and one victory in the class went to Michałów, while private breeders boast five medals and four wins in the classes. A widely used stallion Ascot DD left a noticeable mark on Polish breeding. His son won the gold medal and Best in Show title, while his other descendants won three classes and two other medals.

109 horses were registered for the show and only four of them did not arrive. So we watched 105 young horses in the ring, that were assessed by a panel of judges composed of: Pilar Cavero Pino (Spain), Koenraad Detailleur (Belgium), Fausto Scanzi (Italy) and Basil Al Jaadan (Syria). The duties of the ringmaster were performed by Gerard Oben (Belgium). The latter evaluated Polish handlers very positively: “It is great to work in Poland, the handlers are disciplined, they listen to orders and do not cause problems. Therefore, coming here is a huge pleasure every time,” he told us.

The judges agreed that the level of the show turned out to be unexpectedly high. “I am very happy because I have seen many high-quality horses during these two days, and I follow Polish breeding very closely,” said Koenraad Detailleur after the show. Basil Al Jaadan added: “Polish breeding is an important element of world breeding. We all care that this breeding lasts and develops. I am uplifted by the quality of horses that performed here.”

The show was started by yearling colts, divided into two classes (6 and 8 participants). From this rate the highest grade was obtained by the chestnut Janów-bred Erantis (Ascot DD – Eugara/Om El Bellissimo), beautifully presenting his long neck – 92.83 points, including “20” for movement. The winner of the group A, the charming chestnut Białka-bred Belmari (El Omari – Bint Ermina/Kabsztad) won 92.17 points. In the competition of the yearlings, three horses from each class qualified to the finals, so in the championship we saw six yearling stallions – five from the state breeding and one from private breeding, namely a bay stallion Entourajj (Marajj – Entografia/Psytadel), bred/owned by Monika Luft – the colt that was the second best in his class (90.5 points). The situation on the podium, however, came as a surprise for everyone, as the gold medal was won by the aforementioned Parillus unanimously! Erantis and Belmari placed second and third, respectively. All of the finalists had a high score in the classes (minimum 90 points), and the judges awarded the colts with particularly high marks for their movement. As we can see, despite the prevailing heat – as this year in Białka we were dealing not only with high quality, but also with high temperatures – the yearlings proved that they have an impressive trot.

Two-year-old colts also appeared in two groups (6 and 7 rivals). In the first group, the victory belonged to a statue-like bay Lord Equador (Equator – Lady Aphrodite DD/Padrons Psyche), bred/owned by Małgorzata and Józef Pietrzak, that received 91.33 points, while in the second group another representative of private breeding turned out to be the best, namely Ames JR (Psytadel – Altara/Gazal Al Shaqab), bred/owned by Janusz Ryżkowski (91.83, including “20” for movement). There were only three three-year-old stallions in the ring – two of them were fosterlings from Falborek. And the winner was the grey Falborek-bred Empower (WH Justice – Ekstern/Ekstern), with a shapely head and with a score of 91.5 points (including “20” for movement). It was harder to get to the finals for the horses from the class of two- and three-year-olds than it was for the yearlings, because only the first two horses from each class qualified to the championship. In this case, only private-bred horses made it to the finals – the state breeding in the class of two-year-olds was represented by five horses, yet none of them qualified to the finals. The order on the podium was as follows: Empower with the gold medal, milky-white Gallius (Shanghai EA – Gallia/Galba), bred/owned by Stanisław Sławiński, with the silver medal (91.5 points in the class), and Lord Equador with the bronze medal.

After the colts, it was time for the fillies and for classes with bigger number of contestants. There were between 11 and 13 participants in each class, and the fight was fierce. As it had happened before, three yearlings (from each of the three classes), two two-year-olds (from two groups) and two three-year-olds qualified to the finals.

And there was a lot to admire. The leaders of each class already represent the European level, although for many of these fillies the performance in Białka was the first one in their life. Currently, at such shows as the one in Białka, there are no random horses anymore – private breeders are now more selective than they were just a few years ago when choosing horses for training. The classes were won by: grey – though still very dark – Chrcynno-bred Echo Asteria (Psyche Keret – Echo Aurora/Eternity Ibn Navarrone D), that apparently took after her sire when it comes to her fantastic movement, as the judges awarded her with two maximum notes for this particular feature (final note 92.67); chestnut Janów-bred Encarina (Ascot DD – Eneria/QR Marc), with an exceptionally long neck – 92.83, including “20” for head and neck; and her stable friend, perfectly moving bay Benona (Ascot DD – Bernadetta/Ganges) – 91.83, including “20” for movement.

Among the nine finalists (five private-bred and four state ones), Chrcynno-bred Echo Asteria performed best and won the gold medal. This success needs to be emphasised since the filly is a daughter of a stallion also bred by Chrcynno! Psyche Keret has already accomplished a lot for his home stud, and his Hungarian descendants will probably appear at shows as well, as he was leased to Hungary for some time recently. The silver medal went to Janów-bred Encarina, and the bronze medal was won by the charming grey Paprotnia (Elgast – Paeksa/Ekstern), bred/owned by Lech Błaszczyk, that reached the finals starting from the second place in the class (92.17, including “20” for head and neck). And this is yet another example (as far as private breeding is concerned) of the success of a daughter of a stallion from the same stud, because Elgast (WH Justice – Elfera/Psytadel) is a graduate of Lech Błaszczyk.

From time to time there happen to be some boisterous participants in Białka that “choose freedom” – but only for a short while. This year it was Frestona (QR Marc – Frymuszka/Ekstern), bred/owned by Jan Dobrzyński, a half-sister to the multi-champion Fuerte, that forced her way through the fence and frolicked on the loose for some time. Fortunately, she was quickly captured and completed the presentation, during which she “earned” as many as two “20s” (for type and head and neck, the final note – 90.83). But she finished the competition placing at the eighth position, what proves how high the level in this class was (yearling fillies C).

In the two-year-old fillies classes the best ones were: Janów-bred, bay Eduarda (Pogrom – Europia/Pesal) – 91.83, including “20” for movement, as well as (also bay) Michałów-bred, well-known for her pretty head and long neck, Emdrona (Medalion – Elgora/Poganin) – 92.83, including “20” for type and head and neck. The class of three-year-olds was won – with the highest score of the show, 93.5, including “20” for head and neck, and for movement – by a charismatic grey, Janów-bred Atakama (Empire – Atma/Ekstern). She was the one unanimously acclaimed the golden champion of junior mares. Only mares bred in the state studs qualified to the finals. The silver medal was awarded to Emdrona and the bronze one to Michałów-bred Emanolla (Vitorio TO – Emandoria/Gazal Al Shaqab), given 92.33 points in the class, including “20” for movement. Emanolla, as usual, showed off her swan neck and excellent body during the presentation.

The decorations at the end of the event, when the whole crews of state studs came out to be photographed, looked really nice. The ring got almost as crowded as during the Middle Eastern shows! And the horses will definitely become better and better. As summarised by the Syrian judge Basil Al Jaadan: “Asil horse lights a new candle every day.” This Arabic saying means that an Arabian horse grows more and more beautiful every day. Undoubtedly, we will hear again about many of the young horses that we saw in Białka.

Results

Photo gallery of the finalists, by Ewa Imielska-Hebda

PDF version of the article and photo gallery

Last week (May 21st-26th) in all three Polish State Studs – Janów Podlaski, Białka and Michałów – photo sessions for the catalogue of the August auction have been held. The author of the images, similarly to last year, is Glenn Jacobs, Belgian photographer based in Qatar. Jacobs, chosen Photographer of the Year 2016 in a contest organized by “Arabian Horse Times”, was satisfied with being invited to Poland once again. “As it’s the second time that I come here for the auction, I feel more comfortable about the whole situation”, he said. “I remember the last time I was here, we even had snow. Now it’s completely the opposite. There is nothing that I can complain about, maybe except about the mosquitos, but everything has been going very smooth”.

Indeed, very nice weather accompanied the photo sessions. „The weather, as long as it doesn’t rain, it is fine”, Glenn told us. “If it is overcast, it also creates a dramatic effect to the photos which I like. The light is very important, like now I feel it’s a bit bright during the day, full sunshine, but in the morning, in the evening, the conditions are perfect. Last evening we did the shoot and the light at sunset was spectacular, beautiful, red, yellow, very pretty. I’ve got it all got reflected on the photos”.

Glenn Jacobs was pleased with the cooperation with both people and horses. He particularly likes Polish Arabians. „It is because in Poland they have been breeding Arabians for so many years, I think it must have been the longest time in Europe. You can see it also in the quality of the horses, the way they move, their type. I think the Polish horse is different from any other Arabian horse nowadays”.

Jacobs is a photographer who works with great dedication and concentration. „When I take a photo, I position myself according to the light, to the sun, to the shade. The horse needs to look at his best. From some angles in combination with the light, it can be very different when I am even just a meter away. Within one meter the horse can look very different on the photograph, so I need to move around a bit and to get the right angle of the horse. I am looking a bit for everything. For the eyes, of course: we need a lot of expression; the nostrils need to be completely open. All that creates the best look of the horse. Some horses look good from the right side, some look good from the front, some from the other side, it all depends from horse to horse”. Those who witness Glenn at work, are usually impressed by his calmness. „I’ve been doing the photos for quite a few years, and as long as everything goes together in harmony, the light, the weather, the horses, the team to work with, there is nothing really to worry about”, he summed up.

“Wels – a small village in the foothills of the Alps, near Linz in Austria. During the third weekend of May this charming place transforms into an equine capital”, wrote in 2006 on polskiearaby.pl the late Izabella Pawelec-Zawadzka, Honorary President of PAHBS. “82 horses from 17 countries participated in the show, including a first time representation from Poland with 11 horses”. Since that time a lot of things have changed in Wels, mainly the organizer and ECAHO category: from A to B. Today the main organizer is Anne Heiloo, the president of the Austrian Arab Horse Society, (VVÖ), who has dealt with this task very well. In terms of organization the show was perfect. The date remained almost the same: the 16th-17th of May and Polish representatives showed up in respectable numbers.

However behind the scenes there was talk about this being “the final Wels”… Previously, when in 2011 Ferdinand Huemer resigned from his role as organizer, it really did seem as though that was the end of the Arabian event accompanying the Pferd Wels fair. But in 2013 the show returned. And today its future is once again uncertain! Let’s hope that this usually amicable for us show will not become a thing of the past. This year there was even a special award for the best horse from Poland, emphasizing the significant participation of Polish breeders.

A moderate turnout

90 horses were entered (together with the entries for the Austrian National Show), 65 actually arrived, including 18 from Poland. The absence of Reinhardt Sax’s (Germany) horses was evident, as he usually sent a strong representation from his stud. However this year after the tragic road accident that his horse trailer suffered upon returning from the Berlin event, this breeder did not show up in Austria.

Ten Polish horses found themselves in the finals – two from first place in their classes and eight from second spots. The Polish team returned home with six medals in the silver and bronze colors. But the greatest successes befell the contestants of Dubai Stud. Three horses with names beginning with “D”, present in Wels, placed high on the podium, taking advantage of the absence of their rivals from Al Shaqab, who in turn triumphed in

Berlin. What springs to mind is whether the trainers – or owners – arrange where each of them takes their horses to divide the medals between them… Of course such a situation is not probable, but that was the impression that some could have. And the title of Best in Show went to Ajman Stud.

The Austrian National Show was held simultaneously with the international one. The Austrian horses simply competed in classes together with the foreign ones, after which they qualified for one of two finals: the international or only the Austrian one. The championships were held separately. Thanks to that instead of drawing the event out to three days, all the classes (except two) were held on Saturday, while the finals took place on Sunday.

The classes consisted of 2 to 9 participants. The most horses were presented in the 3 year old fillies class (9), the least in the 11 year old and older mares, 4-6 year old stallions and 11 year old stallions (2 each). The show was judged by Gianmarco Aragno (Italy), Koenraad Detailleur (Belgium), Manfred Hain (Germany), Bruce McCrea (Saudi Arabia), Renata Schibler (Switzerland) and Marc Veray (France).

The youngsters move shyly indoors

The show began with the yearling fillies of series A (6 participants) on a loud note, because the first to enter the arena was the daughter of Emandoria, AJ Emana (by AJ Mardan) from Ajman Stud. Immediately the first “20” was awarded – for head and neck. However the petit, foaled late in the year (July) filly, with a score of 90 pts, placed third. We will definitely applaud her at other shows when she matures some more. And she is very promising! The second spot belonged to the Polish

Westura (Eden C – Wieżyca/Ekstern), bred and owned by Waldemar Bąk (91,13). The class was won by D Safana (Marajj  – FT Shaella/Shael Dream Desert) from Dubai Stud (91,16). Both of those fillies received 18,5 for movement from all the judges and this turned out to be a very good mark. Unfortunately in the rather small indoor arena at Wels the horses, especially the young ones, had difficulty in showing their movement. In that area the audience was definitely left wanting more. In the B series of the yearling fillies (7 participants)

victorious again was a representative of Dubai – D Heba (SG Labib – Hudha/Gazal Al Shaqab, 90,0) before the Polish Ginessa (Shanghai EA – Ginerva/Werbum), also bred and owned by Waldemar Bąk (89,5). So we had a sort of repeat from series A. The top five also consisted of the Polish Windorka (Shanghai EA – Wonder Girl/Etnodrons Psyche, 89,25), bred and owned by StanRed Arabians, who placed third.

Next to enter the arena were the yearling colts. Both series saw 3 contestants each. The A series was won in great style by the Ajman Stud representative AJ Azzam (AJ Mardan –Ysadora/Marean Al Shaqab), with an impressive result of 92,63, including three “20s” for type and two “20s” for head and neck. He also received extremely high marks for movement: four “19s”. The second series belonged to a colt from Dubai, D Karrar (Gazal Al Shaqab – D Noor/DA Valentino) – 91,63.

Seven 2 year old fillies entered the arena without lingering – it has to be said that we could not complain about the rhythm and pace of the show. This group had two clear favorites, known not only from last year’s shows but also this year’s April’s Tulip Cup. AJ Barari (Vervaldee – La Bella Versa FR/Versace), a champion from Holland, this time yielded to the Tulip Cup’s Reserve Champion, Sylvatica K.A. (QR Marc – Sharm DS/Royal Colours) from

Knocke Arabians. The judges evaluated the latter at 91,38 pts, whereas AJ Barari received 91,0. Placing at fourth spot was the Polish Brida of Shanghai (Shanghai EA – Bajaderka/Złocień), bred and owned by Monika Luft.

The 2 year old colts class had 5 contestants. Among them was the Polish Cetulion (Kahil Al Shaqab – Cetula/El Nabila B), bred and owned by Waldemar Bąk, for whom (and his handler,

Marek Demczuk) it was a very successful show – they had as many as three horses in the finals, including the afore mentioned Cetulion (second in class with 89,13). Among the awarded top five (in this case all the contestants) we had one more representative, Echo Achilles (Shanghai EA – Echo Afrodyta/Piaff) from Chrcynno, at third spot. The class was won by the Austrian Al Nadir (Ajman Moniscione – Al Dafina/Mahadin) with 90,5.

The most numerous class of the 3 year old fillies was won by a Polish participant. This feat was accomplished by Wersa (Ekstern – Wasa/WH Justice), bred and owned by Falborek Arabians, presented by Gerald Kurtz. With a score of 91 pts (including a very rare in Wels “20” for movement!) she bested the Austrian DA Jakarta (Lawrence El Gazal – DA Juss Diva/WH Justice, 90,88), bred and owned by Cornelia Kolnberger. Third (90,75), with two

“20s” for movement, was El-Schanel (Ekstern – Entorja/Gazal Al Shaqab), bred and owned by Wojciech Parczewski. Right after Poland greeted another class winner from our country. It was the 3 year old Fair (AB Jamil La Piana – Fila/Oset), bred by ZPH Parys and owned by Idris Hassan. In a group of 4 contestants with a score of 90,5 he bested Eternis (Bint Matis – Eksterna/Ekstern, 89,63), bred by Falborek Arabians and owned by Mohammed Rouimi.

Senior horses. The award for Best Horse from Poland goes to Chrcynno

We only saw three 4-6 year old mares on the arena in Wels, but the winner, the Austrian Wadad Zamani (Laheeb – Zena Al Buraq/Al Manar), collected as many as 92 pts. Second came Espina (Ekstern – Estrala/Werbum), bred by Kurozwęki Stud (J.M. Popiel) and owned by Idris Hassan (90,5). But the 7-10 year old class consisted of as many as 8 mares

and clearly standing out among them was Chaos Persefona (Poganin – Ceres/Ganges) from Chrcynno, later awarded as the Best Horse from Poland thanks to the highest score among our representatives: 91,75. Yet in class she had to yield to Bint Tahanie (Suhal Al Nasser – Tahanie/Ibn Morafic, 91,88). Out of the two 11 year old and older mares the better (90,75) proved to be NA Liliara (Nagadir – Lilia/Narav Ibn Aswan).

Competing in the 4-6 year old stallions class were the Belgian Espressivo (QR Marc – Emocja/Monogramm) with the Polish Echo Mars (Ajman Moniscione – Echo Kirke/Ecaho) from Chrcynno. Victorious was the first one with a score of 91,75. A Chrcynno graduate took second place also in the next class of 7-10 year old stallions (4 participants). Echo Adonis (Al

Maraam – Echo Kallisto/Pamir), as that’s who were talking about, received 90,5 pts, while his rival Marjan Albidayer (Marajj – Pustynna Droga/Laheeb) gained 91,25. And so in both of these classes foreign horses out of Polish dams bested their cousins registered in the PASB. The last class of 11 year old stallions was won by the Austrian Al Espri (Mahadin – Al Aliha/DWD Tabasco), who needed just 88,5 to accomplish this feat.

La Movida Open House more splendid with each time

Saturday evening was spent by most of the show’s participants and guests at Ferdinand Huemer’s La Movida Arabians. Ever since the stud’s owner stopped organizing the Wels show, he was able to focus more on his own presentation. Today it is a broadcasted online event, enjoying great popularity, during which the guests witness the results of the breeder’s work and passion. Ferdinand Huemer admitted that his breeding program wouldn’t exist without three people: Lenita Perroy from Brazil, Sigi Siller from Om El Arab (California) and Michael Byatt (Texas). The majority of horses from Huemer’s stud carry within them the bloodlines of horses born at these gifted breeders’ barns. The show began with the greatest and most anticipated star – ZT Marwteyn (Marwan Al Shaqab – ZT Ludjteyna/Ludun El

Jamaal), a sire owned by Michael Byatt, bred in Argentina by the late Zichy Tissen. The stallion entered the arena accompanied by the music of Metallica and made quite an impression, presenting a fiery temperament and handsome head on a beautiful neck. The host also left something special for the end of the presentation. He showed the 30 year old son of El Shaklan, CH El Brillo, whom he owes many breeding successes. The public also appreciated the mares, among them the grey, fantastically moving Rihanna El Hadiyah (Al Hadiyah AA – Reza El Bri/El Brillo) and the black Dominga El Justice (WH Justice – Pandora/El Jamaal/Ali Jamaal).

The Austrian Nationals. Hanaya Arabians takes (almost) all

The Sunday finals, as we mentioned, had an international and local version. The Austrian Nationals were dominated by the horses from the collection of Nayla Hayek of Hanaya Arabians. It has to be said that thanks to the purchases of the owner, associated with such brands as Swatch and Longines, the quality of the Austrian finals visibly increased. The Junior Champion Mare title went to Hanaya Farfoura (Kenz Albaydaa – Bint Fariha Magidaa/Thee Desperado), before her stablemate Hanaya Jaseebah by the same sire, but out of Imhajaa/Immel. The bronze was awarded to the 3 year old DA Jakarta, also recognized with awards for best movement and best Austrian-bred mare. She claimed this title thanks to the highest total score.

Another graduate of Nayla Hayek, the colt Hanaya Labid (Laheeb Al Nasser – ZT Assfasikha/Assad) received the junior silver medal. He was bested by Al Nadir, honored also with the award for best Austrian-bred stallion. The third on the podium was Scahrteyn Ara (ZT Marwteyn – AV Scahrlett/Om El Bahreyn), who evidently continues the tradition of naming horses in a manner that is impossible to pronounce and remember. In the senior mare category all the winners came from Hanaya Stud, the Israeli and American bred: Wadad Zamani (also the best Egyptian horse of the show), before Bint Tahanie and Alia Lahab RSA (Al Lahab – Alia Valentino/Thee Desperado). The Senior Champion Stallion was awarded to Marjan Albidayer before Al Hambra’s Royal (WH Justice – Al Dafina/Mahadin) and Al Espri.

Poland on the podium, though with no gold

For the supporters from Poland the most important were of course the results from the international finals. We were hoping for medals, though the gold seemed out of reach. This was later confirmed to be true. Polish horses claimed two silvers – for Wersa and Fair, and four bronzes – for Westura, Eternis, Chaos Persefona and Echo Mars. Additionally El-Schanel was awarded for best movement.

There was an interesting situation in the yearling fillies championship. Of the four that qualified for the finals two belonged to Dubai Stud and two to Waldemar Bąk. Therefore the Polish breeder already had at least one medal in his pocket. In the end two of Dubai’s representatives stood on the podium – D Safana and D Heba, with Westura taking the bronze. Among the yearling colts AJ Azzam was unconditionally the best, chosen later as Best in Show. The silver went to D Karrar from Dubai, the bronze to the Belgian (Dion Arabians)

Iconycc-D (Ajman Moniscione – Khabala/Nagadir). Honored as Junior Champion Mare was, as expected, Sylvatika K.A. (also the winner of Most Classic Head Mare). But a really pleasant surprise was delivered by Wersa, who bested the favorite AJ Barari! In the junior stallions category two medals went to Poland due to Fair and Eternis. The gold was taken by Al Nadir. Among the senior mares, behind the Hanaya Stud mares – Wadad Zamani and Bint Tahani, placed Chaos Persefona with a bronze medal. Her stablemate Echo Mars

repeated this success in the senior stallions category, yielding to Espressivo (gold) and Marjan Albidayer (silver).

Polish horses, which first gathered in quite large numbers in Berlin and later in Wels, will soon disperse all across Europe to fight for subsequent trophies. “The event in Wels is definitely the most significant show in this part of Europe, beginning the season of European shows of the highest rank”, wrote Izabella Pawelec-Zawadzka 9 years ago. Let’s hope that we can repeat those words again next year.

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The new show, affiliated by ECAHO as C-ranked, took place last weekend (Friday-Saturday, 22nd-23rd of August) in Nowe Wrońska near Płońsk. Organized in grand style, the Al Khalediah European Arabian Horse Festival was the first truly international show in our country for years, as it saw not only horses of foreign owners which are stabled in Polish training stables, but also horses that travelled more than a thousand kilometers specifically to participate in this event. The Festival also included an A stakes race on Sunday for 4 year olds and above (24th of August) at the Warsaw Służewiec track for the Al Khalediah Poland Cup trophy.

The spirit of the late Director Jaworowski watches over the championships

The show was organized by Polska AKF, a branch of the Saudi Arabian Al Khalediah Stud, which in turn organizes the huge international horse festival near Riyadh – PSAIAHF. The Saudi Arabian owner has no reason to be embarrassed about its younger Polish brother. There were plenty of equine participants (106 entries, 95 present, including almost twenty from abroad), the weather was perfect (with no downpours to cause changes in the program) and plenty of spectators, which had only good things to say about the friendly atmosphere of the show.

Comfortable pathways allowing for the mingling of both exhibitors and the public, a vast VIP tent, elegantly equipped with soft chairs for comfortable viewing pleasure, a good selection of music with a theme composed especially for this event by the young Polish musician Artur Telakowiec, impressive LED boards around the arena with the logos of class’ sponsors and media patrons. Those were the amenities for the people. For the horses were spacious stalls in tent stables of world class quality. The show ran smoothly, without delays and long breaks – the r

ingmaster’s assistant, Mateusz Jaworski, put in a lot of effort to have the judges’ cards quickly delivered to the show office and Wiesław Pawłowski, responsible for the checking and publishing of the results, immediately entered them into the computer. After each class the guests received printed results. The show was led by Monika Luft and Artur Orzech. The team of “Świat Koni”, which provided the online broadcast, must also be praised for a job well done.

The show was accompanied by rather huge emotions, mainly due to the valuable prizes funded by the organizer. In the end four Mercedes Benz cars (two A-class and two CLA-class) all headed for Michałów. The stud under the management of Director Jerzy Białobok gave no chance to other contestants, though we saw true stars on the arena, which could’ve easily been an adornment of every A-ranked show – including the World Junior Reserve Champion from 2006, Panarea by Palawan and this year’s winners from Chantilly – Mounira J and Gallardo J. But Michałów brought its best group of horses to the show premises, directly from Janów Podlaski, together with the reigning National Champions. This representation proved unbeatable. Perhaps

the late Director Jaworowski himself watched over the championships from above, as he was born here 90 years ago (1924), in an estate that included the land owned today by Polska AKF. This fact was noted by Mr. Hubert Kulesza, the festival’s host, in his welcome speech. Today the result of the championships is a confirmation of Director Jaworowski’s breeding decisions: all four champions descend from dams by Ekstern – the pride of Director Jerzy Białobok, a son of Monogramm, leased by none other than Director Jaworowski himself.

The yearling fillies: the Polish “Kahils” versus the rest of the world

The yearling fillies were divided into two series, A and B. The first of them (9 participants) was won by the future Junior Bronze Champion AJ Sayeda (Vervaldee – Sweet Caroline LL/Legacy of Fame), bred and owned by Ajman Stud. The contestant arrived from Germany together with other charges of trainer Frank Spoenle. And it was her who received the first “20” of the show – for movement. Second placed the afore mentioned Mounira J (Emerald J – Magnificent Lady J/Extreme), the future silver champion, owned by Al Muawd Stud (Saudi Arabia)

and bred by Mrs. Christine Jamar (Belgium). The filly came to Nowe Wrońska together with other charges of Jadem Arabians. The third spot belonged to another Ajman filly – AJ Barari (Vervaldee – La Bella Versace FR/Versace). The first two spots in each class were awarded with Swiss watches, the third with a fountain pen set and the last two with special edition fountain pens. The B series (11 participants) was won by Michałów’s Pustynia Kahila (Kahil Al Shaqab – Pustynna Malwa/Ekstern), the Bronze Champion from Janów and as it soon turned out – the Gold Champion from Nowe Wrońska. The filly received top marks for type from all the judges and one “20” for

movement, which translated to a final score of 94 points. It must be noted that the judges (Christina Wale from Sweden, Titti Gagliani from Italy, Claudia Darius from Germany and Scott Benjamin from Canada) – despite a high quality of the entered horses – did not give away the top marks loosely. Behind Pustynia Kahila placed another Michałów daughter of Kahil Al Shaqab, Parmania (out of Parmana by Al Maraam) and third came yet another Polish Kahil, this time from Janów – Prometida (out of Panonia/Eukaliptus), the Silver Champion from Białka.

In the two year old fillies (8 participants) class it were Janów’s representatives of the Scherife damline that had the last laugh – Anawera (Piaff – Altamira/Ekstern) and Atanda (Eden C – Atma/Ekstern), between which placed the Wojciech Parczewski owned Angelina (Elmaran – Antalia Bay DD/El Amin). The filly from Best Arabians was the first Polish private bred representative that managed to qualify for the finals. In the three year old fillies class (12 rivals) the private breeders from Poland had less luck or their charges did not appeal to the judges so much. The first place belonged to Inspired Najla (Ajman Moniscione – Natalia/Narym) from Ajman Stud, the second to Mississipi J (QR Marc – Magnificent Lady J/Extreme) of Jadem Arabians and the third to Janów’s Ekstern daughter El Fada (out of El Fatha/Entyk). The winner of this class snatched a top mark for type, whereas the second place holder two “20s” for head and neck.

Morion bewitches the judges

After a lunch break came time for the junior stallions. Out of the 13 yearlings one had magic powers and dazzled both judges and spectators alike – Michałów’s Morion (Kahil Al Shaqab – Mesalina/Ekstern), who ended the competition with two “20s” for type and another for head and neck. A high total score of 93,83 translated the next day to a gold medal and keys to a Mercedes Benz. The champion from Białka and Janów, similarly to his senior stablemate Equator, is currently having his five minutes of fame. We will definitely be following his performances abroad. Today he

has no worthy rival in Poland. Second placed the future silver medalist (and one of two Polish private bred representatives on the podium), Lord El Shawan (FA El Shawan – Lady Serenada/Ekstern), bred and owned by Małgorzata and Józef Pietrzak, for whom it is the second silver medal this season (after the Buksza show). Third came the son of the reigning Polish National Champion Pepita (by Ekstern) and Kahil Al Shaqab – Janów’s Pitawal.

The class of two year old colts saw fewer contestants – there were just 6 of them in class. The best turned out to be the champion from Białka and Buksza – Eurogrant OZ (Ajman Moniscione – Ekspiacja/Emigrant), of Israeli breeding (Ofer Meiri & Yitzhak Dror), owned by the foreign duo together with Białka Stud. Next came Psyche Ull (Forteynas Magic – Psyche Victoria/Ekstern) from Chrcynno-Palace Stud, another private bred horse qualified for the finals and Agordat (Echo Ofira – Altara/Gazal Al Shaqab), bred and owned by Janusz Ryżkowski.

But the least number of entries was seen in the three year old colts class – just four participants, so all of them received ribbons. The winner was Białka’s Cefir (Eryks – Celina/Metropolis NA), a silver medalist from Buksza, behind him Gajman PS (Ajman Moniscione – Gracja Bis/Monogramm), bred by Przemysław Sawicki and owned by Al Safinat Stud – the later Junior Bronze Champion, who added this medal to the bronze one from Buksza – and Gotico (WH Justice – Ginga/Galba), bred and owned by Piotr Podgórny from M Arabians, Poland.

On Friday – just before the evening festivities which belonged to the “banqueteers” and the Żuki music group – we managed to watch the 4-6 year old mares class (8 contestants). And once again we witnessed the supremacy of Michałów. The class was won by Zigi Zana (QR Marc – Zagrobla/Monogramm), with a “20” for type and two “20s” for movement (final score: 93,17), in front of Emandilla (Om El Shahmaan – Espadrilla/Monogramm). Third came Echo Aurora (Eternity Ibn Navarrone-D – Echo Afrodyta/Piaff) from Chrcynno-Palace, whose charm was appreciated by the judges with a “20” for type and two “20s” for movement (92,5). In the finals Zigi Zana took the podium beside her Michałów stablemates, awarded with a bronze medal.

The mares move like hell!

Saturday welcomed both contestants and guests with an autumn chill, but without rain, which unfortunately did not omit the participants of the Sunday stake race (also a part of the Festival program). The spectators prepared themselves to watch the 7 years old and above mares class (divided into two series) and the senior stallions classes. The senior mares’ class had the most absences – 2 mares were withdrawn from the A series, 3 from the B series and as a result both had just 5 participants each. But what participants they were! The A series saw international

multi-champions from Chrcynno-Palace – Chaos Persefona (Poganin – Ceres/Ganges) and Psyche Victoria (Ekstern – Pallas Atena/Ecaho), as well as Michałów’s show star Wilda (Gazal Al Shaqab – Wilga/Ekstern); the B series boasted the afore mentioned World Junior Reserve Champion Panarea by Palawan (WH Justice – Palawan/Padrons Ghibli) bred in Italy by Michele Boscarino and owned by Ajman Stud and two Monogramm daughters, the classic Michałów broodmares: the 19 year old Palmira (out of Palestra/Penitent) and the 20 year old Georgia (out of

Gizela/Palas), crowned a week earlier as Polish National Senior Reserve Champion Mare. Wilda took the judges by storm, earning three “20s” for type, two “20s” for head and neck and three “20s” for movement. Her final score of 94,33 was the show’s second point result. The charges of Chrcynno-Palace placed second and third and their marks for movement (19,5-20-20 and 19,5-20-19,5) reflected the well-known fact that Arabians from Chrcynno can move like no other.

The show’s highest score, as it soon turned out, belonged to Georgia. Three “20s” for type and three “20s” for movement plus high marks for other traits (including a “19” for body and topline) gave her a result of 94,5! Palmira (94,17, including two “20s” for type, one “20” for head and neck and three “20s” for movement) came second. Panarea by Palawan placed third, but if the award was given for best head she would’ve been the winner, because all three judges recognized her with “20s” for this trait. She received two other “20s” for type (and a final score of 93,67). Without all doubt the senior mares classes were very spectacular and every show organizer would’ve been proud to have such beauties on his arena.

Impressive senior stallions

But the stallions also gave impressive performances. Among the 4-6 year olds (7 contestants) the highest marks went to Michałów’s Equator (QR Marc – Ekliptyka/Ekstern), the freshly crowned Polish National Senior Stallion: three “20s” for type, one “20” for head and neck and three “20s” for movement (93,67). Right behind him placed the German arrival (Gestüt Osterhof) Juwel OS (WH Justice – Swana/Kubinec) and third – the private bred (Jan Głowacki) Polish Eternal (FS Bengali – Ewitacja/Ganges). The 7 years old stallions and above (also 7 participants) gave first place to Michałów’s son of Kwestura/Monogramm, Kabsztad (by Poganin) –

a “20” for type and three “20s” for movement – second to Janów’s Palatino (Pesal – Palmeta/Ecaho) and third – to the Belgian Hypnotic Ibn Eternity-D (Eternity Ibn Navarrone-D – WH Marissa Rose/Magnum Psyche), bred by Dion Arabians and owned by Detrimmo NV. The latter, performing with the number 100, gained a “20” for type, as well as head and neck, but slightly lower marks for body and topline prevented him for qualifying for the finals. In the end the medals went to Michałów (gold for Equator, bronze for Kabsztad) and Osterhof (silver for Juwel OS).

And so seven medals made their way to Michałów (plus the Best in Show award for Morion, who outdid senior, more experienced horses – Wilda and Equator), three went abroad and two stayed with the Polish private breeders (the Junior Bronze Champion Stallion Gajman OS is registered as Polish-owned).

The day’s final accent was a concert of the Moderato Warka Town Orchestra, consisting of several dozen musicians, conducted by Artur Gębski. And so came to end the first European show under

the banner of Al Khalediah. We can only hope that the owner decides to continue this concept, because such an international event, organized in such grand style in terms of horse quality has not yet been seen in Poland. And the entire festival closed off with the Sunday stake race over a distance of 1600 m with a purse of 52,500 PLN. After a thrilling finish down the last stretch the race was won by Aziz (Nougatin – Aaran by Borysław), bred and owned by Zbigniew Górski, trained by Małgorzata Łojek with jockey Martin Srnec in the irons.

Results: http://akeahf.com/results
Video: http://www.swiatkoni.pl/videos/list.html

Photo gallery by Ewa Imielska-Hebda

During this year’s European Championships the announcer bored everyone to death by repeating that Verona is a beautiful city – perhaps to console those that sat at the exhibition grounds, home of Fieracavali, and for whom the beauty of the city was available only in theory. Either way, those that left the event in joyful moods were those whose horses suited the tastes of the judges.

The yearling fillies raise blood pressure

Two groups of yearling fillies at once raised everyone’s blood pressure and allowed to select the favorites of the debutantes’ finals. The A series saw the first top mark – it was received for head and neck by the winner of this class, Ajmaniah OS (Ajman Moniscione – AB Nastrapsy/Psytadel). She bested Michałów’s Piacolla (Enzo – Polonica/Ekstern) by half a point (454). Also Kalahari (Ajman Moniscione – Kashira/Magnum Psyche), owned by PPH Parys, confirmed her showy charisma (446) and qualified for the finals (just like in Aachen, where the top three finalists from each class qualified for the championships). Victorious in the B series was the Austrian M.M. Esplendida (RFI Farid – M.M. Eluise/WH Justice) from the stud of Mario Matt, who with a score of 457,5 bested two graduates of Scuderia Le Groane: SG Wendetta (Psyrasic – SG Wnusia/SDP Taylor) and SG Wisar (Ajman Moniscione – Wiolett/Pasch Vacan). Both are representatives of an Italian subline established by the Michałów-bred Wernera, dam of the stallion Wares (by Piruet). Their success showed that breeders from the Apennine Peninsula, where plenty of events are held, where the European Championships take place every two years and Menton is

just a stone’s throw away, stand a chance at competing with the best of them.

The winner of the yearling fillies’ championship was Ajmaniah OS before Esplendida and Piacolla. The Top Five was closed off by Kalahari and SG Wendetta. It must be mentioned that all the medalists are the descendants of Padrons Psyche (bearing a closer or further relation), whereas the gold medalist is strongly linebred to him.

The Polish Larando fares not bad among the yearling colts

The competition of the yearling colts, which also took place in two series, began with the victory of Maestro Des Alpes (455,5), son of Marwan Al Shaqab and the French mare Maya Des Alpes (by Simeon Sadik). Giacomo Capacci, who regularly shows horses from Al Shaqab, looked with the robust bay like the Qatar’s most famous stud came to Verona, but they have no such “small events” as the All Nations Cup and the European Championships in their calendar. All their energy and manpower will be thrust onto Paris, with a foreseeable result. Maestro Des Alpes beat Galahad Juliver and Libano MPE, both already the property of Middle Eastern owners. The first is a son of WH Justice and the mare Baswani, channeling Ferdinand Huemer’s signature mixes (a domination of El Shaklan and Ali Jamaal blood). The second is a half-brother of the pretty Turchiya MPE, who has long ago changed her home address from Italy to Brazil.

Victorious in the second group was Feuer Jade (Ajman Moniscione – Neva Bint Volga/Pamour) from a small stud run by the family of Ivan Vieider before Larando (QR Marc – Laranda/Ekstern) from Michałów. Third came in Equiborn K.A., who also has half of a Michałów pedigree (QR Marc – Espadrilla/Monogramm), one of four foals of the 2012 crop born as a result of leasing his dam to Knocke Arabians.

The best in the yearling stallions’ finals was none other than Maestro Des Alpes, the silver medal went to Feuer Jade, whereas the bronze to Galahad Juliver.

Perfinka: the greatest success in her stud’s history

The first “20s” began flying for good not until the class of two year old fillies. This was especially important for us, since it was then (in the first series) that Białka’s Perfinka (Esparto – Perfirka/Gazal Al Shaqab) made her appearance. The mare is currently leased by Al Muawd Stud. She won her class with a huge advantage, receiving a “20” for type and two more for movement (466,5). Behind her placed Talilah Al Raix (Volkov Al Raix – Harmattan Thalya/WH Justice) and Magenta K.A. (QR Marc – Migracja/Gazal Al Shaqab). In the parallel class with a score of 458,5 won the mare MZ-Djlshada (QR Marc – MZ-Djamira/Shaklan Ibn Bengali) before ASH Mariella (Monther Al Nasser – Alishya/Psytadel) and Enezja (Marajj – Espinezja/Psytadel) from Falborek Arabians (454).

The outcome of the junior mare championships was to be determined in the 3 year old competition. Nastya OS, a half-sister to Ajmaniah OS (by Marajj), dominated this class, receiving three “20s” for type and head and neck (465,5). Trailing behind her were the Belgian Orfa D’Arab K.A. (QR Marc

– OSO Axotica/Monogramm) and Chrcynno Stud’s Echo Aurora (Eternity Ibn Navarrone-D – Echo Afrodyta/Piaff), who acquired 457,5 points.

Victorious in the medal showdown was the mare owned by Ajman Stud and therefore Perfinka had to settle for “only” a silver medal – still it is the greatest success for Białka at a title show in the stud’s more than 30 year history!

Italian junior stallions seize their chance

The lack of some players, but also the strength of their breeding, allowed Italian horses to score great successes both in the classes, as well as in the finals.

Dali (Lazaal – Elektra/Hadidi) won the two year old colts’ class (454) and later reached for the gold medal. Whereas Jamaal di Mar (Marajj – Calyenna El Jamaal/Ali Jamaal) routed the remaining three year olds (455,5) and claimed the silver. The bronze went to the 3 year old Al Marid (Al Milan – Bafra B/El Nabila B), with a score of 454. The Top Five was completed with the Spanish-bred Sultan Al Shaqab by Amir Al Shaqab and the Italian JM Aramis by Stival. Interestingly two of them come from damlines that have been lost in our breeding due to our rocky history. Jamaal Di Mar comes from the line of Caramba (Gumniska), while Sultan al Shaqab from the line of Zoe (Sachny).

Polish senior mares rule decisively

We can risk saying that the organizers of the European Championships would probably not notice the lack of Polish junior horses. But should our seniors not arrive in Verona, then that would be sheer tragedy – some classes would have to be joined, others would probably not be held at all. This is a huge chance for the promotion of equines bearing the brand “made in Poland”, which luckily was taken advantage of to the furthest extent.

Both series of the 4-6 year old mares classes were won by Polish Arabians. First Janów’s Primera (Eden C – Preria/Ararat) shone brightly, receiving a 3×20 for type, 3×20 for head and neck and one more for movement (465). Thanks to this she bested Al Princess Aliha (WH Justice – Al Aliha/DWD Tabasco) and Michałów’s Waranga (QR Marc – Wilga/Ekstern). In the second round it

was Psyche Kreuza (Ekstern – Pallas Atena/Ecaho) from Chrcynno-Palace, who bested Pilarosa (Al Adeed Al Shaqab – Pilar/Fawor) in type, with both mares having the same total score (465,5), claiming a “20” for head and neck and a full set of top marks for movement (the only such high evaluation for this trait during the entire event!). They were joined by the Italian Naisma (Ajman Moniscione – Elvissa/Pamir), a daughter of a Janów Podlaski pupil.

In the 8-9 year old mares class the Polish domination was total – not only in terms of quantity but also in quality. In front of a full house (there were more spectators than seats) six out of eight contestants came from Poland. The class top five appeared as though it was happening at the

Polish Nationals: Emandoria (470,5, including 9×20), Pistoria (467,5), Altamira (466), Cenoza (466) and Biruta (460,5). Nine „20s” for Emandoria (Gazal Al Shaqab – Emanda/Ecaho) are a huge joy for her lessor, but the Janów Sale purchase Biruta (Ekstern – Bajada/Pamir), now of Halsdon Arabians, also did well as an ambassador for Polish breeding.

It was similar among the 10 year old and above mares. All three mares from Poland qualified for the finals: Emira (470 pts., including 6×20), Palmeta (467,5, including 5×20) and Etnologia (466,5, including 7×20). The leased by Ajman Stud daughter of Laheeb and Embra was beyond reach, whereas the victory of Palmeta (Ecaho – Pilica/Fawor) over Etnologia (Gazal Al Shaqab – Etalanta/Europejczyk) from Halsdon Arabians was rather unexpected. The judges gave both mares

two “20s” for type and one “20” for head and neck, as well as 2×20 for movement (Palmeta) and 4×20 for movement (Etnologia).

There were no surprises in the finals. Victorious, as expected, was Emandoria, whose road to the Triple Crown in the senior category has significantly shortened. The silver went to Primera and the bronze to Emira. Chrcynno-Palace was honored with the title of Top Five for Psyche Kreuza, just like Janów for Pilarosa.

Shanghai E.A.: 20 across the board for type

As always, many thrills were delivered by the 4-6 year old stallions class, changing into a showdown between a Saudi leaseholder with a Kuwaiti one. Al Nayfat Stud dreamed about a medal for the French-bred stallion Mascot Des Alpes (Marwan Al Shaqab – EAMT Marihuana/BJ Thee Mustafa). In the hands of the Italian presenter (Giacomo Capacci) he did more than well: two “20s” for type, one for head and neck and three for movement. His score (466,5) even made Paolo Capecci a bit nervous, who entered the arena later with the favorite – Shanghai E.A. (WH Justice – Salymah/Khidar). Al Asayel Stud had one goal – the title. After announcing the first results all those concerned breathed a sigh of relief. 5×20 for type (the only horse awarded with as many top marks for type in the entire show) and 3×20 for head and neck gave Shanghai a victory in class

(467,5). Joining the top two was Belgian Espressivo (QR Marc – Emocja/Monogramm).

The class of 7-9 year old stallion lacked such electricity. The winner was the favorite, Im Bayard Cathare (Padrons Immage – Shamilah Bagheera/Nadir I) with a score of 468, second was Janów’s Palatino (Pesal – Palmeta/Ecaho, 465,5) and third Austrian Al Fakhir (Mahadin – Al Estrella/Essteem, 462). It was similar in the final class of the 10 year old and above stallions. The four competitors again appeared to be participating in the Polish Nationals… Here Michałów had to yield before the supremacy of Janów Podlaski. The son of Laheeb and Pohulanka by Pepton, Poganin (467,5, including 2×20 for movement) found more fondness in the eyes of the judges than

the produce of Ekstern and Ekspozycja by Eukaliptus, Esparto (457,5), yet both stallions qualified for the finals.

In the final face-off Shanghai E.A. won unanimously and provided the first gold medal of a Title Show for Kuwait in the history of Arabian horse shows. The Cavalry of Oman were happy for the silver for Im Bayard Cathare and the team from Janów took pride in Poganin’s bronze. The Top Five also included Mascot des Alpes and Palatino.

The biggest winners from Verona

If we were to create a medal ranking then a decisive winner would be Ajman Stud, due to the wise leases from Michałów and successful purchases at Osterhof. Thanks to them the national anthem of the United Arab Emirates was heard thrice (Ajmaniah OS, Nastya OS and Emandoria), with

Emira bringing in a further bronze medal.

But Polish supporters should also be satisfied: 6 medals and 4 Top Five titles for Polish breeding is a very good result. Let’s recall: 1 gold for Emandoria (the show’s highest score!), 2 silvers for Perfinka and Primera, 3 bronzes for Piacolla, Emira, Poganin, Top Five titles for Kalahari, Psyche Kreuza, Pilarosa, Palatino. And one more significant detail: in the senior mare championships the podium consisted solely of Polish bred mares.

Results

Senior mares
Gold
Emandoria (Gazal Al Shaqab – Emanda/Ecaho), br. SK Michałów (Poland), on lease to Ajman Stud (UAE)
Silver
Primera (Eden C – Preria/Ararat), br/o. SK Janów Podlaski (Poland)
Bronze
Emira (Laheeb – Embra/Monogramm), br. SK Michałów (Poland), on lease to Ajman Stud (UAE)
Top 5
Psyche Kreuza (Ekstern – Pallas-Atena/Ecaho), br/o. SK Chrcynno-Pałac (Poland)
Pilarosa (Al Adeed Al Shaqab – Pilar/Fawor), br/o. SK Janów Podlaski (Poland)

Junior mares
Gold
Nastya OS (Marajj – AB Nastrapsy/Psytadel), br. Gestüt Osterhof (Germany), o. Ajman Stud (UAE)
Silver
Perfinka (Esparto – Perfirka/Gazal Al Shaqab), br. SO Białka (Poland), on lease to Al Muawd Stud (Saudi Arabia)
Bronze
MZ-Djlshada (QR Marc – MZ-Djamira/Shaklan Ibn Bengali), br. Margot Zinniker (Switzerland), o. Gestüt Emaj Maja & Ernst Schläpfer (Switzerland)
Top 5
ASH Mariella (Monther Al Nasser – Alishya/Psytadel), br. Arabian Sun Horses (Belgium), o. Tabori Igar (Israel)
Orfę D’Arab K.A. (QR Marc – OSO Axotica/Monogramm), br/o. Knocke Arabians (Belgium)

Yearling fillies
Gold
Ajmaniah OS (Ajman Moniscione – AB Nastrapsy/Psytadel), br. Gestüt Osterhof (Germany), o. Ajman Stud (UAE)
Silver
M.M. Esplendida (RFI Farad – M.M. Eluise/WH Justice), br/o. Mario Matt (Austria)
Bronze
Piacolla (Enzo – Polonica/Ekstern), br/o. SK Michałów (Poland)
Top Five
Kalahari (Ajman Moniscione – Kashira/Magnum Psyche), br/o. PPH Parys (Poland)
SG Wendetta (Psyrasic – SG Wnusia/SDP Taylor), br/o. Scuderia Le Groane (Italy)

Senior Stallions
Gold
Shanghai E.A. (WH Justice – Salymah/Khidar), br. Equus Arabians (Spain), on lease to Al Asayel (Kuwait)
Silver
Im Bayard Cathare (Padrons Immage – Shamilah Bagheera/Nadir I), br. Richard Roques (France) o. Royal Cavalry of Oman
Bronze
Poganin (Laheeb – Pohulanka/Pepton), br/o. SK Janów Podlaski (Poland)
Top 5
Mascot Des Alpes (Marwan Al Shaqab – EAMT Marihuana/BJ Thee Mustafa), br. Anne-Lise & Otto Berg (France), o. Al Nayfat Stud (Saudi Arabia)
Palatino (Pesal – Palmeta/Ecaho), br/o. SK Janów Podlaski (Poland)

Junior Stallions
Gold
Dali (Lazaal – Elektra/Hadidi), br/o. Giorgio Virga (Italy)
Silver
Jamaal di Mar (Marajj – Calyenna El Jamaal/Ali Jamaal), br. Marco Franchini (Italy), o. Tre Stelle (Italy)
Bronze
Al Marid (Al Milan – Bafra B/El Nabila B), br/o. Sax Arabians (Germany)
Top 5
Sultan Al Shaqab (Amir Al Shaqab – Abha Al Shaqab/Abha Fadil), br/o. Al Shaqab Stud (Qatar)
JM Aramis (Stival – Alba Moniscione/Padrons Ghibli), br. Giovanni Danesi (Italy), o. Al Aryam Arabians (UAE)

Yearling colts
Gold
Maestro Des Alpes (Marwan Al Shaqab – Maya Des Alpes/Simeon Sadik), br/o. Anne-Lise & Otto Berg (France)
Silver
Feuer Jade (Ajman Moniscione – Neva Bint Volga/Pamour), br/o. Ivan Vieider (Italy)
Bronze
Galahad Juliver (WH Justice – Baswani/Lorenzo El Bri), br. Robert Laimgruber (Austria), o. Al Baydaa Farm (Egypt)
Top Five
Libano MPE (Marwan Al Shaqab – Thee Rahiba/BJ Thee Mustafa), br. Antonio Manzi (Italy), o. Dubai Arabian Horse Stud (UAE)
Martice (Al Justice – Miss Marenga/Psytadel), br/o. Sax Arabians (Germany)

Judges:
Gianmarco Aragno (Italy)
Sue Woodhouse (Great Britain)
Nasr Marei (Eyipt)
Tamas Rombauer (Hungary)
Ferdinand Schwestermann (Switzerland)
Basil Jadaan (Syria)

We are pleased to inform that a wide coverage from the World Championships in Paris has been already published in our Shows section. The article “Paris 2012: Poland’s national anthem twice! Plus a silver and bronze for Polish breeding” (by Krzysztof Dużyński) is accompanied by photos by Ricard Cunill (SiR Arabian Horse Photography). You are also invited to our Photo gallery where you can find the pictures of all the medalists from Paris (by Ricard Cunill).

During when Polish tennis fans were excited about Jerzy Janowicz having advanced to the ATP ATP World Tour finals in Paris, the enthusiasts of Arabian horses had their own, no less thrilling, spectacle. The European Championships in Moorsele (Belgium) are a much more friendly location for Polish horses than Verona. We must also add that it remains one of a few of such places after the ultimate scratching of the Wels and Blommeröd shows from the Arabian calendar.

Surprises in the junior classes

Not many spectators expected the Polish-bred Milka by PS Pacos, bred by Bełżyce Arabians and owned by PPH Parys, which cannot boast a trendy pedigree, to end up in the Top Five of the yearling fillies class. Before her placed much more recognizable progeny by such known sires as Aja Justified (Aja Europa), Ajman Moniscione (FM Dohaa), Marajj (My Fair Rose D) and Shael Dream Desert (Heila J). Another Polish yearling – El Siena by HDB Sihr Ibn Massai from Strusinianka, this time had to settle for sixth place.

In the second series of the yearling fillies, which was perhaps slightly easier considering the so far achievements of its contestants, Janów’s Euzona (Om El Bellissimo – Euzebia/Etogram) triumphed irrevocably, to the great joy of Polish fans and owners of Om El Arab stud. Behind her placed the Belgian daughter of the Qatari stallion Monther Al Nasser – ASH Mariella, but it was her who received the award for best head.

Winners among the yearling colts included horses which were visible already in Aachen – Designe For Life by Designed and Ascott DD by Glorius Apal. A large surprise, though probably not to the extent of Janowicz, was delivered by the Polish Primanus Qatar from Zalia Arabians, son of Abha Qatar and Pogoria by Ekstern. His third place in class is reason for pride for his breeders – Katarzyna Dolińska-Witkowska and Robert Witkowski, as well as a reward for the patience and calmness in managing the colt’s show career. Its particular stages were adjusted to the horse’s growth and development and not only to the ambition of the owners. Fifth in the same class came Psyche Keret (Khidar – Psyche Victoria by Ekstern) from Chrcynno-Palace Stud and one can surely remain calm about his future. We will definitely hear about him in the months to come.

The next two series of the two year old fillies were extremely satisfying for breeders from Michałów State Stud. Diara (Eryks – Diaspora/Ganges) won her class with a score of 92 points, besting among others Ul Sid Parma. Wieża Mocy (QR Marc – Wieża Marzeń by Ekstern) triumphed in the second group, garnering as much as 92,8 points (including two “20s” for movement). Second was Emandilla (Om El Shahmaan – Espadrilla/Monogramm). Michałów’s excellent winning streak continued in the next class as well, which were the two year old colts. Equator (QR Marc – Ekliptyka/Ekstern) had no greater problems with defeating Calypso OS (Ajman Moniscione – AB Nastrapsy by Psytadel), collecting 92,1 points.

Janów Podlaski Stud was a little less lucky. The silver medalist from Aachen – Primera (Eden C – Preria/Ararat) – arrived to the venue, but due to veterinary reasons did not compete. Although would she be able to defeat AV Dalia (Ajman Moniscione – AV Dolimha by Halim Raquim) being in top form that day is a totally different question. The acquiring of five “20s” for movement and one for type by Dalia speaks for itself. Whereas Polish breeder Lech Błaszczyk had reasons for joy. The performing in the same class Paema (Ekstern – Pasyma/Piaff) was awarded with 90,5 points, thanks to which she secured the fifth spot among tough rivals.

The three year old colts class saw the performance of Falborek’s Emarc (QR Marc – Eksterna/Ekstern), placing sixth (90,5). In order to be higher in this class one had to surpass the mark of 91 points. Victorious was the French-bred but already Saudi-owned Mascot des Alpes by Marwan Al Shaqab. Second came Aja Angelo by WH Justice, another reason to be happy for the Hickfords of Aja Arabians. Speaking on the side, it would be interesting to compare their breeding concepts with those of Knocke Arabians. It turns out that with less representatives Aja Arabians won one class (Aja Europa) and was second in another. The Gheysens’ stud had to settle for one second spot, two fourths and two fifths. If we include the victorious Liberty class, then even the showing of two sons of Palanga from the same year (Pavorotto K.A. and Profender K.A.) doesn’t necessarily bring complete fulfillment. For Polish private breeders it is even optimistic, as none of them has Palanga yet.

Sunday – a good day for Arabians from Poland

The day began with a multiple dessert, which preceded the main dishes (not always easy on the stomach) served by the organizers of the European Championships in Moorsele. This incredibly tasty attraction was the class of 4-5 year old mares. Though the daughter of Galba, Michałów’s El Saghira, presented herself marvelously (and truth be told it was her that I cheered on), with a score of 93,5 she had to yield before Janów’s Pilarosa (by Al Adeed Al Shaqab), who bested her by 0,2 points. It must be mentioned that both mares received a full set of “20s” for movement! The third to join this elite group was Parmana (Al Maraam – Palmira/Monogramm). The fourth and fifth places were taken by the well known from other championships Juwanda OS and Al Princess Aliha (both by WH Justice), property of owners from Dubai and Oman.

The class of 7-9 year old mares, compared to the previous one, looked like nothing more than an interlude. Only three mares against the previous dozen, a duel between Abha Palma by Marwan Al Shaqab with Altamira by Ekstern, wham bam, all done. The ribbon for first place was secured by the Janów Podlaski mare with a score of 92,5, having outdone her rival by just 0,3 points.

At such a pace of events the class of 8-10 year old mares looked like a feature film compared to a short study made by students. The battle of “Gazals” – Pinga and Magora – is worth treasuring in everyone’s memory. One thing that will certainly remain etched in my memory will be the quality and manner of presenting the daughter of Pilar. It was a genuine display of skill delivered by Polish handler Paweł Kozikowski, which confirmed the harmony between mare and presenter and brought out the best in Pinga. An excellent presentation in movement followed by a calm, unhurried transition, fully showing the pride and beauty of the horse. After the trot came a

special, demonstrative slowing down, so that the judges could thoroughly take a look at the mare in that very phase before seeing her in halt. A truly artistic work and quite good schooling material if someone would want to learn something. Next to Pilar the famous Magora clearly faded in the eyes of the judges, evidence of which were the final scores: 94,2 to 93,8. It turned out later that Pinga’s score was the highest of the show. The class Top Five featured more Gazals: Wilda and Pistoria, as well as the Egyptian graduate of Halsdon Arabians – HS Ramira by Simeon Sadik.

In the class of mares aged 11 years old and above the emotions were not as huge. El Dorada (by Sanadik El Shaklan), again wonderfully received by the public, brought plenty of satisfaction with her win to both her lessee (Athbah Stud) and breeder (Michałów State Stud). Her score of 94,1 says a lot about how much she appealed to the judges. At that she won with her stablemate Palmira by Monogramm, who was second in this class. This was a good prognosis for Poland, even before the sac of medals opened up in the championships.

We awaited the finals with smaller pressure. Prior to them the senior stallion classes took place. Among the 4-5 year olds was one decisive favorite – Abha Qatar by Marwan Al Shaqab (93,7), behind him the very decent English son of Gazal Al Shaqab – Roe Lateef out of a mare from the stud of Count Zichy-Tyssen, ZT Ludjbrosiaa (with a score of 91,1).

Close to the World Champion bred by Marieta Salas in terms of score was Janów’s Pesal son, Palatino, in the 6-7 year old stallions class. He gained 93,4, thanks to which he outdid Michałów’s Kabsztad by Poganin (93). There were more thrills in the 8-10 year olds class, where with the same score (93,5) Esparto (Ekstern – Ekspozycja/Eukaliptus) turned out slightly better than IM Bayard Cathare (by Padrons Immage). LVA Maximus (by Espano Estopa), whose Białka-born get we will see the following year, was third. Next we received the answer to the intriguing question of who’s better in the (threesome) class of 11 year olds and above – Poganin by Laheeb or F Shamaal by Maysoun. The judges pointed to the son of Pohulanka as the winner, not his Egyptian rival. The score of 93,4 will probably be one of the highest in the international career of this stallion.

Up next were more joyous moments for the Polish team.

Although Euzona had to yield before her rival from the UK in the Yearling Mare Championships, as the gold went to Aja Europa, but a silver medal for Poland was a good sign as to what was to come. The bronze was awarded to FM Dohaa and the Top Five titles to ASH Mariella and My Fair Rose D. Among the yearling colts peerless proved Ascott DD before Designe For Life and Sultan Al Shaqab (by Amir Al Shaqab). The Top Five also included Sharaam El Chique (by Redwood Lodge Artique) and SG Karabin (by Ajman Moniscione).

The Junior Mare Championship was what we were waiting for from the very beginning. The gold medal went to Wieża Mocy and the bronze to Diara. The Michałów representatives were separated by AV Dalia, with the Top Five completed by Emandilla and Ul Sid Parma.

Our national anthem was again heard in the finals of the next championship – the Junior Stallions. Equator bested Mascot Des Alpes and Calypso OS and returned home with the gold. The titles of Top Five were also acquired by Aja Angelo by WH Justice and Espressivo by QR Marc.

The Senior Mare Championship proved just as satisfactory for Janów Podlaski as the previous one for Michałów. Pinga claimed the highest trophy, while El Dorada – similarly as in Aachen – the silver. Magora ended up with the bronze and the titles of Top Five were secured by Juwanda OS and Pilarosa. The Senior Stallion Championship had one favorite and the gold just had to go to the multiple champion Abha Qatar. Esparto again proved better than IM Bayard Cathare and these stallions divided the silver and bronze between them. The Top Five furthermore consisted of F Shamaal and Poganin.

Not ruining the festive atmosphere among the Polish enthusiasts of this breed it is worthy to count the number of “Arab” medals – those that went to owners (and lessees) from the Arabian Peninsula: all three in the Yearling Stallion Championships, the silver in the Junior Stallions, the silver and bronze in the Senior Mares, as well as the gold and bronze in the Senior Stallions. As I wrote during my coverage of Aachen, there’s no going back from this road and we must simply come to terms with it. The Polish joy is not small and both breeders and presenters alike well deserved all the praise, but we should all remember – also as fans of other sport disciplines – that the rivalry at the highest rank begins in Paris. Referring to sport analogies, we had a very successful edition of the European League for Poland, but it wasn’t the Championship League. The discipline is the same, with often the same renowned teams, but a lack of some high-quality players makes it all a little less exciting.

Results

Yearling Fillies Championship
Gold
Aja Europa (Aja Justified – HB Marais/Marwan Al Shaqab), br/o. Aja Arabians (Great Britain)
Silver
Euzona (Om El Bellissimo – Euzetia/Etogram), br/o. Janów Podlaski State Stud (Poland)
Bronze
FM Dohaa (Ajman Moniscione – FM Gloriaa/WH Justice), br/o. Swatam Arabians (Belgium)
Top Five
My Fair Rose D (Marajj – WH Marissa Rose/Magnum Psyche), br. Dion Arabians (Belgium), o. Johann Van Oostenrijck (Belgium)
ASH Mariella (Monther Al Nasser – Alishya/Psytadel ), br. Arabian Sun Horses (Belgium), o. Tabori BKV Partnership (Israel)

Yearling Colts Championship
Gold
Ascot DD (Glorius Apal – Lady Ammona DD/Psytadel), br. DD Arabians (Belgium), o. Athbah Stud (Saudi Arabia)
Silver
Design For Life (Designed – Lianna/Aurelian), br. Rhiannon Jones & Stuart Howells (Great Britain), o. Al Muawd Stud (Saudi Arabia)
Bronze
Sultan Al Shaqab (Amir Al Shaqab – Abha Al Shaqab/Abha Fadil), br/ Yeguada Ses Planes (Spain), o. Al Shaqab Stud (Qatar)
Top Five
SG Karabin (Ajman Moniscione – Wiolett/Pasch Vacan), br/o. Scuderia Le Groane (Italy)
Sharaam El Chique (Redwood Lodge Artique – LH Gina Lola Bridgeta/MPA Giovanni), br/o. Redwood Lodge Europe (France)

Junior Mare Championships
Gold
Wieża Mocy (QR Marc – Wieża Marzeń/Ekstern), br/o. Michałów State Stud (Poland)
Silver
AV Dalia (Ajman Moniscione – AV Dolimha/Halim Raquim), br/o. Arabian Valley Stud (Italy)
Bronze
Diara (Eryks – Diaspora/Ganges), br/o. Michałów State Stud (Poland)
Top Five
Ul Sid Parma (El Sid – CA Kupona/Kupol), br/o. Ullrichsdal Arabians (Denmark)
Emandilla (Om El Shamaan – Espadrilla/Monogramm), br/o. Michałów State Stud (Poland)

Junior Stallion Championships
Gold
Equator (QR Marc – Ekliptyka/Ekstern), br/o. Michałów State Stud (Poland)
Silver
Mascot des Alpes (Marwan Al Shaqab – EAMT Marihuana/BJ Thee Mustafa), br. Anne-Lise & Otto Berg (France), o. Al Nayfat (Saudi Arabia)
Bronze
Calypso OS (Ajman Moniscione – AB Nastrapsy po Psytadel), br. Gestüt Osterhof (Germany), o. Sabankaya Select (USA)
Top Five
Espressivo K.A. (QR Marc – Emocja/Monogramm), br/o. Knocke Arabians (Belgium)
Aja Angelo (WH Justice – Aja Aaisha/Ruger AMW), br/o. Aja Arabians (Great Britain)

Senior Mare Championships
Gold
Pinga (Gazal Al Shaqab – Pilar/Fawor), br/o. Janów Podlaski State Stud (Poland)
Silver
El Dorada (Sanadik El Shaklan – Emigrantka/Eukaliptus), br. Michałów State Stud (Poland), leased to Athbah Stud (Saudi Arabia)
Bronze
Magora (Gazal Al Shaqab – Margotka/Algorytm), br. Blommeröd Arabstuteri (Sweden), o. Al Khalediah Stables (Saudi Arabia)
Top Five
Pilarosa (Al Adeed Al Shaqab – Pilar/Fawor), br/o. Janów Podlaski State Stud (Poland)
Juwanda OS (WH Justice – Shak Lavanda/ZT Shakfantasy), br. Gestüt Osterhof (Germany), o. Dubai Arabian Stud (UAE)

Senior Stallion Championships
Gold
Abha Qatar (Marwan Al Shaqab – ZT Ludjkalba/Ludjin El Jamaal), br. Yeguada Ses Planes (Spain), o. Al Mohamadia Stud (Saudi Arabia)
Silver
Esparto (Ekstern – Ekspozycja/Eukaliptus), br/o. Michałów State Stud (Poland)
Bronze
IM Bayard Cathare (Padrons Immage – Shamilah Bagheera/Nadir I), br. Richard Roques (France), o. Royal Cavalry (Oman)
Top Five
Poganin (Laheeb – Pohulanka/Pepton), br/o. Janów Podlaski State Stud (Poland)
F Shamaal (Maysoun – Sarameena/Fa Ibn Sar), br. Hansjürgen & Inge Friedman (Germany), o. Al Khalediah Stables (Saudi Arabia)

We are pleased to inform that we have published a wide report from Moorsele (3rd-4th November) in our Shows section: The European Championships in Moorsele. Rise for the national anthem (thrice)!

During when Polish tennis fans were excited about Jerzy Janowicz having advanced to the ATP

ATP World Tour finals in Paris, the enthusiasts of Arabian horses had their own, no less thrilling, spectacle. The European Championships in Moorsele are a much more friendly location for Polish horses than Verona. We must also add that it remains one of a few of such places after the ultimate scratching of the Wels and Blommeröd shows from the Arabian calendar… read more

The saying that something runs like clockwork – of the Swiss kind in mind – cannot be more visible than in Aachen. Here the precision is similar and one of the exhibitors even represented the Swiss time-measuring industry (Hanaya Arabians). The 30th anniversary edition of the All Nations Cup as always electrified everyone from the “Arabian” line of business, both those present and those cheering on from afar.

Day one: juniors to the start line

Several horses appeared in flesh and blood in Europe for the first time; they were known earlier only from press and internet publications. Among this group was a grey daughter of Ajman Moniscione and Eagleridge Passionata – the Saudi Noft Al Nayfat. She drew attention already in Las Vegas with her delicate features and gracefulness. In Aachen she won the first yearling fillies series gaining 91,9 points (the judges were just warming up…). While at it she bested another Ajman Moniscione daughter – Inspired Najla. Third in that class was the Polish El Siena (out of El Aria/Ararat) from Strusinianka, the only daughter of HDB Sihr Ibn Massai in the show. Her regular form throughout the entire year is really impressive! With successful performances at the Junior Spring Show in Białka, the Polish Nationals in Janów Podlaski and now in Aachen.

Victorious in the next yearling series was the favorite, AJ Asyad, one of the signature “chocolates” in the candy box created in Ajman. Gracefulness, subtleness, quality – a unique combination of the blood of Marwan Al Shaqab with a WH Justice daughter, Aja Angelika. This filly was the first one to surpass the 92 point mark (receiving 92,2), which – especially at the end of Saturday’s competition – became the show’s new standard. The Polish Perfinka (Esparto – Perfirka/Gazal Al Shaqab) from Białka just missed qualifying for the finals by a nose. Higher marks were awarded to the Saudi Tahani Al Khaled by MCA Magnum Gold.

The Polish fillies were more successful in the A series of the 2 year olds class. The victory of Wieża Mocy (QR Marc – Wieża Marzeń/Ekstern) over the much more decorated Ghazalat Al Khalidiah, besides giving great satisfaction to Michałów State Stud, also has a huge promotional significance, as the recognizability of the both mares abroad cannot even be compared. For instance, the most famous daughter of PA Gazsi won the A-ranked show in Towerlands several weeks ago.

Triumphant in the B series of the same age category was another beauty from the collection of the Prince of Ajman – AJ Siyadah (by Vervaldee), with a score that sky rocketed over 93 points (93,3). Excellently presented and very consistently shown at various events, the Danish filly Ul Sid Parma (by El Sid) fell short to the winner by 0,3 points, whereas the third contestant, Michałów’s Emandilla (Om El Shahmaan – Espadrilla/Monogramm), by 0,4 points. Echo Aurora (Eternity Ibn Navarrone-D – Echo Afrodyta/Piaff) from Chrcynno-Palace Stud, who received bizarre marks from the Australian judge at the Polish Nationals, was finally evaluated according to her quality and placed fourth in this difficult class (91,5).

The Janów Podlaski team had reasons to celebrate in the three year old fillies’ class, as the stud’s pride and joy of the several past seasons – Primera (Eden C – Preria/Ararat) – won her class, unexpectedly besting Shirin By Aisza (by WH Justice) from Athbah Stud. A pleasant picture was the presenting of the award to Janów breeders by Shirley Watts, a collector of horses from that very stud and owner of Preria, the winner’s dam. A little less lucky were the current owners of Piacenza (QR Marc – Primawera/Emigrant) – Al Shahania Stud. The auction price of Piacenza (475 thousand euro) is probably a multiple of what was paid for Shirin by Aisza or Irinah by Shael Dream Desert (this filly, by the way, is one of the more successful imports from Brazil). But it was them that managed to get into the class Top Five. A nice surprise was delivered to Polish spectators courtesy of Camilia (Piaff – Calineczka/Metropolis NA) from Białka, better known to the judges (for now) than the anonymous Shael daughter. With good movement and a very decent condition she placed fourth with a cosmic (for her) score of 92,3 points (at a title show!).

The competition between the junior stallions did not bring as many thrills as the fillies’ classes. The yearlings surprised with few entries (five in the first series, four in the next) and, sadly, little quality. There were times when the standard was higher at a C-ranked show. Victorious in these classes were: in the A series one of the latest purchases of Athbah Stud – Ascot DD by Glorius Apal (before Design For Life, son of the 5 year old Design), while in the B series the peerless AJ Mardan (another marvel from Ajman by Vervaldee; the colt gained 93,3 points). The graduate of Chrcynno-Palace Stud – Psyche Keret (Khidar – Psyche Victoria/Ekstern) had to yield before Sharaam El Chique (by Redwood Lodge Artique) from Redwood Lodge Stud and placed third.

Much more interesting was the two year old colts’ class, where onlookers could witness the competition between true fames, or horses which are on their way to becoming such. After a very good performance in Prague (to learn the ropes), EKS Alihandro (by Marwan Al Shaqab), another Athbah Stud purchase, confirmed his quality with his performance in Aachen. He received very even marks, though none of them was a “20” (unlike the Polish Equator by QR Marc out of Ekliptyka by Ekstern, who got two top marks – for type and movement). However it was the South African bred colt (a giant, by the way), who won the class with a score of 93 points. What caused a sensation was only the third place for the strongly promoted and highly decorated Barzan Al Shahania (by Stival). This American star, property of Qatari owners, learned that in Europe besides a top condition, one also needs a more subtle head. In the meantime the shape of the head according to today’s show trends is not a problem for Van Gogh AM (by Magnum Psyche). After a difficult reproductive season, the pride of Al Mohamadia Arabian Horse Stud placed just fifth. The colt was elbowed out of the fourth spot by a chestnut with white markings from Osterhof, Calypso OS (by Ajman Moniscione), spectacularly sold to the US several months ago.

Even more interesting was the three year old colts’ class. The son of Emocja and QR Marc – Espressivo, brought a lot of joy to his owners from Knocke Arabians, placing second. Whereas the manager of the stud near Riyadh must’ve been ecstatic due to the victory of Fakhr Al Khalidiah, son of multichampion Marquis CAHR. This class also showcased what the competition at shows in the future will look like. Aspirations were presented here by, among others, owners from Kuwait (Cavalli by DA Valentino) and Oman (the grey son of IM Bayard Cathare – Ajlad). The aspirations of studs from the Emirates (Dubai and Sharjah) or Saudi Arabia (Al Muawd Stud, Al Nafyat Stud) do not even have to be reminded. For us a reason to celebrate is the fifth place of Falborek’s Emarc (QR Marc – Eksterna/Ekstern), the more so, as he was awarded with as many as three “20s” for movement.

A brilliant act by Polish mares

The final installment of the Saturday spectacle and, there’s no denying, its adornment, were the classes of 4-6 year old mares, with a significant Polish participation. The relaxed judges, knowing that ahead of them was only the evening party, served truly fable-like marks. Although the truth of the matter was that indeed we got to see beautiful horses. It was visible both in the B series, where the superstar FT Shaella ruled indivisibly (receiving five “20s” for head and type each). With a score of 93,4 she gave no chance to Michałów’s El Saghira (Galba – Emira/Laheeb), who, which must be noted, elbowed the much higher ranked Abha Palma (by Marwan Al Shaqab) out of the championship finals. The ultimate results were not a foregone conclusion – there was a lot of tension along the way, so important in the show world. That’s exactly what happened in the “Polish” A series, where the very well presented Janów bred Pilarosa (Al Adeed Al Shqab – Pilar/Fawor), clearly in a type to the judges’ liking, bested Psyche Kreuza (Ekstern – Pallas-Atena/Ecaho): 93,6 to 93,1. The Chrcynno-Palace graduate gave a display of superb movement, appreciated by four judges with a “20”. It was a pity that there were no ex aequo places, because El Piatzolla (WH Justice – Enya/Ekstern) from Strusinianka had to settle for third. Pilarosa’s result turned out to be the highest of the day!

Day two: stars need an extraordinary setting

The Sunday morning in Albert-Vahle-Halle began with an extremely interesting class for mares aged 7 years old and up. More than half of the dozen or so participants were horses from Poland and it would’ve been difficult to imagine an equally high quality of this class without their participation. Even mares such as Lamana or Lumiar Bint Balzac seemed to fade in comparison. The best entrance belonged to the winner of this class, Michałów’s El Dorada (Sanadik El Shaklan – Emigrantka/Eukaliptus), currently leased to Athbah Stud. Cheers, screams – it was as though she entered the arena not with brother Schoukens, but with Brad Pitt. I have never heard such reactions before, even at last year’s Paris show. There the mare was part of Michałów’s larger “girls band” and it seemed to be forgotten that a true star needs extraordinary attention and a proper setting. A masterful move by director Jerzy Białobok with leasing the mare before Aachen brought her such attention, as well as additional points for Poland. However once again it was apparent that without additional marketing activities there is no special aura surrounding the performance of stars, that the emotions of the public are not roused. So it is a shame that the state studs do not decide on such promotional actions prior to the most important show events. Silence is only good in the library, but not in this community. This time however the proper setting was taken care of by the lessee. And the mare expressed

her gratitude with the show’s highest score, receiving 94,2 points. Second in class was Wilda (Gazal Al Shaqab – Wilga/Ekstern), third – Sefora (Ekstern – Sawantka/Pepton) and fourth – Kashira (Magnum Psyche – Kahila IV/Ibn Bint Inas), with four “20s” for movement! This mare, owned by Mr. & Mrs. Parys, outdid Pistoria (Gazal Al Shaqab – Palmira/Monogramm) and Belgica (Gazal Al Shaqab – Belladona/Europejczyk), taking revenge for the defeat at the Polish Nationals. With that she repeated the result from 2010 when she bested Polish National Champion Pinga. The difference between the marks of the “Janów” judges and those in Aachen in both cases surpassed 3 points!

The stallions deliver surprises

The later stallion classes did not bring so much joy, although the Polish representatives did produce several surprises. In the 4-6 year old stallions’ class the name of the winner was common knowledge and Abha Qatar (Marwan Al Shaqab – ZT Ludjkalba/Ludjin El Jamaal) with a score of 93,2 points could calmly wait for the finals and his toughest opponent, QR Marc (Marwan Al Shaqab – Swete Dreams/Magic Dream). Michałów’s Kabsztad (Poganin – Kwestura/Monogramm) stunned everyone with his of 92,8 and two “20s” for movement. With the same score he deprived Janów’s Palatino (Pesal – Palmeta/Ecaho) of the finals. Perhaps everything has already been said about trainer and handler Mariusz Liśkiewicz’s work with horses, so we will not repeat the known compliments. But it is worth mentioning Paweł Kozikowski from Janów, who brought out the best from both Palatino and later Poganin (Laheeb – Pohulanka/Pepton). It was evident that beside making use of his own talent he remembers the lessons of Gerard Paty. In the case of Palatino instead of a sleepy, rather decorative Arabian in Egyptian style, we saw a dynamite who moments later presented himself perfectly in halt. It was the best performance of Palmeta’s son that we could’ve imagined. Effective, as the stallion proved better than, among others, the much more recognizable MPA Giuliani.

The 7-10 year old stallions’ class also had a clear as day favorite. That’s why the nervousness of QR Marc’s handler was truly astounding. Surely the stakes were so high that even such an “old rogue” as Paolo Capecci gave in to stage fright. The hysterically led QR Marc was still able to easily score not only first place in class for his lessee, Dubai Stud and owner, Paul Gheysens, but also the most points (93,8) among all the male competitors of the show. Behind him placed Esparto (Ekstern – Ekspozycja/Eukaliptus) from Michałów, who drew attention with his capital condition already during the initial walk-around. Unexpectedly he outdid by 0,2 points one of the greatest favorites of Sheikh Mutlaq Bin Mushriff (manager of Al Khalediah Stables), Moutaz Al Biwaibiya by Aja Sangali. But that was just a foretaste of an even greater surprise which took place in the next, final stallion class (11 years old and above). It was to be expected that MCA Magnum Gold (Magnum Gold – Litique/Litigator) would win with Poganin. But that the Polish contestant would win with Dakharo was nothing short of sensational. All the stallions surpassed the 93 point mark and both class winners had an advantage of only 0,1 points over the third one.

And in the finals…

Awaiting the finals was a difficult task, but if someone managed then he could’ve learned by heart the national anthem of the United Arab Emirates. Three young horses bred by Ajman Stud and brought to Aachen collected the highest titles in their categories in impressive style. AJ Asyad gained the yearling mares’ gold, AJ Mardan the yearling stallions’ gold, while AJ Siyad – the junior mares’ gold. Although the quality of this threesome turned heads already on Saturday, the effectiveness of the exhibitor was astounding indeed – to bring three horses to Aachen and bring back three gold medals, that’s a feat that hasn’t been accomplished before!

Adding the yearling championships to the All Nations script affected the event’s pace to, let’s just say, a delicate, calm one. But several subsequent events definitely caused a rise of blood pressure in the Polish onlookers. First Primera gained a silver medal in the junior mares’ championship (besting the highly decorated Shirin By Aisza), later Equator took the bronze among very strong competition. And in the grand finale El Dorada claimed the silver, while Wilda the bronze, both in the senior mares’ championship. This gave the Polish representatives the coveted Nations Cup (The Lady Harmsworth Blunt Memorial Trophy), the more valuable, as won during an anniversary edition of this venerable event. As opposed to the rather dull decorating ceremony from two years back, when four sad gentlemen collected the awards, this time everyone that was present rushed onto the area and the public could witness the Polish joy, similar to that of the Belgians, shared together without the ever-present divisions. Is it possible? Yes, it is! The Breeders Cup (The Major T.W.I. Hedley Memorial Trophy) went – just like last year – to the team from the US.

The results of the senior stallion championships could’ve been picked blindfolded. The order of: QR Marc, Abha Qatar and MCA Magnum Gold did not surprise anybody.

If I was to present a private, special prize, it would go to Ward Bemong, the manager of Athbah Stud. The skill to find talent has to muster respect. And I’m not just talking about the almost unlimited financial abilities of the stud’s owner. Bemong brought to Aachen four horses: three “scouted” and purchased (in Italy, Belgium and the Republic of South Africa) plus one “revisited” Polish star, who was given the chance to shine in all her glory. This gave the Saudi stud a total of four medals: Ascott DD gained the silver among the yearling stallions, Shirin By Aisza the bronze among the junior mares, EKS Alihandro the gold among the junior stallions, while El Dorada this time proved to be silver. And one shouldn’t grumble about the fact that they are from different breeders. In the end it’s the effectiveness that counts.

Results

Yearling Fillies Championship
Gold
AJ Asyad (Marwan Al Shaqab – Aja Angelica/WH Justice), br/o. Ajman Stud (UAE)
Silver
Noft Al Nayfat (Ajman Moniscione – Eagleridge Passionata), br. Cindy McGown, Mark Davis, Greg & Nancy Gallun (USA), o. Alnayfat Stud (Saudi Arabia)
Bronze
Tahani Al Khaled (MCA Magnum Gold – LC Tornita/Padrons Psyche), br/o. Al Khaled Farm (Saudi Arabia)

Yearling Colts Championship
Gold
AJ Mardan (Vervaldee – Felicia RLC/Shael Dream Desert), br/o. Ajman Stud (UAE)
Silver
Ascot DD (Glorius Apal – Lady Ammona DD/Psytadel), br. DD Arabians (Belgium), o. Athbah Stud (Saudi Arabia)
Bronze
Sharaam El Chique (Redwood Lodge Artique – LH Gina Lola Bridgeta/MPA Giovanni), br/o. Redwood Lodge Europe (France)

Junior Mare Championships
Gold
AJ Siyadah (Vervaldee – Sweet Caroline LL/Legacy of Fame), br/o. Ajman Stud (UAE)
Silver
Primera (Eden C – Preria/Ararat), br/o. Janów Podlaski State Stud (Poland)
Bronze
Shirin By Aisha (WH Justice – Aisha By Missouri/Missouri), br. A. Gurioli & F. Gladich (Italy), o. Athbah Stud (Saudi Arabia)

Junior Stallion Championships
Gold
EKS Alihandro (Marwan Al Shaqab – OFW Psylhouette/Padrons Psyche), br. Elkasun Arabians (South Africa), o. Athbah Stud ( SaudiArabia)
Silver
Fakhr Al Khalediah (Marquis CAHR – Barah Al Khalidiah/Abha Ifni), br/o. Al Khalediah Stables (Saudi Arabia)
Bronze
Equator (QR Marc – Ekliptyka/Ekstern), br/o. Michałów State Stud (Poland)

Senior Mare Championships
Gold
FT Shaella (Shael Dream Desert – Soul Pretty TGS/Shahllenger), br. Rancho Quatro Estacoes (Brazil), o. Dubai Arabian Horse Stud (UAE)
Silver
El Dorada (Sanadik El Shaklan – Emigrantka/Eukaliptus), br. Michałów State Stud (Poland), leased to Athbah Stud (Saudi Arabia)
Bronze
Wilda (Gazal Al Shaqab – Wilga/Ekstern), br/o. Michałów State Stud (Poland)

Senior Stallion Championships
Gold
QR Marc (Marwan Al Shaqab – Swete Dreams/Magic Dream), br. Vicki & Louis Doyle, Quail Ridge Arabians (USA), o. Knocke Arabians (Belgium), leased to Dubai Arabian Stud (UAE)
Silver
Abha Qatar (Marwan Al Shaqab – ZT Ludjkalba/Ludjin El Jamaal), br. Yeguada Ses Planes (Spain), o. Al Mohamadia Stud (Saudi Arabia)
Bronze
MCA Magnum Gold (Magnum Psyche – Litique/Litigator), br. Gary R. Buxton (USA), o. Al Khaled Farm (Saudi Arabia)

You are kindly invited to read our report “Aachen 2012: All on stage – the Nations Cup goes to Poland!“. This large article (at our Shows section) is illustrated by photos by Katarzyna Dolińska.

The saying that something runs like clockwork – of the Swiss kind in mind – cannot be more visible than in Aachen. Here the precision is similar and one of the exhibitors even represented the Swiss time-measuring industry (Hanaya Arabians). The 30th anniversary edition of the All Nations Cup as always electrified everyone from the “Arabian” line of business, both those present and those cheering on from afar… read more

You are kindly invited to read our report “Aachen 2012: All on stage – the Nations Cup goes to Poland!“. This large article (at our Shows section) is illustrated by photos by Katarzyna Dolińska.

The saying that something runs like clockwork – of the Swiss kind in mind – cannot be more visible than in Aachen. Here the precision is similar and one of the exhibitors even represented the Swiss time-measuring industry (Hanaya Arabians). The 30th anniversary edition of the All Nations Cup as always electrified everyone from the “Arabian” line of business, both those present and those cheering on from afar… read more