Harvest time. Arabian Horse Days – Poland 2011 (August 5th-7th)

The Arabian Horse Days, which take place in August, are the crowning event of a year’s – sometimes more – worth of breeders’ work. Considering that the event coincides with the harvest, a certain analogy comes to mind, as in both cases it is the time of reaping the results of hard labor. We have become used to blaming the changeable weather for crop failure, but let’s not forget that a properly prepared soil can to a large extent prevent against temporary unfavorable conditions… Have the breeders prepared themselves for the unfavorable aura, which has come upon us with the economic crisis and did they manage to reap such crops as they have hoped?

Białka

Last year Białka Stud put up six mares on the main auction list (one was ultimately withdrawn), with only two of them finding buyers. The bay Perita (Ekstern – Perforacja/Ernal) was sold to France for 22 thousand euro, while the grey Natea (Gazal Al Shaqab – Nutella/Pers) headed to Kuwait for the price of 23 thousand euro. The aggregate amounted to a rather small sum of 64 thousand euro, out of which just 45 thousand was paid for horses off the main list. This year the decision was made to decrease the number of horses and to increase the quality of the offer. And so only three mares were chosen to represent Białka at the 2011 Pride of Poland. The first of these, the grey Fabryszka (out of Fula/Partner), a true daughter of Gazal Al Shaqab who proudly displayed a long arched neck and struck a statue-like pose, became one of the stars of the auction. After a fierce bidding she achieved the third highest result of the sale – 150 thousand euro! With that she wrote herself down in history, beside the sold in 2006 for 160 thousand euro to Australia Hula (Penthagonn – Hulanka/Eukaliptus), as one of the highest price-fetching graduates of the youngest Arabian State Stud.

The second of the offered mares, the gifted with outstanding Arabian type and a beautifully carried swan-like neck Camilia (Piaff – Calineczka/Metropolis NA) was the youngest of the mares appointed for sale this year (Piacenza is 20 days older), but one that could already boast successful show starts. Her young age gives reason to hope that there are more of those still ahead of her. She will soon travel 15 thousand kilometers to her new home, as she was sold for 60 thousand euro to Australia*. The third, Hulala, did not achieve her reserve price.

The offer from Białka was complemented with the Polish National Junior Champion from 2007, the expressively moving Celsjusz (Ekstern – Carina/Pesal). The stallion was purchased by Mohamed Omar from Egypt for the price of 20 thousand euro. This may not seem like a stunning amount, but in these times it is difficult to sell a stallion. Summing up, Białka Stud earned a total of 230 thousand euro, which is an almost fourfold increase as compared to last year.

Janów Podlaski

Last year Janów Podlaski Stud was the only one that had fended off the crisis, earning as much as 560 thousand euro. This year the financial result is even better! The stud’s treasury will collect a total of 749 thousand euro, due mainly to the spectacular sale of Palabra (Enzo – Palmeta/Ecaho) for 400 thousand euro to Saudi Arabia.

A round sum of 100 thousand euro was paid by Athbah Stud from Saudi Arabia for the dam of last year’s Polish National Senior Champion Stallion, the grey Andaluzja (Sanadik El Shaklan – Antwerpia/Eternit). A large surprise was also the extremely good sale of the black Ekstern daughter Sarbia (out of Samura/Ararat) for 85 thousand euro. The mare was purchased by Shirley Watts from Halsdon Arabians, perhaps because of the mare’s future offspring by HS Etiquette. Below expectations was the price achieved for the dam of Poganin, the grey, flea-bitten Pohulanka (Pepton – Pestka/Probat), who brought just 35 thousand euro for her home stud. The mare will head for France, to Lutetia Arabians.

Michałów

The largest takings can be boasted by Michałów Stud, who sold 9 out of the 12 offered mares for the sum of 779 thousand euro and an additional 61,5 thousand euro from the Selection Sale. The total of 840,5 thousand euro, as compared to last year’s 368,7 thousand euro, must be considered a very good result. Although there were times when that result was even greater, as two years ago the aggregate amounted to more than one million euro and a year before that, thanks to the sale of Kwestura, this sum reached nearly two million euro!

The star of the 42nd Pride of Poland Auction, the grey Piacenza (QR Marc – Primawera/Emigrant), was ultimately secured by Greg Gallun for Al Shahania Stud, who paid 475 thousand euro. A decent amount of 125 thousand euro was collected for the 15 year old Panika (Eukaliptus – Plisa/Probat), whose characteristic mark on her head makes her a one of a kind – unique and recognizable. She will take up her new home in Saudi Arabia. A certain disappointment was the bidding of Wieża Babel (Laheeb – Wiaźma/Arbil), which will now call France (Lutetia Arabians) her new home. This mare, boasting both show and breeding successes, was sold for 20 thousand euro without any fight.

Private breeding

The private breeders put up a group of highly decorated young mares for the 2011 auction. The average age of the three offered horses was 5 years and is 3,5 lower than that of the representatives of the Agricultural Property Agency which amounted to 8,5. The total outcome of the “private” sales amounted to 118 thousand euro, out of which half of this amount was made by the wielder of an international pedigree Kashira (Magnum Psyche – Kahila IV/Ibn Bint Inas), bred by Stanisław Redestowicz and owned by Bełżyce Arabians. A champion from the Drammen, Casino Cup in Baden and St. Petersburg shows displayed top form and an additional treat in the shape of a confirmed pregnancy to Ajman Moniscione. This undoubtedly encouraged the buyer from Australia*, who paid 57 thousand euro for her. Kashira will be accompanied on this long journey by Lot 3, the also much decorated Bajaderka (Złocień – Bagatela/Pesal), bred by Agricola Farm and owned by Monika Luft, who was sold for the price of 30 thousand euro. The Autumn Show Junior Champion from 2008, Pasterna (Ekstern – Pasywa/Wachlarz), bred and owned by Lech Błaszczyk, will not have to travel as far, as for the amount of 31 thousand her destination will be the Czech Republic.

Whereas the Selection Sale saw 7 private-bred mares change owners, for the total amount of 57 thousand euro. The highest price, 14,5 thousand euro, was fetched for the mare Waresa (Empres – Włócznia/Borek), bred and owned by Falborek Aabians, which will make her way to France. Her good result probably stemmed from the fact that she is a proven broodmare, having foaled the 2007 Junior Spring Show Reserve Champion Wasa (by WH Justice).

Summarization

In 2008 the auction’s aggregate amounted to 3 million euro, a year later to 2,5 million and in 2010 – just a little above 1 million. It was speculated that the slump in the market might last several years, but as we can see, a diligently prepared offer can prevent a crisis growth to a large extent. There will always be those eager and willing to pay for beautiful and highly decorated horses and the auction’s stars will draw masses of clients. This year’s result nearing 2 million euro shows that the concept of decreasing the number of offered mares to 30, offering younger, already highly decorated horses, as well as setting reasonable reserve prices for the older horses, can bring an intended result. It would perhaps be a good idea to increase the amount of private-bred mares boasting breeding and show successes to at least five in the place of weaker State Stud horses, which have been previously offered at the regular monthly tenders. That would change the atmosphere which to some of us resembles the former political system, when goods had to be rationed.

*the horses sold to Australia were not collected.

Results
(prices in EUR)

Pride of Poland 2011
(30 offered mares and i 2 stallions)

Piacenza 475 thousand, USA
Palabra 400 thousand, Saudi Arabia
Fabryszka 150 thousand, Saudi Arabia
Panika 125 thousand, Saudi Arabia
Andaluzja 100 thousand, Saudi Arabia
Sarbia 85 thousand, GB
Camilia 60 thousand, Australia (not collected)
Kashira 57 thousand, Australia (not collected)
Forminga 46 thousand, Australia (not collected)
Bohema 42 thousand, Australia (not collected)
Egzonera 40 thousand, USA
Pohulanka 35 thousand, France
Pasterna 31 thousand, Czech Republic
Bajaderka 30 thousand, Australia (not collected)
Entima 28 thousand, GB
Luanda 25 thousand, Poland
Ebora 20 thousand, Czech Republic
Wieża Babel 20 thousand, France
Grobla 20 thousand, GB
Watra 10 thousand, France
Cisowa 8 thousand, Australia (not collected)
Adelina 8 thousand, Australia (not collected)
Cetula 8 thousand, Australia (not collected)

Celsjusz 20 thousand, Egypt

Selection Sale 2011
(29 offered mares, 1 withdrawn, 28 present, 3 stallions)

Waresa 15 thousand, France
Wegaza 14,5 thousand, GB
Fuksja 11,5 thousand, Australia (not collected)
Pasadena 10,5 thousand, USA
Estorissa 10 thousand, Saudi Arabia
Elsterina 8 thousand, Qatar
Alta 7 thousand, Germany
Wahida 7 thousand, Germany
Echmea 6 thousand, Australia (not collected)
Epifa 6 thousand, Australia (not collected)
Satenia 6 thousand, France
Salta 5 thousand, Belgium
Eila 4,5 thousand, Belgium
Pereja 4,5 thousand, Qatar
Efrodycja 4 thousand, Australia (not collected)
Estanteria 4 thousand, Australia (not collected)
Eulera 4 thousand, Germany
Willa Rosa 3 thousand, Germany

Zigi Zan 21 thousand, Australia (not collected, sold later to Sweden)

You can read the whole article “Harvest time. Arabian Horse Days – Poland 2011 (August 5th-7th)” here

Janów Podlaski 2010: an Arabian roller coaster

The Arabian Horse Days, which have permanently written themselves down in the calendar of the Polish breeding tradition, surprise us with something each year and are remembered due to certain events and horses participating in them. Two years ago they caused much excitement by means of the spectacular successes of the invincible Pianissima and the sale of World Champion Mare Kwestura for a “trifle” of 1,125,000 Euro. Last year for the first time in the history of the auction a yet unborn foal was sold, while the National Show ended with the success of the private breeders, who returned home with four out of six junior medals, including two Reserve Champions.

The 32nd Polish National Arabian Horse Show combined with the 41st Pride of Poland Sale was to be the year of Pilar, who held promise for a financial success, especially since her perhaps most titled daughter was entered into the National Show – the bay Pinga, Polish National Champion Filly and Best in Show of 2005, who returned to Poland just a month ago after residing almost two years in the US. Unfortunately the weather and the worldwide economic crisis foiled all plans and this year’s Arabian Horse Days will be remembered as a dramatic evacuation of horses in pitch-darkness during the storm and a decrease of the auction’s income after several years of prosperity. However Pilar fulfilled the expectations and she achieved the highest price of the auction: 240 thousand Euro.

The Sale

After a small break all gathered in the indoor arena where Fryderyk Chopin’s 200th birthday was commemorated with a special performance by Arabian stallions, which presented themselves to live music. The riders threw white roses in the direction of the piano, handed to them previously by a lady with a child in historical costumes. This beautiful picture of our tradition and national achievement began the 41st auction, known since 2001 as the Pride of Poland. The round 10th anniversary of organizing the event by Polturf did not end in a great celebration, as there wasn’t much to be happy about. It was the weakest auction of the past several years, as 10 out of the 36 horses offered in the main sale did not sell. Several were bought without any fight whatsoever after reaching the reserve price, which this year seemed to be set for many horses at a low level of 10 thousand Euro. The world crisis finally caught up with the Arabian business, but I don’t think anyone expected such a decrease of prices. In 2008 the auction brought a total of 3 million Euro, last year nearly 2,5 million and this year only slightly more than a million… Of course we should mention that in the previous years the high financial result came courtesy of the sale of the spectacular Kwestura, but analyzing the average price achieved from the sale of horses from the main auction list in 2007-2009 (excluding the mentioned mare from our statistics) we see that the average maintained an even level of around 80 thousand Euro per horse. This year that amount is lower by half, being a little more than 39 thousand Euro. A similar decrease can be observed in the number of horses which reached the 100 thousand Euro mark: in 2007 there were seven such horses, in 2008 and 2009 – six. This year the magical number of 100 thousand Euro was surpassed only by Janów’s Pilar (240 thousand euro). However this year’s auction doesn’t necessarily have to herald a long lasting crisis, as in the last decade we have witnessed similar events right after entering the new millennium. In 2001 fifteen out of the 39 offered horses did not sell and the average price for a mare was just under 40 thousand dollars. The next year was slightly better, as up for sale was the freshly crowned Reserve Champion Filly – Wieża Wiatrów (Ganges – Wiaźma/Arbil) and the auction ended with the sale of 30 out of the 33 offered mares with an average price of 36 thousand dollars. A year later again 13 out of the 37 offered mares did not change owners, with the average amounting to just 32 thousand dollars. The highest prices were given for Embella (Monogramm – Emanacja/Eukaliptus) and Elwia (Ecaho – Etopka/Eukaliptus), for whom 140 thousand Euro was given each*. The third price of the auction was 105 thousand Euro for the Michałów-bred Figlarka (Monogramm – Frejlina/Pepton). These three mares “made” the entire auction, as the rest sold around 10 thousand Euro per horse. The years 2004-2005 brought a breakthrough. The number of offered horses was decreased to 29-30 and the prices went up. The mare Palestyna (Monogramm – Palestra/Penitent) achieved a sum of 300 thousand Euro, a year later Elandra (Monogramm – Erlanda/Eukaliptus) reached 290 thousand Euro. Sums surpassing 100 thousand Euro began to appear more frequently and after lean years again came years of plenty. In capitalism there are often fluctuations and there cannot always be increases and record prices.

A large surprise this year was the fact that in the top five of the highest sold horses two belonged to private owners. Purchased for a sum of 48 thousand Euro was last year’s Autumn Show Champion Filly from Janów Podlaski – the bay Gadnes (Psytadel – Gracea/Etogram), bred and owned by Jan Głowacki. This two year old filly showed a direction in which the demand of the market will probably be heading. Foreign buyers are looking for young horses, promising a show career and the most sought after are individuals with achievements under their belt. Such a horse was without a doubt Lot 25 Ermina (Galba – Echidna/Ararat), bred by Samko P.U.H. and owned by Monika Luft, a granddaughter of Elandra, a regular at international shows where she placed in the Top Five of her classes and a class winner from Białka. She found a buyer for the second highest price of this year’s auction, 90 thousand Euro! This mare with a uniquely beautiful carved head is the highest sold horse of private ownership in the history of the Janów sale. Her new owner however wanted to remain anonymous. It is only known that Ermina will leave Poland. The other two private owned mares (Primadonna and Sotika) were not sold and the reserve prices of 75 thousand Euro seemed to be too high for this year, though sometimes it is better to leave a good horse in your own stable than to sell it below the value that it means to us.

Looking at the Pride of Poland offer we find a different regularity than the one that the world demand is heading for. The average age of the offered mares is 8 years – with the state stud horses averaging 8,5 and the private-bred slightly over 4 years. Of course we must remember that we cannot sell only young and unproven mares, as they must leave progeny in Poland in order to maintain the continuity of the dam line and their sale cannot compromise our breeding itself. The interest in Monogramm daughters has decreased, who beside those with an outstanding show career aren’t such an attractive offer as they used to be a couple of years ago. Foreign buyers prefer to purchase the younger daughters of Ekstern than to spend large sums on 15-16 year old mares, burdened with a reproduction risk and problems with re-selling the horse at a later time. We must remember that our mares after producing several foals at the buyer’s stud often change owners, being simply a good investment. Six out of the seven Ekstern daughters offered this year for sale were sold. The highest price was achieved by the Junior Spring Show Reserve Champion Filly from 2001, Wilga (out of Wenessa/Egon). This 11 year old mare can boast a successful breeding career with her signature daughter by Gazal Al Shaqab – the grey Wilda, last year’s Polish National Reserve Champion Mare from Janów Podlaski. It is definitely a pity to sell such a handsome mare, proven broodmare, in foal to an outstanding sire of show horses QR Marc for a sum of 82 thousand Euro to Belgium. With that she became the highest sold horse from Michałów Stud, who this year painfully felt the world crisis in comparison to previous auctions. The stud’s budget will be enlarged by 368,700 Euro from horses sold at both the main auction and Selection Sale. Last year Michałów’s auction income amounted to more than one million Euro and two years ago, thanks to the sale of Kwestura, almost two million Euro! An even worse balance has been made by Białka Stud, which earned a total of just 64 thousand Euro… Whereas Janów Podlaski Stud is the only one that saved itself from the crisis, though this year’s result is lower than the previous, which surpassed one million Euro. The total of 560 thousand Euro, considering such a tough year, should be recognized as a rather large amount.

Considering that last year Shirley Watts from Great Britain purchased two Janów mares, offering for the daughter of Pipi, the bay Preria (by Ararat), 230 thousand Euro and several minutes later half a million Euro for the young Pinta (Ekstern – Pilar/Fawor), her total purchases amounted to 730 thousand Euro, which is slightly less than the entire outcome of this year’s auction! This time Halsdon Arabians will welcome three mares: Michałów’s Pampa (Gazal Al Shaqab – Palestyna/Monogramm) for 45 thousand Euro and Janów’s Hekla (Primo – Harpia/Ernal) and Agusta (Piaff – Albigowa/Fawor), for which Mrs. Watts paid 40 thousand Euro each, having spent a total of 125 thousand Euro. Everyone betted that due to the love for this dam line Mrs. Watts would make her dream come true and purchase the dam of the previously bought daughters: Pinta (500 thousand Euro) and Pieta (300 thousand Euro). Though during the pre-sale presentations she inspected Pilar thoroughly, applauding her loudly, during the sale she moved aside for Al Shaqab Stud from Qatar, allowing them to purchase this epochal mare for the already mentioned 240 thousand Euro. The new owners gave Shirley Watts a joyful hug – was it a thank you gesture for the opportunity to purchase this mare? Pilar has produced good looking foals each year and during her 10 year breeding career at Janów Podlaski gave ten foals, the most successful by Gazal Al Shaqab, to whom she was bred five times. So it is not surprising that it were buyers from the Middle East that were interested in purchasing this mare. Heading off to Qatar is also a Laheeb daughter – the grey Ariadne (out of Argentyna/Partner), for whom 60 thousand Euro was given and an Angor daughter – Galatea (out of Gehenna/Monogramm), who was sold for 27 thousand Euro. A decisively smaller group of horses will journey to the US: three mares for a total sum of 46 thousand Euro. This shows the change in the clientele market. Not as far as a couple of years ago buyers from the US were the most active bidders during the sale and today their presence is barely visible. Whereas the European market is developing more intensively – this year it was led by France, who purchased as much as seven horses for a decent total of 215 thousand Euro. Also the highest sold horse of the Selection Sale (30 thousand Euro) will head to France: the stallion El Azem (Gazal Al Shaqab – El Fatha/Entyk). Last year the stallion Eol (out of Eutona/Etogram), for whom 12 thousand Euro was given, also went to France. As we can see, our countries have more in common than just a love for Chopin’s music – perhaps the time has come for the expansion of Polish Arabians in that country?

Also our domestic breeders did not fail and took advantage of the sale offer to acquire good genetic material for their herds. Three mares will stay in Poland, including a Monogramm daughter, the chestnut Wyborna (out of Wybranka/Piechur), sold for 20 thousand Euro. Slightly more expensive at 30 thousand Euro was Emetyna (Ekstern – Esina/Sinus) and for a minimum price of 10 thousand Euro the beautiful Laheeb daughter, Percepcja (out of Perturbacja/Laheeb) was bought. The total amount of domestic purchases is 60 thousand Euro, which is 14 thousand higher than the American buys, not counting the four mares purchased by the Poles for a total of 18,5 thousand Euro at the Selection Sale, where the buyers from America were not present at all.

The auction itself was rather spiritless, without frequent surges of thrills and emotions which we could’ve witnessed in the previous years. A truly vibrant atmosphere appeared only during the bidding of Pilar and Ermina. The audience also did a good job of cheering on the horses and encouraging the potential buyers to make a decision to bid.

As this year’s auction showed it is time to search for new markets, as the buyers who have been coming to Poland for years have this time greatly reduced their purchases. We can only hope that the Polish Arabians, as many times before, will come out of yet another crisis unscathed.

Results
(prices in EUR)

Pride of Poland 2010
(36 mares offered, 1 withdrawn, 35 present)

Pilar 240 thousand, Qatar
Ermina 90 thousand, Saudi Arabia
Wilga 82 thousand, Belgium
Ariadne 60 thousand, Qatar
Gadnes 48 thousand, France
Pampa 45 thousand, GB
Agusta 40 thousand, GB
Etyka 40 thousand, France
Hekla 40 thousand, WB
Ebla 35 thousand, France
Emetyna 30 thousand, Poland
Pustynna Tęcza 30 thousand, France
Natea 23 thousand, Kuwait
Altea 22 thousand, USA
Dębowa Góra 22 thousand, France
Perita 22 thousand, France
Galatea 20 thousand, Qatar
Wyborna 20 thousand, Poland
Papaya 18 thousand, France
Efuzja 17 thousand, Austria
Bajgora 12 thousand, USA
El Haza 12 thousand, Belgiium
Emigra 12 thousand, USA
Erreuza 12 thousand, Kuwait
Percepcja 10 thousand, Poland
Petrara 10 thousand, Kuwait

Selection Sale 2010
(33 offered mares, 1 withdrawn, 32 present, 8 stallions)

Pernacja 20 thousand, GB
Emfora 12 thousand, Qatar
Gioconda 8 thousand, (?)
Papua 8 thousand, Belgium
Manresa 7,5 thousand, South Africa
Alena, 6,5 thousand, Denmark
Cyminka 6 thousand, Poland
Eka (z klaczką Ekanta po Celsjusz) 6 thousand, Switzerland
Pomposa 4,7 thousand, France
Equita 4,5 thousand, Poland
Eneryda 4 thousand, Luxemburg
Erydia 4 thousand, Qatar
Euskoma 4 thousand, Qatar
Fabira 4 thousand, Poland
Nimba 4 thousand, Kuwait
Pensacola 4 thousand, Poland

El Azem 30 thousand, France
Wembley 7,5 thousand, Italy
Abbar 5 thousand, Belgium

 —————————————————-

*Embella was not paid and she remained in Michałów until 2007 when she was sold at a monthy tender to Dubai (7 July 2007) (added by polskiearaby.pl)

You can read the whole article “Janów Podlaski 2010: an Arabian roller coaster” here

The Tradition and Modernity

After the last year`s, spectacular success of unbeaten Pianissima and the record-setting sale of the World Champion Mare Kwestura for 1 125 000 EUR, we thought that for next emotions of the comparable size we`d have to wait a long time. Achieving such high standards again became a real challenge for the organizers, who had to prepare another sales list, attractive enough to encourage the buyers from all over the world. There appeared, however, some doubts, if the global financial crisis didn`t negatively influence the sales results, by discouraging certain foreign breeders?

Pride of Poland Sale

The National Show was run in an idyllic atmosphere, whereas since the very beginning of the auction it turned into chaos; lack of music, a sleepy audience and complete lack of a mood that should be present at this kind of event. Only presentation of a touching movie about Pianissima and her newborn filly, delivered in a natural way, charming, bay Pia by Ganges, what preceded the first bidding – of Lot 0, Pianissima 2010 Produce – warmed up the atmosphere. In fact, a film showing the Multichampion grazing fresh, green grass, with her joyfully playing filly, made a perfect sales gimmick, arousing emotions of a potential owner of a future foal out of that unique mare. This way the first sale of an unborn foal in the history of Janów Auction proved successful – the owners of Royal Arabians Stud, from the US, paid 175 000 EUR for the possibility of fulfilling their dream about introducing their own breeding conception with the most beautiful mare in the world.

This bidding was really fascinating, but afterwards emotions subsided – the next two mares, Pelota and Elgara, didn’t achieved their reserve prices, so left the ring unsold. Did it mean, that because of the crisis spectators from all over the world were to replace buyers? A slight anxiety appeared, the more, that during the bidding of chestnut Fallada (Monogramm – Fanaberia/Probat), who achieved 480 000 EUR, the auctioneer declared, that the mare didn`t reach her reserve price. However, Jerzy Zbyszewski, who commented the sale, gave a contrary information, that the mare was sold, but did not say where. It was Mrs. Shirley Watts from Great Britain who broke the losing streak, offering 230 000 EUR for the daughter of Pipi, the bay Preria. Several minutes later she gave 500 000 EUR for the young mare Pinta (Ekstern – Pilar/Fawor), initiating the every year`s competition for the most attractive horses.

Summarizing, at the main sale entered were 33 mares of the highest quality. Sold were 27 of them (Fallada, as we found out, as eventually sold after the sale by way of negotiation to Knocke Arabians, Belgium, for 465 000 EUR), including 3 mares sold just after the auction (Pelota, Nike, Basta). Only three ones were unsold, what made a completely satisfying result, comparing to the last year`s auction, when 1/3 from the entered 37 mares returned to the stables. The total sum achieved at the main auction resulted 2 444 000 EUR – the figure slightly lower than last year. One must, however, notice, that last year`s total financial effect was caused mostly by the spectacular transaction of selling Kwestura for the record-breaking sun of 1 125 000 EUR. On the other hand, this year`s average price per head – 81 000 EUR – was 5 000 EUR higher than the last year`s one (excluding Kwestura). For 6 times achieved were sums higher than 100 000 EUR, what proved, that the crisis didn`t finally influenced the Janów Auction, successful enough.

The auction itself, however, ended with a slight feeling of dissatisfaction, quick falls of the hammer, discontentment of the buyers, repeated biddings and a heavy and strangely stiff atmosphere… Expected was a great show, the more that in the corner of the hall set was a large outdoor screen, displaying not only the Lot 0 offer, but some special film produced earlier, accompanying the bidding for each horse. All that was, after all, deprived of the specific charm and magic, typical for the previous auctions and shows. Why the auction had to be conducted in a deaf silence, whereas during the National Show the DJ could display music suitable for different age groups and even for the weather and general atmosphere?

This year`s event organizers proved, that many faults might be improved, many novelties and facilities might be introduced. Let`s hope then, that in the next year the event will be organized much better, whereas Polish Arabians will never lose their high rank in the World, elaborated by centuries.

Results
(prices in EUR)

Pride of Poland 2009
(33 mares offered, 3 stallions)

Pinta 500 thousand, GB
Fallada (sold after the auction) 465 thousand, Belgium
Preria 230 thousand, GB

Pianissima 2010 Produce 175 thousand, USA
Emika 120 thousand, Belgium
Felicjana 105 thousand, Middle East
Estaka 80 thousand, Poland
Euscera 65 thousand, USA
Złota Orchidea 65 thousand, Belgium
Filistia 62 thousand, Kuwait
Lozanna 58. thousand, Middle East
Granada 52 thousand, USA
Bellanda 50 thousand, Belgium
Halima 45 thousand, USA
Poksa 40 thousand, Saudi Arabia
Elimeja 36 thousand, France
Pogoda 30 thousand, Middle East
Elmina 25 thousand, Qatar
Nina 25 thousand, Qatar
Tonacja 20 thousand, USA
Wizga 20 thousand, Saudi Arabia
Walpurgia 16 thousand, USA
Euspiria 11 thousand, France
Samura 11 thousand, Australia
Faseta 10 thousand, UAE
Cesena 8 thousand, Qatar
Droga Mleczna 8 thousand, Qatar
Emkira 8 thousand, Kuwait
Basta sold after the auction for a not given publicly amount to Qatar
Nike sold after the auction for a not given publicly amount to Qatar
Pelota sold after the auction for a not given publicly amount to Qatar

Eliat 15 thousand, UAE

Selection Sale 2009
(26 mares offered, 8 stallions)

Erabea 25 thousand, South Africa
Gemellia 21 thousand, Poland
Egzala (with colt by Enzo) 13 thousand, Kuwait
Panakeja 7 thousand, Norway
Bint Marafia 6 thousand, Germany
Preferans 6 thousand, GB
Pisa 5 thousand, Poland
Agilla 4,5 thousand, Belgium
Tamit 4 thousand, France
Bochemia 3 thousand, France
El Tessa 3 thousand, Australia
Empira 3 thousand, Poland
Finetta 3 thousand, USA
Piawa 3 thousand, Poland

Lissar 19 thousand, Denmark
Eol 12 thousand, France
Piber sold after the auction for a not given publicly amount to Qatar

You can read the article “The Tradition and Modernity. A summarization of the 2009 Pride of Poland Janów Podlaski sale” with the photos from the Polish Nationals 2009 and the Sale here

A historic record: 1,125 million for Kwestura! (author: Monika Luft)

This year’s Pride of Poland Sale in Janów Podlaski closed off with an aggregate of 3,186,000 euro. A million and one hundred twenty five thousand euro was paid by a stud from the Middle East – Ajman Stud – for World Champion Kwestura. The first to be auctioned off was Wróżka, for whom a buyer from Belgium paid 52 thousand euro. Next entered Kwestura and immediately the temperature of the sale increased significantly. The bidding amount instantly sky-rocketed to a couple thousand euro. When it reached 950 thousand George Z, who was commenting the sale, said: “This is a historic moment for the Janów Sale. We reached 950 thousand euro and we bid on!”. A moment later the offered amount surpassed one million and stopped at 1,125,000.

It is the highest sold Polish Arabian. As a reminder, the record-holder up to now – Penicylina – was auctioned off at the Polish Ovation Sale (1985) in the US for 1,5 million dollars. After converting to dollars, Kwestura’s price today would be about 1,750,000 dollars.

The audience bid farewell to the phenomenal chestnut from Michałów with loud applause. Now she will be the centerpiece of a Middle Eastern herd, still bringing fame to Polish breeding.

After a record price, achieved by Michałów’s Kwestura, the next highest-sold mare turned out to be Janów’s Eukaliptus daughter Amra, for whom the last bid amounted to 340 thousand euro. The mare will head to Great Britain, just like the next Eldon daughter – Andromeda (270 thousand euro). Ellissara from Michałów found a new home in Saudi Arabia – the buyers splashed out 240 thousand euro for her. High prices, over 50 thousand euro, were also achieved by: Wróżka (52), Egea (160), Ekina (100), Peczora (90), the private-bred (by Stanisław Redestowicz) and owned (by Tomasz Tarczyński) Emegna (60), the bought by Małgorzata and Józef Pietrzak Dormeza (65), a second mare bred by Stanisław Redestowicz – Bellissima (80) and Ewina (55). There was a lack of spectacular offers from the United States – whether due to the crisis, or the low rate of the dollar, the American buyers did not bid high. The highest-sold horse across the pond turned out to be Erotika (40 thousand euro). Many mares went back to their stables unsold. There were no buyers during the auction for Białka’s Pereira, Arvena and Estrelia, nor Michałów’s Wesoła Nowina, Dombra and Diastema, nor Janów’s Salamina, Eukomia and Epoka, though some of them found new owners right after the sale.

Compared to last year’s sale, when nearly all the horses were sold, the demand much decreased. It is even more surprising, as the interest in the sale surpassed all expectations – already two weeks before the auction there were no VIP cards available. It was indeed rather crowded during the sale and championships, though evidently it did not result in just as large number of buyers. Nevertheless the auction surely has to be considered a success – the spectacular sale of Kwestura is without a doubt a huge promotion of Polish breeding.

This year the Silent Sale took on a new form and a new name – the Selection Sale. The bidding was made public and took place on the arena, however without the presence of the horses. Only horses with declarations of purchase interest submitted were bid on – and some of them achieved much higher prices than the cheapest mares from the main sale. And so Pilbara was sold to the Czech Republic for 22 thousand euro, Prusja to Kuwait for 21 thousand, while Piana to France for 15 thousand. The other prices did not exceed 10 thousand: Bola (8 thousand, Sweden), El Seribe (7 thousand, Poland), Eriboja (10), Oriwia (6 – USA), Penalba (9), Petronia (5 – Brazil), Sokołda (5 – France), Sonora (7 – Austria), Stigma (7 – France), Wenus (7 – Great Britain). In addition two stallions sold for rather high prices: Pentamer to France for 31 thousand, Gorec to the US for 21 thousand.

You can read the full article “A historic record: 1,125 million for Kwestura! Pianissima Best in Show” here

Janów Podlaski 2008 – a new era comes (author: Rafał Czarnecki)

The jubilee 30th Polish National Show and 39th sale (since 2001 known as “Pride of Poland”) was a groundbreaking event for Polish breeding. The spectacular success of private bred horses, the sale record price of a Polish-bred horse, and the foreign sires influence – point the new direction for the Arabian horse breeding in Poland.

Beautifully surrounded Janów Podlaski Stud is a truly “horse paradise” with its noble creatures – Arabian horses. In the barns designed by famous Henryk Marconi each year a number of great horses are being born and are carrying the name of this place all over the world. It is also the place where since 1979 the best Polish bred horses can be seen at the Polish National Show.

Every year this peaceful place becomes the Arabian horse breeding capital. This year again thousands of guests visited the stud; two weeks before the event all the VIP tickets were sold! The reason was obvious: not always one can see so many Arabian famous stars gathered at one small area, including three world champion mares: 2000 Junior Champion Emmona (Monogramm – Emilda/Pamir), undefeated Pianissima (Gazal Al Shaqab – Pianosa/Eukaliptus) and lot A of the 2008 Pride of Poland sale, 2007 World Champion mare Kwestura (Monogramm – Kwesta/Pesennik).

The sale

It was 39th time when the buyers from all over the world came to Janów Podlaski – including the guests from USA, Australia, Brazil, Middle East and Europe. The sale was highly appreciated as for the first time since the last two decades such a noble mare was going to be the star of the offer – 2007 World Champion Kwestura. At the main sale there were 37 top selected mares and 25 of them were sold, nearly 1/3 was not sold that – comparing with the last year with 26 mares and only one not sold – was not such a big achievement. Even when the total amount of the sale was impressive and reached 3 million euro but, excluding Kwestura, the total income was lower than in the past in ca. 500 000 euro. Last year 7 mares reached the total of 100 000 euro or over; this time besides Kwestura – five. Also the average price per horse was worse for 3000 euro than the year before (this time 74 000 excluding Kwestura). Even if the total income was amazing the overall interest in the sale lowered and only a few horses purchased for big amounts made a good final result.

The first one on the ring appeared lot number 1 – black Ganges daughter Wróżka out of Wipera by Fawor. The buyers from Belgium paid for her 52 000 euro. After that with an extending trot cheered with amazed spectators Kwestura appeared on the ring. She electrified the crowds and the atmosphere warmed up with the price flying up to 350 000 euro in the first minute of bidding and to 600 000 in the second one. The fact that Kwestura is in foal to the fashionable QR Marc was an additional plus of the offer. The bidding ended with 1.125.000 euro and Middle Eastern Ajman Stud is Kwestura’s new owner – however the bidding seemed to be controversial as after it ended a kind of misunderstanding has appeared and Christine Jamar bidding for her client was very upset.

The next came Janów-bred Cefeida, purchased for 25 000 to the US. Cefeida was one of the 7 mares sold to North America for only ca 130 000 euro with highest sold horse Erotika (40 000 euro). Lots of past buyers didn’t come this year as the Sloan brothers for instance; additionally a low price of US dollar in Europe is also a matter of fact.

The first mare offered by Białka Stud, Calineczka by Metropolis NA, was not sold as well as Cirsza and Pereira (both sold after the auction), Arvena and Estrelia. Białka-bred mares were coming back to the stables usually without reaching their minimum prices that was quite surprising as some of the price offers were attractive. The buyers were very strict this year anyway so Białka had no problem with selling the beautiful Ekina with her exotic head (for which she was scored at Białka show with the highest scores of the show – even higher than the world champion Emandoria). Ekina was sold to Begium for 100 000 euro.

Janów Podlaski stud put also a very attractive star at this year’s sale – Polish National Junior Champion and Best in Show in 2002, the charismatic Amra by Eukaliptus. For 340 000 euro she was purchased by The Rolling Stones drummer wife – Mrs. Shirley Watts. Her Halsdon Arabians will also be joined by Eldon daughter Andromeda, sold for 270 000 euro. The interesting offer was also the young black Elwinga by HS Pirandelo (Pilot – Elekcja/Etogram) – a pure Polish stallion that was on lease from Shirley Watts. This Junior Champion Mare of Bełżyce Show in Poland was purchased to Belgium.

Michałów Stud besides the spectacular Kwestura gained the record prices for its daughters of Laheeb (Imperial Imdal – AK Latifa/Ibn Moniet El Nefous) – being on lease to Poland in 1999. He sired a number of excellent progeny and was used again this year. The excellent mover Egea out of Egna by Eukaliptus was magnetic for the buyers and gained the amount of 160 000 euro from the clients from Saudi Arabia as well as an other Laheeb daughter bred by Michałów, Ellissara purchased for the high amount of 240 000 euro. One of the high sellers was also a daughter of Emigrant (sold to the US not long ago), the flea-bitten Peczora (90 000 euro) and his granddaughter Dormeza (Ekstern – Dobrzyca/Emigrant), in foal to Laheeb, purchased by Polish breeders Małgorzata and Józef Pietrzak for 65 000 euro.

Polish breeders were not only buying but also successfully offering their horses for sale. First of three private owned mares – Garuna was sold to the UK for 47 000 euro, the second one Emegna (the only Magnum Psyche daughter offered) was purchased for 60 000 euro to Saudi Arabia Third – Bellissima was the highest selling private bred and owned horse of this sale purchased for 80 000 euro to Saudi Arabia as well.

An interesting offer was also presented this year at the Selection Sale, modified Silent Sale so far. The bidding was public as the main auction, but only the horses that had earlier inquiries went on bid. Bidding itself was the same as the main auction but without horses on the ring. I don’t think was a good idea at all! If the bidding is public, what sense does it make to watch the empty arena? 

The historical sale brought Poland the total of 3175000 euro, with 1/3 part for World Champion Kwestura that became the highest selling Polish horse ever beating the record price of Penicylina made in 1985 at the Polish Ovation auction – $1,5 million.

For me was lacking the show atmosphere that could have been seen in the past. The sad music in backgrounds was not warming up the spectators nor buyers and no one was encouraging people to cheer the bidding. Where was the amazing atmosphere and shaking showground with “We Will Rock You” as the background?

The few spectators that lasted until the evening parade of Janów Podlaski Stud were awarded by a truly dessert of this event. When the lights turned off the painting of Juliusz Kossak: “Tadeusz Kościuszko portrait” appeared on the screen. Simultaneously a historically dressed rider came into the arena riding dark bay Esturion – looking exactly the same as the painting. It was a really impressive look! The next to appear were: the portrait “Amazon” with the stallion Album under Danuta Konończuk in sidesaddle and Salar presented in hand in red woolen halter as a desert bred horse leaded by Emir Rzewuski. The next painting – “Going to the haunting” by Jerzy Kossak was cheerfully greeted by the audience when three stallions appeared: bay Aslan and grey Perseusz and Eskulap with three Polish hounds leaded by hunters. It was like going to the past – but the next scene was even more moving: the illustration of the painting “Lancer and a girl”. The lancer entered riding dark bay Esturion accompanied by Polish folk dressed girl carrying bunch of roses. It was an exceptional show ending the whole event.

Polish breeders divide a year into before- and after Janów. This year the event was really special. National Show has proven the abilities of Polish private breeding; the one and only Pianissima gathered crowds of her fans and made the breeders thinking if there is anything more beautiful that one can breed? But we should also consider where is the limit of beauty and overrefinement… Kwestura was a real star of the auction and has beaten the price record of the past 20 years. 149 horses entered to the Nationals (138 participated) showed the big Polish tradition of breeding Arabian horses. Polish Arabian horse – thanks to the dedicated people – survived from the wars and nowadays has the deepest registered pedigrees in the world. The new era for Polish breeding that many of us were predicting some years ago – comes now. 

Results
(prices in EUR)

Pride of Poland 2008
(36 offered mares)

Kwestura 1.125 thousand, Ajman (UAE)
Amra 340 thousand, GB
Andromeda 270 thousand, GB
Ellissara 240 thousand, Saudi Arabia
Egea 160 thousand, Saudi Arabia
Ekina 100 thousand, Belgium
Peczora 90 thousand, GB
Bellissima 80 thousand, Saudi Arabia
Emegna 60 thousand, Saudi Arabia
Dormeza 65 thousand, Poland
Ewina 55 thousand, Brazil
Wróżka 52 thousand, Belgium
Garuna 47 thousand, GB
Elwinga 42 thousand, Belgium
Erotika 40 thousand, USA
Sawantka 37 thousand, Belgium
Eutenia 35 thousand, France
Husara 27 thousand, Saudi Arabia
Cefeida 25 thousand, USA
Ellanda 21 thousand, USA
Emeeria 21 thousand, Saudi Arabia
Parola 15 thousand, Italy
Bałaguła 13 thousand, USA
Alberina 12 thousand, USA
Agora 12 thousand, USA
Fukara 10 thousand, USA
Cirsza sold after the auction for a not given publicly amount to France
Pereira sold after the auction for a not given publicly amount to GB
Diastema sold after the auction for a not given publicly amount to Kuwait

Seletion Sale 2008
(22 offered mares, 2 withdrawn, 20 present, 11 stallions, 2 withdrawn, 9 present)

Pilbara 22 thousand, Czech Republic
Prusja 21 thousand, Kuwait
Piana 15 thousand, France
Eriboja 10 thousand, Saudi Arabia
Penalba 9 thousand, Saudi Arabia
Bola 8 thousand, Sweden
El Seribe 7 thousand, Poland
Sonora 7 thousand, Austria
Stigma 7 thousand, France
Wenus 7 thousand, GB
Oriwia 6 thousand, USA
Petronia 5 thousand, Brazil
Sokołda 5 thousand, France
Cerer sold after the auction for a not given publicly amount to Switzerland

Pentamer 31 thousand, France
Gorec 21 thousand, USA

You can find the whole article “Janów Podlaski 2008 – a new era comes. Summing up the Nationals and the Pride of Poland sale” here

Eighteen letters – this is the number that Polish breeders must work with in order to give their graduates a unique name. The situation became complicated in the 50s due to the rule that foal names must begin with the same letter as the first one of their dam’s name. Probably no one expected at the time that more than 600 foals will be born in Poland in the 21st century, and all of them must somehow be named!

But let’s go slightly back in time. Polish breeding in the 19th century did not have a uniform system of naming horses and various studs had their own solutions resolving this matter. Horses at studs which belonged to the Biała Cerkiew estates (owned by the Branicki magnate family) usually received names beginning with the same letter as their sire’s name. In turn the names of horses from Jarczowce Stud (owned by the Dzieduszycki family) were often repeated generation after generation, hence the multitude of certain names, for example Mlecha. A more clear system of naming horses could be found in foreign studs, where offspring received names beginning with the same letter as the their dam’s name, for instance at Crabbet Park. Whereas at the Hungarian stud of Babolna sons received the name of their sire followed by a subsequent Roman numeral, while daughters had Arabic numerals added in front of their names.

From A to Z

After World War I the largest Polish breedings took on a naming system which consisted in subsequent foal crops receiving names beginning with the same letter of the alphabet. This “countdown” begun in Janów Podlaski in 1919, when foals received names starting with the letter “A”. The letter “Z”, which ended the cycle (the Polish letter “Ł” and the international “U” were omitted) was used in 1939. During 1940-46 Janów-bred horses received names from “A” to “G”, respectively. Unfortunately in the post-war disorder the naming system also turned into chaos. The alphabetic system was again introduced in 1947, starting the cycle from the letter “A”. However several years later breeders gave up this rule. Beginning from 1950 in Albigowa Stud, from 1951 in Nowy Dwór Stud and from 1952 in Klemensów-Michalów Stud, foals were named in accordance with the first letter of the dam’s name. This system, apart from incidental exceptions to the rule, is in effect until this day.

E & P

The Polish alphabet consists of 32 letters. After discarding those with diacritic marks (the Polish “ą”, “ć” or “ł”), breeders are left with 23. State breeding uses 18 letters, out of which more than 30% carry names beginning with “E”. The domination of this letter is mainly the result of a breeding career of two valuable mares from the line of Milordka born in 1951 in Klemensów- Michałów Stud. They were Ela (Miecznik – Lala/Amurath Sahib) and the chestnut Estokada (Amurath Sahib – Saga/Hardy). The latter’s great-great granddaughter, the epochal mare Emigracja (Palas – Emisja/Carycyn), established a remarkable family of her own in the 80s. Her two most valuable daughters, both sired by Eukaliptus, Emigrantka and Emanacja, prolonged the family of champions, thanks to which the streak of successes of Michałów-bred Arabians is on a continuous roll. The stud can boast the titles of World Champions for Emmona, Emanda, her daughter Emandoria and Ekstern. Mares with “E” names can also be found representing the lines of Wołoszka, Sahara d.b. and Cherife d.b.

The second letter, which dominates in the nomenclature of Polish Arabians is “P” (more than 15%) due to the line of Szamrajówka, which (in post-war times) descends from the mare Piewica (Priboj – Włodarka/Ofir), imported in 1956 from Tersk. Her daughters, Pentoda, Penza and Pierzga, produced both superb stallions and remarkable broodmares. The latter foaled the dreamlike Pilarka, called “the most admired Polish mare”, which ruled the show arenas of the 80s – twice European Champion and World Champion of 1981. Twenty two years later her granddaughter is born, the bay Pianissima, which begins a march, or rather a reckless run to the top, conquering the show arenas of Europe, America and the Middle East. This twice “Triple-Crowned” World Champion and the freshly crowned Dubai International Champion is the highest decorated Arabian horse in the history of Polish breeding, whose name is known to every enthusiast of the breed in the world.

R & V

To no avail would one look for horses in Poland whose names begin with the letters „I”, „J”, „R”, „U” or „Y”. They can be found in extremely rare cases, mainly due to breeders who imported particular mares from abroad. One of the few people who can annually create names with the unusual in Polish breeding letter “R” is Alicja Marta Napióra, owner of Silvatica Black Arabians, who in 2004 imported the black mare Ravenwood Nejma (Ravenwood Sihr – Ravenwood Masha/RG Al Mone) from the US. “It is always a quick decision”, says the owner. “When I see a foal, I try to imagine what name would suit him. The first born foal, due to his raven-black coat color, received the name Raven. The next foal looked like he was up to mischief, so I named him Rascal. The only so far born filly was extremely sweet and feminine, hence the idea of the proud name Ramira Rose. Often, due to my profession as a pharmacist, I use medicine names, an example of which is Ramico Marc – a combination of the Ramicor drug with emphasizing the sire, QR Marc”.

While being at the letter „Q” we should notice that similarly to „V” and „X” it is not part of the Polish alphabet. For that reason there are almost no horses in our breeding with names beginning with those letters, apart from a few exceptions. One of them is the chestnut Vahta (Aspect – Viktoria/Kumir). The mare found her way to Agricola Farm together with a group of ten horses from Tersk, who came to Poland for the 2001 racing season. “After the termination of the contract with the Russians I was able to buy her”, recalls the owner of the stud, Hanna Sztuka. “The mare was a direct carrier of the legendary Janów-bred Mammona, a mare with extreme merits in world breeding. Bred to Eldon she produced the colt Valczyk in 2002 (successfully participating in endurance races in Italy) and in 2004 together with the stallion Werter she foaled Autumn Show Senior Champion Mare in Janów Podlaski, the chestnut Valeriana”. This year the family has significantly grown – Vahta produced the bay filly Vena by Admin (in the breeding of Krzysztof Czarnota) and Valeriana – the bay filly Via Appia by Elistan.

Where is the logical meaning

An outstanding horse must possess an equally outstanding name. It is quite a challenge not only because of the domination of two of the letters, which agglomerate almost half of the crop, but also due to the rules and regulations of the Polish Arabian Stud Book, which forbids the repeating of a name in the case of a mare no sooner than 10 years since the last year she produced a foal or 25 years since her birth. In the case of stallions the rules are even more restrictive: the name cannot be used sooner than 15 years since the last year of utilizing the stallion or 35 years since his birth.

For this reason many equine names today are a sequence of graphic characters with no logical meaning. Often they are monotonous names, differing very little from each other. For example the mare Perfirka foaled the filly Perfinka – the letter “r” was exchanged for an “n”. In turn the mare Elara produced the colt Elar, who got his name by removing one letter from his dam. The doubling of letters is also a very common feature, which results in comical names, such as Emmaraama.

Looking for the inspiration

Where in that case should one draw inspiration from? The State Studs have introduced several interesting and pleasant-sounding prefixes. We have therefore managed to rear such sublines as: Wieża (Tower of), Pustynna (Desert), Dębowa (Oaken) or Złota (Golden). However we shouldn’t allow ourselves to be mislead, because Złota Orda, her daughter Złota Nić and granddaughter Złota Orfa descend from Zagrobla, but Złota Księga and Złota Gaza, whose produce also annually receive the prefix “Golden” originate from the mare Zatoka. What both have in common is a mutual granddam, Zazula and the damline of Selma d.b., but over several generations these mares have established their own, characteristic families, which significantly differ from each other.

As Urszula Białbok from Michałów Stud admits, the job of naming foals is all hers. “When I read or hear something, I always write it down. That’s why I buy various encyclopedias – she told polskiearaby.pl in an interview. „I sometimes create names by myself. There are too many horses so I don’t focus the same way on every name. However, when there is a foal that I really like, I try to find the most beautiful name for it. Sometimes names just come to my mind. I came up with Wieża Babel (The Tower of Babel) because the mare has such a mixed pedigree, there are so many horses from the whole wide world, that it seems the Tower of Babel! However, it is really difficult to keep going and to add something to this ‘Tower’”.

Who would rather travel can follow the breeding career of the mare Palestyna (Palestine, a region in Asia), who first foaled the filly Pampeluna (Pamplona, a town in northern Spain) and then through her next foal, the colt Palermo (a city and province in Italy) “found” her way to the shoe-shaped country, where one could visit the Roman Panteon (Pantheon) – another son of Palestyna…

Private breeders are also looking for original ideas in naming their horses. At Chrcynno-Palace Stud the inspiration is mythology. “Because the number of mythical names is limited, at one point we had to use a fixed first name for a given subline: Psyche, Echo, Chaos, Gaja”, explains breeder Alicja Poszepczyńska. Thanks to such a naming system horses with these prefixes are immediately associated with this stud. Today we can observe already a third generation of the titled “Psyches” on the show arenas, which recently accrued another medalist – Junior Spring Show Reserve Champion Stallion, gained by the beautiful Khidar son, Psyche Keret.

A large number of breeders intertwine part of the sire’s names into the name of the get – breeders from Zalia Arabians point out that many nice names are already registered. “By adding a second element we are able to register a horse into the Stud Book with a name that we like”, says Katarzyna Dolińska-Witkowska. “Compound names sound nice and give many countless possibilities. This year four of our foals received “Eternity” as the second element, which will

emphasize their origin. One of this year’s fillies is named Camira of Justice – it is not hard to guess who the sire is. Such actions magnify the pedigree and are a simple, yet effective form of promotion”.

A novelty (although long time popular for instance in the US) is the adding of the breeder’s initials to the horse’s name. The Polish Arabian Stud Book does not allow to place initials before the name, only after it. And so it is immediately clear that a filly named Parysada PS must come from the breeding of Przemysław Sawicki.

A name accompanies a horse through his entire life and in some way defines his identity. It helps to stand out from a crowd of animals born every year. Each year Arabian horse enthusiasts from all over the world get to know and remember for long several inimitable names carried by outstanding Polish horses.

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A round of applause, shouting and whistling began even before he showed up on the All Nations Cup arena in Aachen. The stallion marked with the “Mahomet touch” trotted with a high flagged tail and beautifully arched neck, causing a burst of euphoria. The total score of 93 points, which included as many as thirteen “20s”, brought the public to their feet. Several hours later the stallion claimed the title of Senior Champion Stallion. That’s how the slogan of “The Return of a King” became true. WH Justice, after a several year break, strongly marked his repeated presence on the show arena.

But let’s go back in time to May 16th, 1999. In the surroundings of the Rocky Mountains, in one of the most beautiful valleys in the US, the mare Vona Sher-Renea gives birth to a grey colt, who will soon top the list of the most popular sires of all time. Sired by a “living legend”, the stallion Magnum Psyche, through his parents WH Justice inherits the blood of giants, such as the invaluable Padron or El Shaklan.

When he was growing up in Salt Lake Valley, two young breeders from Europe, Thierry and Catherine Kerjean, were looking for a handsome, young stallion. When they received a video from the States, they were literally speechless at the sight of the young colt full of charisma and type. Not long after the horse arrived in Italy. In the first year of his stud career WH Justice covered only 14 mares, but the foals produced this way immediately exhibited his potential. Among them were such notable names as Panarea by Palawan – the later European Junior Champion Mare, World Reserve Champion and Champion from the prestigious show in Dubai, as well as Ajman Moniscione, who went on to gain the titles of European Reserve Champion and All Nations Cup Reserve Champion, as well as Junior Champion Stallion in Menton.

The offspring of WH Justice began to take on the show arenas by storm. Bess Fa’izah reached for the highest trophy in 2006, claiming the title of World Champion. At her side stood the Reserve Champion, the already mentioned Panarea by Palawan. There was no doubt that mare owners from all continents would now make endeavors toward being able to breed their best mares to WH Justice.

The first in Poland

The first to introduce the blood of WH Justice into their breeding program in Poland was the stud of Falborek Arabians. The Goździalski family recalls the process of how the decision of using the stallion grew on them: “During 2003-2005, after the successes of our Szanta on European arenas, we noticed a trend for horses which differed in type from Arabian horses of Polish breeding. We analyzed their results on show arenas, paying attention mainly to foreign stallions, especially those which already had offspring on the ground. There were several such stallions: Gazal Al Shaqab, his son Marwan, Sanadik El Shaklan and lastly WH Justice. In 2004 during the All Nations Cup the latter definitely stood out. That’s when the decision was made to use him at our stud. The World Championships in Paris, which took place in that same year, additionally confirmed the rightness of our decision. Of course we were also a bit anxious, as we were at the time one of the first breeders in Europe and the first in Poland who decided to use him. However we had high expectations and hopes.”

In the next year WH Justice covered four mares especially selected to suit him. This would enable the comparison of future offspring on a larger scale. In 2006 four foals were born – two colts and two fillies. The best at the time turned out to be the light chestnut Satis (out of KP Sadika/Simeon Sadik), who as a yearling won the B series of the yearling colts’ class during the 17th Junior Spring Show in Białka. The owners were fully satisfied: “Whatever the further development of our horses we knew that we could not have made a better decision regarding them. Both we and the late Wojciech Kowalik believed in their success.”

It was in the hands of Wojciech Kowalik that the yearling Wasa (out of Waresa/Empres) gained the title of 2007 Junior Reserve Champion Mare in Białka. She won the A series of the yearling fillies’ class with a score of 92,33 points (two “20s” for head and neck), which turned out to be the second highest out of the entire show group of 126 horses! The lovely mare of a steel-grey coat color twice qualified for the finals during the Polish Nationals in Janów Podlaski. She also placed twice in the top fives of her classes during international shows in Wels and Moorsele. Last year she won a bronze medal at the 1st Arabia Polska Horse Festival.

Even greater successes can be boasted by Altis (out of Albia/Pers). The grey stallion is gifted with splendid movement, so he draws the attention of viewers and judges alike everywhere he goes. In 2007 he claimed the title of Polish National Reserve Junior Champion, winning his class with a high score of 91,67 points (including a “20” for head and neck and two “20s” for movement). In the finals he had to yield to Białka’s Celsjusz, but a month later he overtook his rival during the All Nations Cup in Aachen, where he won the title of Reserve Junior Champion Stallion.

That same year in Verona Altis took home the title of Top Five Junior Stallion. During the World Championships he was recognized as one of the Junior Top Ten. In January of 2008 he won his class at the Al Khalediah Show in Saudi Arabia, becoming one of the highest decorated privately bred Polish horses that had been led to victory by his breeder. After long negotiations a decision to sell him was made. Was it right? “I think that it was. After those successes the stallion wrote himself down in the history of Polish Arabian horse breeding. Until today he is the best ambassador of our stud. Calling him Falborek’s pride or even Poland’s pride, is absolutely justified”, says Krzysztof Goździalski. These words are confirmed by the 2011 All Nations Cup, during which Altis won the class of 4-6 years old stallions with a score of 92,20 points, including three “20s” for an impressive trot.

In 2007 Falborek witnessed the birth of subsequent foals by WH Justice – Bint Matis (out of KP Bint Malikah el Nil/U.P. Sheitan) and Satenia (out of Słonka/Wojsław), in 2008 Pertisa (out of Pernacja/Ekstern) and Wadis (out of Waresa/Empres) and in 2009 Albad – Altis’ full brother. The grey Pertisa, presented in 2010 during the National Show by Tomasz Jakubowski, exhibited phenomenal movement. She ultimately secured third place in class with a final score of 90,67 (two “20s” for movement). Several months later, during the European Championships, in the B series of the two year old fillies’ class, she placed fourth with 90,1, right behind the Polish National Junior Champion, the chestnut Wieża Róż. Her further career was shelved due to a serious injury at the Warsaw race track. The Goździalski family took up a fight to save the mare and seven months later, thanks to their determination, she began to walk again. “Faith works miracles, and that’s what happened in this case. We’re happy that our persistence allowed the mare to be with us today”, they add.

The most titled one

However the most titled daughter of WH Justice born on Polish soil is undoubtedly the phenomenal El Piatzolla (out of Enya/Ekstern). She was foaled, just like her legendary father, in May, precisely on the 26th. This day is well remembered by her breeders, Beata and Marek Błaszkiewicz from Podlesie Arabians: “Her birth was an important event for us. The strong and lively foal stood on her legs already after 15 minutes and not long after demanded milk. The next day she went with her dam for her first walk. A nimble, alert and curious filly, a miniature of exquisite beauty with a flagged tail, bouncing off the ground like a ball. We were happy, touched and proud, observing our princess.”

Already as a yearling El Piatzolla gained her first title – a silver medal in Blommeröd. In the finals the mares were presented in pouring rain, but the unfavorable weather did not interfere with the filly’s debut. She didn’t have to wait long for her next medal. Already two months’ later she won the bronze during the 4th Autumn Show at Janów Podlaski, where she enraptured the judges with a sweeping trot and long suspension phase. The list of accomplishments of this young, just 3 years old mare, is impressive. Only in 2011 she gained another three medals, starting with the gold in Deurne at the Tulip Cup B-show in Holland, through a bronze from the 21st Junior Spring Show in Białka, ending with the silver at the 1st Arabia Polska horse festival. “We love to watch her, we are delighted with her beauty, a movement full of elegance and grace, and trusting eyes. We have an extraordinary horse. Dreams do come true”, say the proud breeders. In these circumstances a repeated mating of her dam to WH Justice is no surprise. This time the result was a colt – El Fado.

Take care of your mares…

A second beautiful mare was born at Słowianin stud. The chestnut Ekspiracja (out of Eklezja/Monogramm) as a yearling in 2009 in Białka placed 10th. However two months later, during the National Show in Janów Podlaski and owned by Krzysztof Falba at the time, she “jumped up” by 5 notches. Next year at the same event she came in 4th with a score of 89,67 points. Last season she repeated the result, but with a higher final score: 91,5 points (including two “19,5s” for head and neck).

The mare’s breeder, Lech Błaszczyk, when asked whether he regrets his decision to sell her, shrugs: “I’m a passionate and a bit of a madcap, whereas Polish breeding is full of many ardent and jealous people. I don’t regret the decision because Ekspiracja’s dam is again in foal to WH Justice and will give birth to a full sibling in the spring.” Furthermore a mating that resulted in a good moving, dainty colt – Elgast out of Elfera/Psytadel – was also repeated.

So far in Poland 21 offspring of the 12 year old WH Justice were foaled, including last year’s crop: the grey colt Gotico (out of Ginga/Werbum) bred by Piotr Podgórny and the filly Emancja (out of Echidna/Ararat), bred by Stanisław Sławiński. The number seems rather small, especially since more than 750 have already been born worldwide. So the fact that when bred to Polish mares such stars appeared, in a relatively small group at that, is even more pleasing. In a few months or even weeks new foals will be stamping about next to their dams. “Take care of your mares – their backs are your protection and their bellies are your treasury”, the Prophet was to say. May they be true diamonds, who after an appropriate cut will shine brightly and bring fame to Polish breeding.

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The All Nations Cup which took place at the end of September in Aachen is one of the most prestigious events of the show season. It is the first stop on the star route before the upcoming European, US and World Championships. It is here that trends are set, trends which will later be followed in the breeding of show horses. And this year will definitely belong to horses gifted with Arabian type!

The confirmation of this thesis is the victory of a living legend of world show horse breeding, the stallion WH Justice (Magnum Psyche – Vona Sher-Renea/El Sher-Mann) in the Senior Stallion Championship. This horse has as much avid followers as diehard adversaries. Probably that’s why the mere announcement of his participation in the show caused quite a stir. A wide promotional campaign, heralded as “The Return of the King” led to presume that the star is going to Aachen to claim another title.

Junior stallions

However before we got to see the star of this year’s All Nations Cup, a sensation was created by one of his sons. The three year old Shanghai E.A. (out of Salymah/Khidar) won his class with a high score of 93,3 points, besting by 0,4 points one of the main favorites of the show, the bay Kahil Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab – OFW Mishaahl/Mishaah). The milky-white Shanghai E.A. was the only one out of all the assessed juniors to gain a full set of “20s” for head and neck. This correct and short-bodied stallion definitely benefitted from the change of handler (presented last season by Philip Looyens). In the hands of Frank Spönle he displayed a movement full of expression complete with a raised tail, which undoubtedly resulted in higher notes for type (two “20s” and three “19,5”s). In the championships only Gianmarco Aragno did write him down as the gold medalist (giving that recognition to Van Gogh AM instead). And so with that the Champion title went to the Spanish stud of Equus Arabians, which bred, promoted and led this colt to the very top all on their own! An exceptional achievement and quite a rarity in Arabian horse breeding. In the majority of cases European breeders sell their promising graduates to Middle Eastern owners, who later go on to win medals at the most prestigious shows. No wonder that great joy and emotions were present and there was no end to the congratulations in the VIP sector!

The Silver was awarded to the slightly controversial to me Van Gogh AM (Magnum Psyche – Ynazia HCF/AF Don Giovani), bred by Sally J. Bedeker and owned by Al Mohamadia Stud. The colt caused much sensation already as a foal. I took a look at him close up and I must admit that graphic artists do not have to retouch his photographs… He really has a head like that! An extremely short muzzle, an ultra dished profile and large, animated eyes. The colt rivets attention despite a weaker body and topline; he also cannot boast outstanding movement. However a name inspired by the painting genius seems to be ideal for him, as he acts on the emotions of spectators just like the paintings of Vincent van Gogh. Will he exert such a far-reaching influence on breeding as the master had on the history of art?

The Bronze Medal was awarded to the Belgian Espressivo, winner of the two year old colts’ class. He is the son of Michałów Polish State Stud’s Emocja (Monogramm – Emigracja/Palas) and QR Marc, whose owner Paul Gheysens bought the rights to embryos out of several outstanding Polish mares. As it turns out, he didn’t have to wait long for success. Blessed with a beautiful, swan-like neck, horizontal topline and most of all very good movement the colt easily bested in class the Polish Empire (Enzo – Emira/Laheeb). It is hard not to feel a certain disappointment that when Polish breeding lacks good young stallions like never before, our best broodmares are so easily made available to other breeders, who thanks to this achieve results that we somehow can’t seem to obtain.

Senior stallions

The competition of the first series of senior stallions was won by the Falborek-bred and Gestüt Ismer-owned another WH Justice son, the grey Altis (out of Albia/Pers). Although the stallion didn’t especially want to move and went into canter most of the time, the judges did however notice several moments of impressive trot, with which he is gifted. Thanks to that we saw 3 plates with the “20” mark for movement. The final score of 92,20 allowed him to best even the statuesque in halt representative of Qatar, the chestnut Bashir Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab – SWF Valencia/Psytanium), which lost by 0,4 points. Unfortunately in the championships Altis had to yield to his rivals, including none other than his sire.

Although the class which preceded the performance of WH Justice was still taking place, several dozen people were already heading for the warm up arena. The grounds in front of the indoor arena gathered a crowd of enthusiasts of the 12 year old stallion. Suddenly somebody shouted “He’s coming!”. For many breeders, who have obtained his offspring from dams in their own barns, it was the first opportunity to see him live.

The stallion’s entry onto the arena was preceded by a clamor of rattles, which – bearing his name – were being given out since morning. When he entered the arena, applause mixed with screams and hooting. Bearing the distinctive Mahomet’s touch, the stallion trotted with a highly raised tail and beautifully arched neck to the rhythm of Tom Jones’ “Sex bomb, sex bomb, you’re a sex bomb”, causing a burst of euphoria. The following marks were given: five “20s” for type,

five “20s” for a refined head with animated, sparkling eyes and three “20s” complemented by a “19,5” and “19” for movement. The final score of 93 points (two “17s”, two “17,5s” and a “16,5” for body and topline, four “16s” and a “16,5” for legs) awarded to a living legend of world show horse breeding caused the public to give a standing ovation. Several hours later the stallion claimed the title of Senior Champion Stallion. Having to settle for the silver was the unanimously voted (earlier two judges pointed him out as the champion) representative of Saudi Arabia – Marquis CAHR (Marwan Al Shaqab – Rohara Magnifica/Echo Magnifico), bred by R. Graham & Sandra C. Powell, owned by Al Khalediah Stables. The previous day the stallion won the 7-10 year olds class with the highest score of the show: 94,4, which included as many as ten “20s” (five for type, four for head and neck, one for movement).

So WH Justice had a worthy rival and more than one spectator commented that it was Marquis that deserved the highest accolade. However when the quality is this high, determining the winner is always extremely hard.

The ratio of votes for the bronze medalist was 3 to 2 to 1. Victorious was Al Fakir (Mahadin – Al Estrella/Essteem) before Nijem Ibn Eternity and Bashir Al Shaqab. The pupil of the Austrian stud Al Hambra Arabians despite a straight, but refined head, sports a horizontal and short topline and thanks to a correct conformation his final score amounted to 92,5.

After the championships WH Justice’s handler, Frank Spönle, walked over with his pupil to the VIP table which seated the representatives of the Polish State Studs. It is no secret that the directors are very skeptical about the stallion due to his conformational flaws, especially his drooping topline. However I wonder whether some have already forgotten times when the stallion Palas (the same sire line branch that WH Justice originates from) was used in Polish breeding? He was used during 1973–1990 in all State Studs active at the time: Janów Podlaski, Michałów, Kurozwęki and Białka. He sired 213 foals and left 9 chief sires and 72 broodmares. Thanks to him the heads and necks of Polish Arabians greatly improved and also gained on type. Palas was used despite a soft topline, which he passed on to his offspring. If no one had risked his genes in the Polish herd, we wouldn’t have a Pianissima or an Emandoria, as both have his blood in their veins.

Senior mares

Speaking of conformation and type – unquestionably our mares presented a very correct built, especially of the body and legs, thanks to which they gained high marks for those traits. Unfortunately in the end none of them reached for the title, although some qualified for the championships. In the senior classes victorious was Michałów State Stud’s Emmona (Monogramm – Emilda/Pamir), who gained a high score of 93,8 points. However she received only one vote from Marianne Tengstedt and for the bronze at that. The fight for the Gold Medal

went down between two representatives of the United Arab Emirates. The bred in Blommeröd bay Magora (Gazal Al Shaqab – Margotka/Algorytm), owned by AL Khalediah Stables, went against the milky-white, proud Badawieh AA (Laheeb – Bahia/Baahir), bred by Ariela Arabians, owned by Ajman Stud. The judges voted 3 to 3, with Magora winning due to her higher final score by 0,4 points. The Bronze went to the grey Jasmeenah (WH Justice – Fforget-Me-Not/Ffatal Attraction), bred by Carole Anne Ratcliff, owned by Al Jassimya Farm.

Junior mares

In the junior mares championship we saw ten magnificent fillies, out of which three were Polish bred – the highest score among them was the beautifully moving grey Psyche Kreuza (Ekstern – Pallas-Atena/Ecaho), bred and owned by Chrcynno-Palace Stud, who gained 92,4 points (including three “20s” for movement). In a strong class she was bested by the later Junior Reserve Champion, the phenomenal Jordanian Almasa (Monarcos DD – Jawaahir/Hlayyil Ramadan), who last year as a new competitor unexpectedly gained the bronze in the World Championships.

The second Polish representative in the finals was the sold at this year’s Pride of Poland for 475 thousand euro Michałów’s Piacenza (QR Marc – Primawera/Emigrant), who for her new owner, Al Shahania Stud, gained 92,1 points and placed second in class. But in the championships she didn’t get even one vote. Apparently even the spending of huge amounts of money doesn’t guarantee success. Shirley Watts learned this lesson even more painfully, as her 6 year old Pinta (Ekstern – Pilar/Fawor), purchased two years ago for half a million euro, made it only as far as 8th place in class.

The last filly that had a chance to bring Poland a medal was Zigi Zana (QR Marc – Zagrobla/Monogramm). At first it was announced that she won her class (with a score of 91,7) before the French Mirwanah Kalliste (Marwan Al Shaqab – Nakubaya Kossack/Kubay Khan), bred and owned by Kalliste Arabians. However after the decorations ceremony the results were verified and it turned out that the result of France’s representative (initially 91,6) was higher by 0,1. With that she matched the score of Michałów’s two year old and after having compared the partial marks the French filly took the lead. The trophy for first place had to be given back. Our filly also lacked luck in the finals, which were won by Ajman Stud’s representative, the bay AJ Sawahi (Marwan Al Shaqab – Siberia SA/Nuzyr HCF). The filly achieved the highest score among all the female juniors: 93,1 and bested by 2,3 points in her class the widely promoted Stivalery BJ (Stival – V Exotic Enchantress/Versace), for whom even the applause from

spectators “bribed” with candy bars bearing the filly’s name did not help much. It then became clear that AJ Sawahi is a candidate for the highest title. She was only threatened by the afore mentioned Almasa and her crowd of followers. As it soon turned out the judges spread their votes evenly, 3 to 3. The victory of the United Arab Emirates over Jordan was determined by just 0,1 points! There was also room on the podium for Saudi Arabia – the bronze went to the bay Ghazalat Al Khalediah (PA Gazsi – Argentinna SS/Arius SS), bred by Pannonia Arabians, owned by Al Khalediah.

The Nations’ Cup and The Breeders’ Cup

The Nations’ Cup was won by Belgium, who accumulated 39 points, 8 more than Poland, second in the rank. The Polish team looked at the joy of the Belgians with a certain jealousy, not only due to the defeat. Spontaneous joy, smiles on people’s faces, applause and unending congratulations. Breeders and followers, who rooted for their pupils through the entire event, walked onto the arena. Everyone encouraged one another to join the group, so that no one would be missing during the decorations. How did the scene look like, when it was Poland that was victorious?…

The awarded since 2001 Breeders’ Cup, known as the Major Hedley Trophy, was claimed by the United States. In this case the show arena was also filled with happy and smiling people, who celebrated the victory together.

The Polish team did not gain a single medal. The responsibility for the defeat can be try to be placed on unfair judging, uneven chances when compared to the wealthy breeders from the Middle East and even on Polish supporters, who according to some were cheering our horses a bit too quietly.

However today Arabian horse shows are not just breeding inspections, but exactly as the name suggests – shows. Horse owners are very well aware of the strength of promotion and reach for newer and newer ideas. The applause of the public has become priceless. Many breeders and owners are well aware of this and aren’t ashamed in loudly rooting for their pupils. The sheikhs and their teams have especially achieved perfection in this matter.

This year’s All Nations Cup proved that beside a correct conformation what’s needed is also the right type. None of these traits separately will make an Arabian horse a good horse. Polish horses lacked an indescribable factor which seizes the hearts of both judges and spectators alike. Horses such as WH Justice cannot be denied charisma and it was he that ruled this show.

The Arabian Horse Days, which take place in August, are the crowning event of a year’s – sometimes more – worth of breeders’ work. Considering that the event coincides with the harvest, a certain analogy comes to mind, as in both cases it is the time of reaping the results of hard labor. We have become used to blaming the changeable weather for crop failure, but let’s not forget that a properly prepared soil can to a large extent prevent against temporary unfavorable conditions… Have the breeders prepared themselves for the unfavorable aura, which has come upon us with the economic crisis and did they manage to reap such crops as they have hoped?

Białka

Last year Białka Stud put up six mares on the main auction list (one was ultimately withdrawn), with only two of them finding buyers. The bay Perita (Ekstern – Perforacja/Ernal) was sold to France for 22 thousand euro, while the grey Natea (Gazal Al Shaqab – Nutella/Pers) headed to Kuwait for the price of 23 thousand euro. The aggregate amounted to a rather small sum of 64 thousand euro, out of which just 45 thousand was paid for horses off the main list. This year the decision was made to decrease the number of horses and to increase the quality of the offer. And so only three mares were chosen to represent Białka at the 2011 Pride of Poland. The first of these, the grey Fabryszka (out of Fula/Partner), a true daughter of Gazal Al Shaqab who proudly displayed a long arched neck and struck a statue-like pose, became one of the stars of the auction. After a fierce bidding she achieved the third highest result of the sale – 150 thousand euro! With that she wrote herself down in history, beside the sold in 2006 for 160 thousand euro to Australia Hula (Penthagonn – Hulanka/Eukaliptus), as one of the highest price-fetching graduates of the youngest Arabian State Stud.

The second of the offered mares, the gifted with outstanding Arabian type and a beautifully carried swan-like neck Camilia (Piaff – Calineczka/Metropolis NA) was the youngest of the mares appointed for sale this year (Piacenza is 20 days older), but one that could already boast successful show starts. Her young age gives reason to hope that there are more of those still ahead of her. She will soon travel 15 thousand kilometers to her new home, as she was sold for 60 thousand euro to Australia. The third, Hulala, did not achieve her reserve price.

The offer from Białka was complemented with the Polish National Junior Champion from 2007, the expressively moving Celsjusz (Ekstern – Carina/Pesal). The stallion was purchased by Mohamed Omar from Egypt for the price of 20 thousand euro. This may not seem like a stunning amount, but in these times it is difficult to sell a stallion. Summing up, Białka Stud earned a total of 230 thousand euro, which is an almost fourfold increase as compared to last year.

Two days earlier, during the National Championships, Białka’s Director Marian Pacewski also had reasons to be proud. His colt Peron (Esparto – Perolia/Gazal Al Shaqab) won the B series of the yearling colts’ class with a score of 92,5 points. Thanks to his carved-like head and very good body and topline (19-18-18,5) he bested the reigning Junior Spring Show Champion, Janów’s Pomian (Gazal Al Shaqab – Pilar/Fawor), who was evaluated at 90,83 points. Additionally on Sunday afternoon Peron proved superior to the reigning Reserve Champion from the Białka show, Michałów’s Equator (QR Marc – Ekliptyka/Ekstern), becoming Polish National Reserve Junior Champion and yielding only to the robust Pogrom. With that Peron has become the third stallion in Białka’s 30 year history to gain a title at the Polish Nationals. So far this feat has only been accomplished by Pesal (Junior Champion in 1993, Reserve Senior Champion in 1996, Senior Champion in 1997) and Celsjusz (Junior Champion in 2007). Whereas Peron’s dam, the beautiful Perolia (Gazal Al Shaqab – Pereira/Eldon), placed

5th in the 8-10 year old mares’ class, with a high final score of 92,17 points. Among the junior females a satisfactory presentation was delivered by Egema (Esparto – Egira/Emigrant), who lacked some luck, as her final score of 92,83 was just barely not enough to qualify for the championships – the filly had to settle for third place. However her charming, dished head, broad forehead and large, black eyes, for which she was awarded with high marks (20-20-19,5), secured her the title of Best Head on Sunday, which surely pleased her new owner from Sudan.

Janów Podlaski

The host of the Arabian Horse Days also did not score a win in the junior female classes. The champion from last year’s Junior Spring Show in Białka, the chestnut Palatina (QR Marc – Palmeta/Ecaho), was second in the two year old fillies’ class, achieving the same result as the winner, the grey Waranga (QR Marc – Wilga/Ekstern) – 92,67 points. In the finals she wrestled out the title of Top Five (being a fourth overall spot in the championships), so she literally brushed against obtaining a medal for Janów Stud. But this was not the first time that the winners of the Junior Spring Show in Białka didn’t repeat the same success two months later at the Polish Nationals, and definitely not the last.

More luck had the colt Pogrom (QR Marc – Pętla/Visbaden), who last year had to yield to the dainty Empire (Enzo – Emira/Laheeb) from Michałów. This time he was in great form and presented himself very well. He stood out as the favorite from the very beginning and the results confirmed that assumption. He won his class with the highest score among the entire junior males – 92,67. On Sunday he gained that what eluded him last year – the gold medal.

In the senior classes Janów Podlaski Stud put up a group of charming mares, which resulted in a great success. The first class, which encompassed mares aged 4-6 year old, was dominated by the hosts. During the class’ decoration ceremony Director Marek Trela walked out to collect the ribbons as much as five times! What’s interesting is that three of the top five mares are the daughters of Altona (Euakliptus – Albigowa/Fawor), sold in 2007 to Belgium for 180 thousand euro. Two of them – Alabama (by Gazal Al Shaqab) and Altamira (by Ekstern) qualified for the championships on Sunday, in which they furthermore secured a bronze medal

and a Top Five, respectively. Competing in the same class was the chestnut Cenoza (Ekstern – Celna/Alegro), evaluated at 92,33 points. She placed fourth and furthermore received the trophy for Best Racehorse of the Show. As a reminder – in her two season racing career the mare achieved a decent coefficient of success of 1,39.

Whereas in the 7-10 year old mares’ class we had a chance to see the grey Etnologia (Gazal Al Shaqab – Etalanta/Europejczyk), who this time seemed to be slightly out of form. She did not

resemble the charismatic, tail raised high, flying through the air mare, whom we admired last year (at that time she was awarded with as many as three “20s”). This mare seems to be contending with bad luck for some time, as first she was in the shadow of Pianissima, later Emandoria and last year Pinga. And now, unexpectedly, it turned out that her star has faltered, placing just 6th with a score of 91,83 points (last year – 94).

Janów’s stallions claimed two medals this year. The silver went to the grey Equifor (Gazal Al Shaqab – Eqviria/Pers), who won the 7 years old and above stallions’ class. Whereas the

bronze was awarded to Polish National Junior Champion from 2009, presented for the first time in the senior category – Albano (Enzo – Alena/Emigrant). The stallion qualified for the championships from second place in class, gaining 91,67 points, including as many as three “19,5s” for impressive movement. He was only bested by the later-to-be gold medalist Kabsztad, whose marks for movement seemed a bit stretched.

Last year Janów Podlaski Stud was the only one that had fended off the crisis, earning as much as 560 thousand euro. This year the financial result is even better! The stud’s treasury will collect a total of 749 thousand euro, due mainly to the spectacular sale of Palabra (Enzo – Palmeta/Ecaho) for 400 thousand euro to Saudi Arabia.

A round sum of 100 thousand euro was paid by Athbah Stud from Saudi Arabia for the dam of last year’s Polish National Senior Champion Stallion, the grey Andaluzja (Sanadik El Shaklan –

Antwerpia/Eternit). A large surprise was also the extremely good sale of the black Ekstern daughter Sarbia (out of Samura/Ararat) for 85 thousand euro. The mare was purchased by Shirley Watts from Halsdon Arabians, perhaps because of the mare’s future offspring by HS Etiquette. Below expectations was the price achieved for the dam of Poganin, the grey, flea-bitten Pohulanka (Pepton – Pestka/Probat), who brought just 35 thousand euro for her home stud. The mare will head for France, to Lutetia Arabians.

Michałów

The largest takings can be boasted by Michałów Stud, who sold 9 out of the 12 offered mares for the sum of 779 thousand euro and an additional 61,5 thousand euro from the Selection Sale. The total of 840,5 thousand euro, as compared to last year’s 368,7 thousand euro, must be considered a very good result. Although there were times when that result was even greater, as two years ago the aggregate amounted to more than one million euro and a year before that, thanks to the sale of Kwestura, this sum reached nearly two million euro!

The star of the 42nd Pride of Poland Auction, the grey Piacenza (QR Marc – Primawera/Emigrant), was ultimately secured by Greg Gallun for Al Shahania Stud,

who paid 475 thousand euro. A decent amount of 125 thousand euro was collected for the 15 year old Panika (Eukaliptus – Plisa/Probat), whose characteristic mark on her head makes her a one of a kind – unique and recognizable. She will take up her new home in Saudi Arabia. A certain disappointment was the bidding of Wieża Babel (Laheeb – Wiaźma/Arbil), which will now call France (Lutetia Arabians) her new home. This mare, boasting both show and breeding successes, was sold for 20 thousand euro without any fight.

Michałów also returned home with many tremendous results from the National Show, for which they were awarded with the Best Breeder of the Show trophy. They collected half of the show’s medals, including the Best Mare of the Show, which was gained by the freshly crowned Senior Champion Mare and Best in Show, the grey Emmona (Monogramm – Emilda/Pamir). This mare won the 11 years old and above mares’ class with a high score of 94 points, which was made up of as many as five “20s”, including three for movement. For that reason it was also her who grabbed the trophy of Best Movement. Whereas the class of 7-10 year old mares’ was won by her stablemate, the bay Ejrene (Gazal Al Shaqab –

Emocja/Monogramm), who later went on to become Reserve Senior Champion Mare. This mare received as much as three “19,5s” for her beautifully set head with a perfect throatlatch, which translated to a high total score of 93,67 points. The title of Senior Champion Stallion also went to Michałów by means of Kabsztad (Poganin – Kwestura/Monogramm), who, although lacking any “20s”, gathered a high total score of 92,5. This correct though petite in size stallion, despite a pretty head, lacks expression in my opinion. He especially lacks movement, without which it is difficult to speak about being charismatic.

In the junior classes we had the opportunity to see the reigning Junior Spring Show Reserve Champion, the bay Equator (QR Marc – Ekliptyka/Ekstern), who won his class with a score of 92 points. However in the championships he had to settle for the bronze medal, behind Janów’s Pogrom and Białka’s Peron. Fortunately the gold did not elude Wieża Mocy (QR Marc – Wieża Marzeń/Ekstern), who, having thrown her tail over her back, danced in front of the judges like a ballerina. The plate with the “20” mark flashed before the eyes of the spectators three times for movement, which gave her a total score of 93,33 and allowed to take the lead. Second came her stablemate, the robust Dama Pik (Enzo – Dama Kier/Gazal Al Shaqab), who received the highest marks (ex aequo with Pustynna Malwa) for body and topline (19-18,5-18,5), which translated to a final result of 93,17 and later a bronze medal. The afore mentioned Pustynna Malwa (Ekstern – Pustynna Róża/Emigrant) in turn won the class of the three year old fillies’ with a total score of 92,67, besting by 0,17 points the well-known regular of show arenas, El Piatzolla.

Private breeding

El Piatzolla (WH Justice – Enya/Ekstern), bred and owned by ZPH Strusinianka, ultimately bested Pustynna Malwa in the finals and grabbed the honor of Polish National Junior Top Five. The silver in turn was obtained by the winner of the yearling fillies’ class, the feminine, steel-grey Echo Aurora (Eternity Ibn Navarrone-D – Echo Afrodyta/Piaff), bred and owned by Chrcynno-Palace Stud, evaluated 92,33 points.

In the junior males category three private-bred horses earned qualifications for the finals. The handsome yearling Simon Bey (Psytadel – Sarahbi Bay/Kubinec), bred and owned by Nazaret Arabians, once again exhibited beautiful movement and placed second in class with a score of 90,8. The year older Maran (FS Bengali – Missouri/Wachlarz), bred and owned by Kielnarowa Stud, also placed second in his class, with a final score of 91. The stallion appeared to look ponderous and did not make a good impression in movement. His weaker form resulted in his not making the Top Five in the championships. That feat in turn was accomplished by another

FS Bengali son, the chestnut three year old Eternal (out of Ewitacja/Ganges) of Jan Głowacki. Two years ago this colt won the title of Reserve Champion in Białka and not long after – the Reserve Champion title at Janów Podlaski. This year he won his class in great style with a score of 91,33 and later took the fourth spot in the Polish National Junior Stallion Top Five Championships. Second place in the three year old colts’ class and the chance to compete in the finals went to the grey El Dino (Ararat – Eutina/Eutin), bred and owned by Krzysztof Jagielski, who achieved a score of 89,17 points.

The best performance among the senior stallions was delivered by the bred by Stanisław Redestowicz bay Etnodrons Psyche (Padrons Psyche – Etnografia/Aloes), who achieved a high score of 91,5 points, besting with that three acclaimed Gazal Al Shaqab sons – Drabant, Eryks and Pegasus, yielding only to the fourth of them, Equifor. During the Sunday championships he placed fourth.

The private breeders put up a group of highly decorated young mares for the 2011 auction. The average age of the three offered horses was 5 years and is 3,5 lower than that of the representatives of the Agricultural Property Agency which amounted to 8,5. The total outcome of

the “private” sales amounted to 118 thousand euro, out of which half of this amount was made by the wielder of an international pedigree Kashira (Magnum Psyche – Kahila IV/Ibn Bint Inas), bred by Stanisław Redestowicz and owned by Bełżyce Arabians. A champion from the Drammen, Casino Cup in Baden and St. Petersburg shows displayed top form and an additional treat in the shape of a confirmed pregnancy to Ajman Moniscione. This undoubtedly encouraged the buyer from Australia, who paid 57 thousand euro for her. Kashira will be

accompanied on this long journey by Lot 3, the also much decorated Bajaderka (Złocień – Bagatela/Pesal), bred by Agricola Farm and owned by Monika Luft, who was sold for the price of 30 thousand euro. The Autumn Show Junior Champion from 2008, Pasterna (Ekstern – Pasywa/Wachlarz), bred and owned by Lech Błaszczyk, will not have to travel as far, as for the amount of 31 thousand her destination will be the Czech Republic.

Whereas the Selection Sale saw 7 private-bred mares change owners, for the total amount of 57 thousand euro. The highest price, 14,5 thousand euro, was fetched for the mare Waresa (Empres – Włócznia/Borek), bred and owned by Falborek Aabians, which will make her way to France. Her good result probably stemmed from the fact that she is a proven broodmare, having foaled the 2007 Junior Spring Show Reserve Champion Wasa (by WH Justice).

Summarization

In 2008 the auction’s aggregate amounted to 3 million euro, a year later to 2,5 million and in 2010 – just a little above 1 million. It was speculated that the slump in the market might last several years, but as we can see, a diligently prepared offer can prevent a crisis growth to a large extent. There will always be those eager and willing to pay for beautiful and highly decorated horses and the auction’s stars will draw masses of clients. This year’s result nearing 2 million euro shows that the concept of decreasing the number of offered mares to 30, offering younger, already highly decorated horses, as well as setting reasonable reserve prices for the older horses, can bring an intended result. It would perhaps be a good idea to increase the amount of private-bred mares boasting breeding and show successes to at least five in the place of weaker State Stud horses, which have been previously offered at the regular monthly tenders. That would change the atmosphere which to some of us resembles the former political system, when goods had to be rationed.

Results of the Polish National Championships

Senior Mares

Gold & Best in Show & The Highest Scored Mare & The Best Mover
Emmona (Monogramm – Emilda/Pamir), br/o. SK Michałów
Silver
Ejrene (Gazal Al Shaqab – Emocja/Monogramm), br/o. SK Michałów
Bronze
Alabama (Gazal Al Shaqab – Altona/Eukaliptus), br/o. SK Janów Podlaski
Top 5
Wkra (Gazal Al Shaqab – Wyborna/Monogramm), br/o. SK Michałów
Altamira (Ekstern – Altona/Eukaliptus), br/o. SK Janów Podlaski

Junior Fillies

Gold
Wieża Mocy (QR Marc – Wieża Marzeń/Ekstern), br/o. SK Michałów
Silver
Echo Aurora (Eternity Ibn Navarrone-D – Echo Afrodyta/Piaff), br/o. Chrcynno-Palace
Bronze
Dama Pik (Enzo – Dama Kier/Gazal Al Shaqab), br/o. SK Michałów
Top 5
Palatina (QR Marc – Palmeta/Ecaho), br/o. SK Janów Podlaski
El Piatzolla (WH Justice – Enya/Ekstern), br/o. ZPH Strusinianka

Senior Stallions

Gold
Kabsztad (Poganin – Kwestura/Monogramm), br/o. SK Michałów
Silver
Equifor (Gazal Al Shaqb – Eqviria/Pers), br/o. SK Janów Podlaski
Bronze
Albano (Enzo – Alena/Emigrant), br/o. SK Janów Podlaski
Top 5
Etnodrons Psyche (Padrons Psyche – Etnografia/Aloes), br/o. Stanisław Redestowicz

Junior Colts

Gold & Izabella Pawelec-Zawadzka Challenge Trophy
Pogrom (QR Marc – Pętla/Visbaden), br/o. SK Janów Podlaski
Silver
Peron (Esparto – Perolia/Gazal Al Shaqab), br/o. SO Białka
Bronze
Ecuator (QR Marc – Ekliptyka/Ekstern), br/o. SK Michałów
Top 5
Eternal (FS Bengali – Ewitacja/Ganges), br/o. SK Mała Wieś
Pomian (Gazal Al Shaqab – Pilar/Fawor), br/o. SK Janów Podlaski

The Best Racehorse of the National Show
Cenoza (Ekstern – Celna/Alegro), br/o. SK Janów Podlaski

The Best Head
Egema (Esparto – Egira/Emigrant), br. SO Białka

Annual WAHO Challenge Trophy
Piaff (Eldon – Pipi/Banat), br/o. SK Janów Podlaski

The Best Trainer & Handler
Paweł Kozikowski, Janów Podlaski State Stud

The Best Breeder
Michałów State Stud

Results of the Pride of Poland Sale (prices in euro)

Piacenza (QR Marc – Primawera/Emigrant), br/o. SK Michałów – 475 000, USA
Palabra (Enzo – Palmeta/Ecaho), br/o. SK Janów Podlaski – 400 000, Saudi Arabia
Fabryszka (Gazal Al Shaqab – Fula/Partner), br/o. SO Białka – 150 000, Saudi Arabia
Panika (Eukaliptus – Plisa/Probat), br/o. SK Michałów – 125 000, Saudi Arabia
Andaluzja (Sanadik El Shaklan – Antwerpia/Eternit), br/o. SK Janów Podlaski – 100 000, Saudi Arabia
Sarbia (Ekstern – Samura/Ararat), br/o. SK Janów Podlaski – 85 000, Great Britain
Camilia (Piaff – Calineczka/Metropolis NA), br/o. SO Białka – 60 000, Australia
Kashira (Magnum Psyche – Kahila IV/Ibn Bint Inas), br. S. Redestowicz, o. SK Bełżyce – 57 000, Australia
Forminga (Laheeb – Figlarka/Monogramm), br/o. SK Michałów – 46 000, Australia
Bohema (Ekstern – Bogini/Arbil), br/o. SK Janów Podlaski – 42 000, Australia
Egzonera (Monogramm – Egzotyka/Probat), br/o. SK Michałów – 40 000, USA
Pohulanka (Pepton – Pestka/Probat), br/o. SK Janów Podlaski – 35 000, France
Pasterna (Ekstern – Pasywa/Wachlarz), br/o. Lech Błaszczyk – 31 000, Czech Republic
Bajaderka (Złocień – Bagatela/Pesal), br. Agricola Farm, o. Monika Luft – 30 000, Australia
Entima (Ekstern – Etalanta/Europejczyk), br/o. SK Janów Podlaski, 28 000, Great Britain
Luanda (Emigrant – Loretta/Wojsław), br/o. SK Michałów – 25 000, Poland
Ebora (Ekstern – Eberia/Ecaho), br/o. SK Michałów – 20 000, Czech Republic
Wieża Babel (Laheeb – Wiaźma/Arbil), br/o. SK Michałów – 20 000, France
Grobla (Wachlarz – Gryzetka/Wojsław), br/o. SK Michałów – 20 000, Great Britain
Celsjusz (Ekstern – Carina/Pesal), br/o. SO Białka – 20 000, Egypt
Watra (Metropolis NA – Wanilia/Alegro), br/o. SK Janów Podlaski – 10 000, France
Cisowa (Ararat – Cerinola/Ecaho), br/o. SK Janów Podlaski – 8 000, Australia
Adelina (Grafik – Anakonda/Monogramm), br/o. SK Michałów – 8 000, Australia
Cetula (El Nabila B – Celta/Pasat), br/o. SK Janów Podlaski – 8 000, Australia

Photo gallery by Ewa Imielska-Hebda – Pride of Poland Sale
Photo gallery by Marta Baranowska – Pride of Poland Sale
Photo gallery by Sylwia Iłenda – Polish National Championships
Gossip column

Polish Nationals results

Auction results

B is for Białka
Located among picturesque landscapes and on hilly terrain, surrounded by fields, meadows and forests, the Białka Stallion Depot also serves as a stud breeding pureblood Arabians since 1981. The buildings, constructed from local limestone in 1928-1930, are today a home to more than 150 Arabian horses.

C is for Championship
The first Junior Arabian Horse Show took place in 1983 at Łąck Stallion Depot, while the next in Białka, but not until 1988. After another five year break the show became a permanent feature in the Polish show calendar and its organization was handed over to Michałów Stud, who played host to the young horses during 1993-1996. From 1997 the show annually takes place at Białka Stallion Depot and is unquestionably a unique event on an international scale. Beginning from 2007 spectators can see not only yearlings and two year olds, but also horses three years of age.

D is for Dynasty
The 21st Junior Arabian Horse Show was undisputedly dominated by the dynasty of the Qatari-bred stallion Gazal Al Shaqab. Four out of six medals and six out of ten recognitions awarded within both male and female Championship Top Fives made their way to his get, grandsons and great-grandsons, which made for one fourth of his entire crop presented at this year’s show. The title of Junior Champion Stallion was awarded to his son, the Janów Podlaski-bred grey Pomian. This colt is the last Polish produce of one of the most meritorious mares of that stud, Pilar, sold to Qatar during last year’s Pride of Poland for 240 thousand Euro. Pomian was recognized with the highest score among the presented males, a total of 42,5 points which included a “10” for type from judge Holger Ismer. The stallion Gazal Al Shaqab, on lease to Poland in 2002-2003 (in later years frozen semen was used), has sired more than a dozen sons in Poland. During the Białka show we could take a look at the get of three of them: the grey Pegasus (out of Pepesza/Eukaliptus), the bay Drabant (out of Demona/Monogramm) – wice Polish National Reserve Champion Stallion – and Eryks (out of Emmona/Monogramm). The latter was represented at the show with six get, among which stood out two yearling fillies: Diara and El-Mediara. The first (out of Diaspora/Ganges), bay, with a small star on a very

refined and slender head, received the highest marks for type (10-10-9,5, ex aequo with Zigi Zana and Primera), and achieved a final score of 42,67. She entered the championships from second place in class and gained the title of Reserve Junior Champion. With that she became the second get of Eryks to win a medal (in 2009 the title of Junior Champion went to the dark bay Chimeryk out of Chimera/Emigrant). The second filly (out of El Emeera/Ekstern) was evaluated at 41,33 points, which enabled her to secure a second place in class.

For the first time in the show’s history we had a chance to see a daughter of Gazal’s most famous offspring, the double World Champion Stallion Marwan Al Shaqab. The bay Markiza of Marwan (out of Mina/Monogramm), bred by Małgorzata and Józef Pietrzak, as befits the progeny of her sire, characterized herself with a beautiful long neck. The filly took home the ribbon of fifth place in class.

The blood of Marwan Al Shaqab also flows in the get of his two sons which we had a chance to see at the show in Białka. The first of them, QR Marc, was represented by nine offspring. The best presentation among the QR Marc colts was given by the typey Equator, who threw in a nice trot. He won his class with a score of 41,67 points and on Sunday afternoon claimed the title of Junior Reserve Champion. His dam, the mare Ekliptyka (Ekstern – Ekspozycja/Eukaliptus), is a full sister to the highly decorated stallion Esparto. A superb pedigree combined with good conformation and charisma, which Equator unmistakably has, is something to definitely look forward to in the future. Standing out among the fillies was Piacenza

(out of Primawera/Emigrant) – which we will return to in a moment – and the beautifully moving, high-set tail carrying, bay Cheronea (out of Chimera/Emigrant), who won her class with a final score of 42,83 points. Extremely interesting was the competition in the two year old fillies’ class of series A, which consisted of true stars. It was unexpectedly won by Waranga (out of Wilga/Ekstern), besting by 0,34 points the reigning Reserve Champion from Wels, the awarded with two “10s” for type Zigi Zana (out of Zagrobla/Monogramm).

The second Marwan son, with offspring at the Białka show, was Marajj. The two year old bay colt Mirajj (out of Mina/Monogramm), bred and owned by Małgorzata and Józef Pietrzak, placed third in class, with a final total score of 40,33 points.

E is for Esparto

We also had the first time chance to see the progeny of the 9 year old Esparto – son of the unbeaten Ekstern. This is the Esparto’s first crop foaled in Poland. Earlier, in the 2007/2008 season, he was on lease at Ajman Stud, under whose banners he gained many trophies by winning international shows, including those in Doha, Dubai and Sharjah, as well as the National Show of the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi. Last year at Białka Stud 19 foals by him were born. He crossed very well with mares out of Gazal Al Shaqab, giving charming colts out of Perfirka (out of Perforacja/Ernal) and Perolia (out of Pereira/Eldon). The latter foaled the bay colt Peron, whose carved, dished head and very good body and topline allowed him to secure a second place in class, with a high final score of 41 points. Some time earlier this Białka-bred yearling won his class at the Tulip Cup B-ranked show in Deurne (Holland). In turn

very pleasant fillies were born out of Emigrant daughters: Pelgrima (out of Perfazja/Batyskaf) and Egira (out of Emkira/Batyskaf). The delicate chestnut Pelmira gained 40 points and the grey Egema, blessed with a dished profile, a full point more. Both placed fourth in their classes. As we can see, Esparto has mixed very well with the Białka herd. Another group of fifteen foals by him was born this year. After a long break, the sun has finally come out (both literally and in metaphor) for Białka Stud, which has scored success at a show it has acted as host to for years.

I is for Inbreeding

The B series of the yearling fillies was won by dark bay Gataka (Ekstern – Gwarka/Monogramm), bred and owned by Bełżyce Stud. Beside a wide forehead and large black eyes, the filly exhibited flying movement and gained a total of 42,33 points, including a triple “9,5” for type. After analyzing her pedigree we find a high inbred to Monogramm, which amounts to 12,5%. An interesting and bold breeding concept resulted in the birth of an exceptional foal. Inbreeding is becoming more and more common in the world, especially among fashionable show horses descending from the Saklavi I sire line. Horses which are eagerly linebred to are, among others, Padrons Psyche and Gazal Al Shaqab. Whereas Polish breeding has benefitted from the American stallion Monogramm, whose influence on today’s national herd is nothing short of spectacular.

Attesting to this are for instance the numbers from this year’s show, during which we saw: sixteen get of Ekstern, seven of Ganges, and eight of Esparto – main sires from the line of Kuhailan Haifi d.b., which Monogramm originates from. So it is not surprising that our breeders are readily mating his descendants with each other. An example of crossing a Monogramm granddaughter to his son is the filly Gizelda (Ekstern – Ginerva/Werbum), bred and owned by Czeple Arabians, who placed fourth in the A series of the yearling fillies’ class, with a good final score of 40,8 points. The inbred in this case is moderate and amounts to 6,25%. A lower inbred factor (3,125%) can be found in a horse resulting from the mating of two grandchildren of a given specimen, in this case Monogramm. Examples of such are, among others, the mentioned earlier daughters of Eryks (Gazal Al Shaqab – Emmona/Monogramm): El Mediara and Diara, whose dams are Monogramm granddaughters. Another example of the same amount of inbred used at Białka is the crossing of a Monogramm son (Ekstern) with his great-granddaughters, the result of which are fillies Calatea (out of Calineczka/Metropolis NA), owned by Marek Kondrasiuk and Cella (out of Celina/Metropolis NA). The latter, flying across the arena with a highly set tail, bewitched the judges, who awarded her with high marks, thanks to which her final score of 41,83 points earned her a third spot in the three year old fillies’ class.

N is for Number (of entries)

Clearly visible is a decrease in the number of horses shown. The reason for that are the increasing costs of breeding, as well as training of show horses. A stronger and stronger competition and high quality each year resulted in only truly outstanding youngsters being brought to the Białka show. In 2007 there were 126 horses competing in ten classes out of the 150 yearlings, two and three year olds entered. The large number of horses was associated with the introduction of three year old classes in that year. Moreover at that time the Polish National Junior Stallion Championship was transferred to August and the National Show in Janów Podlaski. And so for the first time fillies and colts competed in Białka on the same terms of a regular C national show. A year later 149 horses were entered, out of which 133 were evaluated. In 2009 a number of 147 horses were entered and 131 were presented. Last year only 123 horses were entered, out of which spectators saw 110. This year their number fell below the magical hundred and we saw only 94 horses (including 47 privately owned) out of 108 entered.

P is for Private

The year 2000 marks the first time that a private-bred horse qualified for the finals – that horse was Mango (bred by K. and M. Bogajewicz). In 2003 the number of private horses competing in the show exceeded the number of horses from the State Studs and for the first time the championship (including the title of Best in Show) was won a private bred and owned horse Girlan-Bey. Since that time the number of successful private bred horses has been growing. This year the “privates” reached for two medals (bronze). The first went to the Gold Medalist from the May Tulip Cup in Holland, El Piatzolla (WH Justice – Enya/Ekstern), bred and owned by Podlesie Arabians. The filly exhibited a sweeping trot, awarded by the judges with two “10s”, which enabled her to win the class with a high score of 43 points. This time however she had to settle for the bronze. As history shows, it is often harder to win in one’s own backyard than abroad. The owner of a beautiful, thick mane, Maran (FS Bengali – Missouri/Wachlarz), bred and owned by Kielnarowa Stud, has become fond of collecting medals resembling his coat color, because he repeated his feat from last year and gained a bronze, similar to his performance at the Tulip Cup three weeks earlier. A successful debut was made by Simon Bey (Psytadel – Sarahbi Bay JC/Kubinec), bred and owned by Wojciech Parczewski. The bay colt began the competition as Lot. 1 and immediately raised the standard with three “9,5” marks for movement, which translated to a final score of 41 points and second place in class. In the end he left Białka with the title of Junior Spring Show Top Five (4th spot). We had a chance to see a total of seven horses by Psytadel, most of them in the three year old colts’ class, which with a score of 41,33 points was won by his son Epifan (out of Epimeria/Pesal), bred and owned by Piotr Hełka.

We also had the pleasure of viewing the first Polish-born daughter of World Champion Stallion Eternity Ibn Navarrone-D. The very feminine and exotic Echo Aurora (out of Echo Afrodyta/Piaff), bred and owned by Chrcynno-Palace Stud, placed third with a score of 41,17 points in a strong class of the yearling fillies (series A). And there is clearly a lot more potential to her.

V is for Va banque

The entering into the Białka show two of the youngest fillies of this year’s Pride of Poland offer was a bold and risky move. Michałów Stud decided to play for the highest stakes and presented the auction’s star – the grey Piacenza (QR Marc – Primawera/Emigrant), who last year placed near the top at the most prestigious shows, becoming a European Top Five Filly and World Top Ten Filly, among others. But lacking among her numerous titles was at least one gold. Piacenza won her class at Białka in great style with a score of 43,67 points, after which she took home the championship title and Best in Show award. Her class did not include her main rivals, to whom she lost in the championships last year (Zigi Zana, Primera). In turn she competed with her auction mate, the typey, long swan-necked Camilia (Piaff – Calineczka/Metropolis NA), who in accordance with her Lot number gave 100% and ended the event with a high score of 42,83 points, including one “10” for movement.

W is for Winners

This year’s show was extremely successful for Michałów Stud. Horses bred by director Jerzy Białobok gained three out of four main championship titles, while Piacenza was additionally chosen as Best in Show. This result should not be surprising to anyone, as over the last ten years this stud has secured 19 out of 40 of the most significant titles. The second place in the winners’ classification belonged to Janów Podlaski Stud with 16 titles to its credit and the remaining 5 have been won by private breeders. In 2003 it was the Niewierz-bred Girlan-Bey (Pesal – Gracja-Bis/Monogramm). Four years later, in 2007, the Reserve Championship was awarded to Falborek Arabians thanks to the exotic filly Wasa (WH Justice – Waresa/Empres). In the following year another Reserve Championship went to the bay Boreas (Metropolis NA – Bombina/Bomarc), bred by the late Wojciech Kowalik. Definitely the most fortunate year for private breeders was the 2009 season, in which Psyche Kreuza (Ekstern – Pallas-Atena/Ecaho) from Chrcynno-Palace Stud claimed the title of Junior Champion and Best in Show, while the delicate colt Eternal (FS Bengali – Ewitacja/Ganges), bred by Jan Głowacki, became Reserve Champion. This year private breeding can be proud of adding two bronze medals to this collection.

Results

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On November 6th, in Zalia Arabians Stud, located close to Łódź, belonging to Katarzyna Dolińska and Robert Witkowski, took place a presentation of the stallion Valerio Ibn Eternity VI (Eternity Ibn Navarrone D – Hafati Vogue), bred at Belgium by Marianne Smits, owned by Samsara Arabians. He came to Poland on lease, just after the Championships of Europe at Moorsele, where he was placed 4th in his class, gaining high notes – 5 times 19,5 points.

The stallion has been leased for the upcoming breeding season, so the Polish breeders would get an opportunity to use him. That`s why many guests attended the “Open Doors` Day” at Zalia Arabians, the more, that Valerio represents a multi-awarded branch of Saklawi I sireline, through the stallion Ansata Sinan.

The presentation of the stallion was preceded by a brief breeding parade. As the first one, appeared the yearling filly Evolett (Ajman Moniscione – Erica/Poganin), who demonstrated an expressive movement despite the nasty weather conditions. She was followed by the 2-year-old Entia, bay (Psytadel – Enona/Fawor), already known from show arenas, preparing to enter the broodmares` band. Subsequently taken out was the most valuable Monogramm daughter owned by Zalia Arabians – the “stud queen”, grey Poruta (out of Premia/Palas), with a little colt Parnassus (by Ajman Moniscione) at side. He drew the guests` attention by his beautifully carved head, so he was thoroughly watched, the more, that he is a half-brother to Primero Marc (by QR Marc), recently leased to Brazil.

Just before showing Valerio Ibn Eternity VI, was presented his only offspring born in Poland – the colt Calypso Eternity, an exact copy of his sire. The parade ended in streams of rain, but it didn’t disrupt the magnificent movement of the stallion.

On the 4th and 5th of September the capital and at the same time largest city of the Czech Republic – Prague, justly spoken of as the most beautiful city in Europe – stood before quite a challenge. The organization of the B-ranked 1st International Arabian Horse Show combined with the Czech National Championships, however, turned out to be quite successful. The show took place nearly in the center of a life-throbbing city, but the organizers managed to find space for a pleasant and calm place where both horses and their teams could enjoy a peaceful rest. This place was none other than “Cisarsky Ostrov” (The Emperor’s Island upon Vltava), very easily accessible to all visitors, as it is located within a 10 minute drive by public transport from the historical city center. The show was held in an indoor arena, which is surrounded by the largest Prague park “Stromovka”, maintained in an English style and since 1988 under legal protection as a natural feature of historic importance.

Live music added variety to the show, with announcer Jaroslav Lacina oftentimes warming up the atmosphere. The audience, at first not very numerous, reacted impulsively and awarded each horse with thunderous applause. The spectators enjoyed themselves as much as the VIPs and in terms of organization the event must be considered a complete success. Everyone was treated with respect and the security and staff justly assumed that they’re job is to help people and not make life bothersome for them. The “icing on the cake” were the numerous colorful and beautiful special performances, beginning with the traditional Arabic dance performed solo and by dance groups, miniature horse presentations, swordsmanship and ending with an exciting falconry show and a stunning dressage performance atop an Arabian steed by a female rider.

The 1st International Show

On Saturday afternoon at 4:00 pm the Prague Intercup, being the first international show on the territory of the Czech Republic, began. The show’s entry list included 83 horses from 12 countries. In the end a total of 70 horses from 11 countries (the stallion Sandhiran, a representative of Morocco, could not arrive) were shown, representing 42 exhibitors, including as much as 17 from Poland. The Polish team brought with them the largest group – 27 horses! The most numerous groups of horses from individual studs were presented by Sax Arabians (8 horses), Falborek Arabians (6 horses), Janów Podlaski and Dubai Arabian Horse Stud (5 horses each). When going through the catalogue visible at once was a strong team from Italy with 8 horses and a representation of Arab countries, who showed a total of 7 horses (including 2 from Al Khalediah Stables).

The yearling fillies’ class was won by the bay D Deemah (Royal Colours – Muranas Je Taime/Psytadel), bred by Dubai Stud, who despite not showing her best in movement gathered high marks for type, as well as head and neck. A total score of 89,67 allowed her to best Janów’s Palatina (Enzo – Palmeta/Ecaho), who in turn demonstrated a beautiful trot. This filly lost by 0,33 points, but at that time it was clear that our horses were judged differently than those from the Arab countries. Because how can it be possible that this filly, flying through the air, received a “14” for the legs from one judge, while others gave her a “16”? It is common knowledge that if one wants to “torpedo” a horse then the way to do so is to lower the animal’s marks for the legs. Those two points ruined Palatina’s chances for victory in this class. Third placed a representative of Sax Arabians, the grey Esskhija Bint Essteema (Khidar – Essteema/Esteem), who earned a total score of 88,33 points. After her went the chestnut Muranas Nasheetah (WH Justice – AM Nioba/Alishaar El Bri), br/o. by Murana Stud (DE), who scored 88,33 points. A good performance was delivered by the bay Alshira (Arzgir – Altara/Gazal Al Shaqab), bred by Janusz Ryżkowski, who achieved a total of 88 points. At sixth spot we found the freshly crowned Czech National Junior Champion Mare, the chestnut Porena (Ostragon – Pogoria/Ekstern), with 82,67 points… This caused numerous outrage, because how can it be possible that a filly shown just 4 hours earlier managed to change so much as to receive almost 4 points less? We must however keep in mind that the judges adjust the point scale to the quality of the presented group, that’s why marks can differ between various shows, though one has to admit that during this event the judges were very reserved about awarding high marks.

A very strong group of two year old fillies was dominated by Polish breeders, who presented 5 out of the class’ 9 contestants. Nevertheless victorious proved the Italian-bred grey filly with a large black eye and beautiful head – Abbiatt El Shams (Ajman Moniscione – Naima El Shams/Nava Ibn El Azz), bred by Andrioli Giorgio and owned by Luciano Curi (IT), who received a total score of 89,67 points. Second placed our Polish representative, the beautifully moving El Piatzolla (WH Justice – Enya/Ekstern), bred and owned by Z.P.H. Strusinianka, who bested Dubai Stud’s bay Hudha (Gazal Al Shaqab – Calla Lilli/Versace). At fourth spot placed the grey, bearing a beautiful, literally carved-like head Khidar daughter Amyra Bint Khidar (out of Al Amrya/BJ Mustafa), bred by Sax Arabians, who was awarded with one “20” for the head, but low marks for movement resulted in the final score of just 87,67. The subsequent spots were secured by Polish representatives: the grey Emlahaba (Al Lahab – Emanta/Pamir), bred and owned by Falborek Arabians, Epasjonata (Psytadel – Entaga/Ganges), bred by Leszek Jarmuż and owned by Nazaret Arabians, Entia (Psytadel – Enona/Fawor), bred and owned by Zalia

Arabians and Pertisa (WH Justice – Pernacja/Ekstern), bred and owned by Falborek Arabians, who received 85,33 points, including a set of “18”-“18″-“17” for movement. Just a reminder that at Janów Podlaski during the National Show this filly was third in class with a total score of 90,67, receiving two “20” for her remarkable movement. The divergences between these results show how unjust were the marks given to our horses during this championship. Personally I think that the majority of Polish horses presented in the Czech Republic were in their life form, some of them I have never seen in such a good condition. It was clear that the teams put a lot of effort into preparing their horses for this event and the horses were ready to reach for the highest laurels. The only thing that prevented them from doing so were the incomprehensible and often controversial marks of the judges, namely: Ann Nordén (SE), Francesco Santoro (IT), Christianne Chazel (FR) and Peter Gamlin (GB).

For example, the next class of 3 year old fillies was won by the black Princess S-Black (Dubai Pascha – Pasch Pionka/Vulkse), bred and owned by Schaeffer Juergen (DE), who bested by 0,67 points the charming Moja Miła (Złocień – Malowana Lala/Empres) bred by Agricola Farm and owned by Krzysztof Falba. In my opinion the winner did not deserve a triple “18” mark for the body, which was long and poorly coupled, which the judges did not notice, but Moja Miła’s good body was assessed at two “17s”. Third in class came the dark bay Nasira (Al Maraam – Nana/Fawor), bred and owned by Alicja Najmowicz and ending the show at fourth spot was the grey Lady Amarisa (Poganin – Lady Aphrodite/Padrons Psyche), bred and owned by M. & J. Pietrzak.

The yearling colts’ class was conclusively won by the milky-white Shamal Al Khalediah (Padrons Immage – Faaina AT/ZT Faaiq), bred and owned by Al Khalediah Stables, who outclassed his other rivals with a high total of 91 points. The second place fell to Emarc (QR Marc – Eksterna/Ekstern), bred and owned by Falborek Arabians, who reached a final result of 88,67. Right behind him was the German Osterhof Stud-bred chestnut, with a white face and light forelock, Atlantis OS (Ajman Moniscione – La Primavera/Al Lahab), who was assessed at 88 points. Another Polish horse, the bay Zimarc (QR Marc – Zeksterna/Ekstern), bred and owned by Czeple Arabians, who presented himself very nicely in movement with a highly set tail, received only 87,33 and fourth place.

Sunday’s first competition was the 2 year old colts’ class, won by the chestnut Lance Lord OS (WH Justice – Swana/Kubinec), bred by Osterhof (DE) and owned by Fontanella Magic Arabians (IT), who gathered 90,33 points and thanks to higher marks for movement bested his rival who boasted the same score – the grey colt D Maraksh (Royal Colours – Kar Ofelia/L.M. Perlamor), bred and owned by Dubai Stud (UAE). Third, with a final score of 89,33, came the movement-gifted bay Marshan (Meshan Ibn Kubinec – Marni/Windsprees Mirage), bred and owned by Sax Arabians (DE), who cast his luxuriant tail over his back as though he was dancing for the thrilled audience. This colt only lacked a more refined head, the kind which is currently so sought after by most breeders and which is favored by the judges at the cost of other traits. The fourth spot was taken by the only representative of Great Britain, the colt FS Alabaster (Al Lahab – Kubinaia/Kubinec), bred by Andrea L. Taylor and owned by Lynn Dobson, who gained 88,67 points, defeating the only Polish horse in this class, the grey Gerard (Pegasus – Gwarka/Monogramm), bred and owned by Agnieszka Wójtowicz, who received a final score of 87,33.

The final colts’ class, which included 3 year olds, was immediately conquered by another Osterhof Stud graduate resold to the Italian stud of Fontanella Magic Arabians – the chestnut Jumanci OS (Ajman Moniscione – Praetoria/Kubinec). He presented beautiful movement, evaluated at two “19s” and one “20”, and enriched his performance with flirtatious snorting, which was further awarded with thunderous applause. This is yet another horse which attests to the rightness of crossing the blood of Khidar with Ajman Moniscione and his sire WH Justice. The colt was awarded a high score of 90,6 and bested two other well-known colts bred in Germany – in Egyptian type, the grey, delicately dappled Muranas Jassehr (Major – Jana El Bri/CH El Brillo), bred and owned by Murana Arabians, who achieved 90 points and Europe Al Khidar (Khidar – Essteema/Esteem), bred and owned by Sax Arabians, who ended the show with a final result of 89 points.

Around 11:00 am the arena welcomed 4-6 year old mares, which competed in a hard group affectionately nicknamed as “the class of death”. Competing in this class were 12 mares, out of which two third of them belonged to Polish breeders. Victorious proved the superbly moving Janów-bred Cenoza (Ekstern – Celna/Alegro), who thanks to one “17” for the legs defeated by 0,33 points Al Waleska El Shael (Shael Dream Desert – Farina Van Ryad/Ryad El Jamaal), bred by Arisoli Fagundes (BR) and owned by Suweco (CZ). This widely promoted and in excellent form mare trailed her long, luxuriant tail on the ground and thanks to high marks for type gained a total of 89,67. Third placed Magic Mon Amour (Windsprees Mirage – Al Amrya/BJ Thee Mustafa), bred and owned by Fontanella Magic Arabians (IT), whose tiny head with a dished profile drew the attention of all spectators. If not for the fact that this mare had a poorer body and lacked remarkable movement, she would’ve probably been able to reach for the top laurel. Whereas splendid movement was delivered by the fourth finalist in this class, Kashira (Magnum Psyche – Kahila IV/Ibn Bint Inas), bred by Stanisław Redestowicz and owned by Andrzej Wójtowicz, who was awarded with the highest marks for the trot of the entire show (“20”-“19”-“20”), achieving a total score of 89,33. The class’ Top Five was closed off with Janów’s Alabama (Gazal Al Shaqab – Altona/Eukaliptus), also with 89,33. In this very even in terms of quality group we also saw Marjjana VA (Marwan Al Shaqab – Mi Khismit/Khemosabi), bred by Karen Anderson (US) and owned by Silvatica Black Arabians and 3 mares from Falborek: two WH Justice daughters – Wasa and Sotika, as well as Gemellia (Piber – Georgia/Monogramm) and the only representative of Białka Stud – Perolia (Gazal Al Shaqab – Pereira/Eldon), who gave a nice presentation and received a final score of 89 points.

The next class, which consisted of 7-9 year old mares, promised an interesting showdown of two sheikhs with their two renowned mares. Victorious was the milky-white Col Cora (Wagner – Catika/Mentik) by a pure Polish sire, who was awarded with a final score of 91,67 besting by 0,33 points the Al Khalediah Stables bred mare Lana Al Khalidiah (Aja Sangali – Thee Evening Star/Thee Desperado), bearing a coat color of a remarkable shade of bay. The latter displayed beautiful movement and delighted the Polish team, who unanimously pronounced that she should’ve been the winner. The third spot fell to the also milky-white Espanna Estopa (Espano Estopa – Dazions Tifla/Kruschan Ibn Kantar), bred by Nadine Ronge (DE) and owned by Sax Arabians (DE), who received very high marks for type, as well as head and neck, but exhibited much weaker movement.

The class of mares aged 10 years old and above included only 3 mares, out of which the best turned out to be Tamara (Ibn Narav – Takema/Kumir), bred and owned by Sax Arabians (DE), before CN Place (Juliano – AF Guizarro/Negorni), bred by C. Nascimeto (BR) and owned by Magic Arabians (AT), who achieved 0,67 points less (88,33).

The stallions’ class, as expected, was won by MA Shadow El Sher (El Shermann – Calyenna El Jamaal/Ali Jamaal), bred by Allevamento Mystic Arabians and owned by Dubai Stud, who was brought to the event for one reason only and that was to bring home the top title. As befitted a true showman, he presented himself superbly, for which he received two “20s” and the show’s highest score of 92 points. Second placed the just as renowned 6 year old Al Milan (Al Lahab – Milena/Ibn Naras), bred and owned by Sax Arabians (DE), who gave a good presentation resulting in a “19” for type and movement, which gave him a final total of 90,67. This stallion, despite a rather short neck, draws attention with a good body, which is so rare in stallions of the modern show type. The subsequent four spots fell to Polish stallions. The best of these was Janów’s Palatino (Pesal – Palmeta/Ecaho) who placed third with a total score of

90,33. Further spots were secured by: Pegasus (Gazal Al Shaqab – Pepesza/Eukaliptus), Celsjusz (Ekstern – Carina/Pesal) from Białka Stud and Emberk (Gazal Al Shaqab – Emantka/Eukaliptus) of Agnieszka Kozłowska.

The final class where spectators could enjoy stallions aged 10 years old and above was not so strong. It featured only 5 average quality stallions and was won by the Italian bred OR Ibn Halim (Halim Requim – Bint Masuya/Al Kadir), bred and owned by All.to Ol Ri, who thanks to high marks for movement achieved a decent final score of 88 points. It’s a pity that our state studs did not enter their representatives in this class, as it could’ve been good promotion for such stallions as for example Aslan.

The championship finals

The finals which took place on Sunday morning did not bring any surprises. The Junior Mare Championship was won by the Dubai Stud graduate D Deemah (Royal Colours – Muranas Je Taime/Psytadel), who previously bested in the yearling fillies’ class Janów’s Palatina (Enzo – Palmeta/Ecaho). The representative of Janów Podlaski was awarded with the title of Junior Reserve Champion Mare, becoming the most successful of the Polish horses which came to Prague for the event. The bronze medal went to the 2 year old Abbiatt El Shams (Ajman Moniscione – Naima El Shams/Nava Ibn El Azz), bred by Andriolo Giorgio and owned by Luciano Curi (IT), who charmed everyone with a beautiful head and large black eye. It seems that after the era of WH Justice the upcoming years will belong to the progeny of his son, the stallion Ajman Moniscione.

Also the title of Junior Champion Stallion went to the Arab countries, this time to Al Khalediah for

the colt Shamal Al Khalediah (Padrons Immage – Faaina AT/ZT Faaiq). The subsequent two medals were awarded to the German Osterhof Stud-bred and Italian Fontanella Magic Arabians-owned colts: the chestnut Lance Lord OS (WH Justice – Swana/Kubinec) who received the silver and the chestnut Jumanci OS (Ajman Moniscione – Praetoria/Kubinec) who took the bronze.

The Senior Mare Championships were also divided between the sheikhs’ horses. Victorious was the milky-white Col Cora (Wagner – Catika/Mentik), owned by Dubai Stud, besting the Al Khalediah Stables graduate Lana Al Khalidiah (Aja Sangali – Thee Evening Star/Thee Desperado), a mare of a beautiful shade of bay. The bronze medal fell to Cenoza (Ekstern –

Celna/Alegro) of Janów Podlaski, who instead of trotting literally flew across the arena.

Similar to earlier competitions, the title of Senior Champion Stallion went to Dubai Stud for MA Shadow El Sher (El Shermann – Calyenna El Jamaal/Ali Jamaal), the Reserve – to the German-bred Al Milan (Al Lahab – Milena/Ibn Naras) and the bronze medal to Italy for OR Ibn Halim (Halim Requim – Bint Masuya/Al Kadir).

Czech National Championships

Held earlier on Saturday was the 9th Czech National Show with a scarce number of entries – just 35 – out of which 9 were not presented and one had to leave the arena due to lameness. Out of the group of 27 evaluated horses 17 were bred in the Czech Republic and the remaining one third were imports, mainly from Germany and Poland. And it was these horses that most often received the highest marks. The eight small classes were judged by Jerzy Białobok (PL), Claudia Darius (DE) and Princess Alia Al Hussein Al Saleh (JOR), a team whose marks were very consistent with each other and the majority of the guests participating in the following international show regretted that this harmonious team did not also judge that second event.

Already in the first class, the yearling fillies, the Polish guests and perhaps also the judges were stunned by what they saw. We have gotten used to a totally different sight, that’s why what we saw was utterly shocking. I don’t mean the quality of the presented horses, but the way that it was done and the condition of the animals. Most of the horses had rubbed off tails and gnawed off manes, which at times resembled the manes of Fjord horses. The horses were either too thin or too obese. They were presented in a chaotic manner, didn’t listen to their handlers (most of them were women), struggled and didn’t want to stand still which made it a hard task for the

judges. This could be explained by the fact that breeding in the Czech Republic is still budding, but on the other hand the National Show took place already for the ninth time… We can only hope that the local breeders and handlers observed their foreign colleagues during the International Show and will try to pursue their standards of conditioning and showing.

The yearling fillies’ class was undisputedly won by the Polish-bred (Zalia Arabians) and Czech-owned (J. Rusnáková) chestnut Porena (Ostragon – Pogoria/Ekstern), who gained the highest score for type among the entire group of junior females, ending the class with a total of 86 points. This filly at once stood out with her Arabian appeal and for that reason won the Czech National Junior Championship later that afternoon. This success is even more pleasing, as it is a promotion of Polish breeding. Maybe a larger interest in our horses will follow, because so far Czech breeders preferred to purchase breeding material in Germany. Second in class was the bay Farida AQ (Ghazal Imdal – Ciera Duchess/Moniet El Nafis), bred by M. Novotná and owned by T. Hrubá, who achieved a total score of 84,33 points and later won the title of Czech National Junior Reserve Champion Mare.

In the 2 and 3 year old fillies’ class we saw only 2 out of the 4 previously entered horses. The class was won by the bay Dahab (Ali – Dayfania/Fason), bred by R. Vobruba and owned by V. Krušinová, who earned a total of 84,33 points, which allowed her to later grab the bronze medal. She is a full sister to the yearling Darja, bred and owned by R. Voruba, who in turn was the lowest scored horse of the previous class. This filly received two “17s” and one “16” for type, as well as thrice a “16” for head and neck, ending her presentation at 81,67 points, which as it turned out was not the lowest score of the show. The filly was nervous and did not want to present herself, had a heavy, straight-profiled head and significant lack of hairs in her mane and tail. This shows the amount of breeding work still ahead for the Czechs to reach the stock quality of this breed present in other European countries.

The yearling and 2 year old colts’ classes were combined in one due to very few entries. Here we saw horses in better condition and of conformation more resembling our own Arabians. This happened in large part due to two colts who divided between them the top two spots in class and later the gold and silver medals, respectively. Victorious was the two year old Uranos (Al Lahab – Usurei/The Verdict HG), bred by F. Čižek and owned by Z. Marek, who was awarded with a triple “19” for head and neck. His final score of 87 points was welcomed by the audience with great enthusiasm and thunderous applause. Second place fell to the chestnut Milano (Al Milan – Espanna Estopa/Espano Estopa), bred by Sax Arabians (DE) and owned by Š. Němečková, who ended the show with a score of 85,33. What’s interesting, this colt bred by Reinhard Sax was partially related to the previous one, as one was by Al Lahab and the second

by his son, Al Milan. The bronze medal in the Junior Stallion Championship went to the winner of the very small 3 year olds class, the chestnut Sharm El Shaklan (Sanadik El Shaklan – Umbertina/Al Sachra Kaythoom), bred and owned by Suweco (CZ), who achieved a score of 83,33 points. All the medalists of the Junior Stallion Championships were by renowned foreign sires, which will probably encourage the Czechs to search for stallions and breedings abroad.

The Senior Female Championship went to the winner of the 4-8 year old mares’ class, the bay Pamina S (Jazzmeen – Partersha/Naftalin), bred by J. Schaefer (DE) and owned by L. Stach, who gained 85,33 points and bested in that class the later silver medalist, the grey Setan Abu Hamadan (Hamadan – Seila/Al Sachra Kaythoom), bred by B. Šablatúra (SK) and owned by K. Králová, whose score amounted to one point less. The bronze medal was awarded to the winner of the 9 years and above class, the grey flea-bitten Sabra El Shahd (Bayed – Slovenka/Al Sachra Kaythoom). Although she had a straight-profiled head, sunken topline and poor legs, overall she maintained a good type and her final low score of 81,33 allowed her to best just one rival who competed with her in that class.

The stallion classes were divided untypically, into a group of 4-5 year olds and 6 year olds and above. The first of these was won by the grey S Maran (Black Shetan – Marouba Bint Assuan/Assuan El Ifrith), bred by Sonja Schindler and owned by J. Rusnáková, who achieved 85 points, including a triple “18” for type, which allowed him collect the bronze medal in the finals. The titles of Champion and Reserve Champion fell to the 1st and 2nd place holders from the older stallions’ class. Victorious in great style, presented by Polish handler Robert Witkowski, was the grey Nadzih (Normativ – Anatevka S/Nikel), bred by V. Šagát and owned by L. Řačáková, who as the only Czech horse showed his movement to the full of his abilities, awarded with two “19s” and the highest score of the National Show – 87,33 points. The silver medal went to the grey flea-bitten Mistral (El Thay Said Pasha – Autum Mistry/The Ministril), bred by O. Schmidt (DE) and owned by F. Duda, who was one of the few Czech horses to sport a long, beautiful mane.

Mixed feelings

Summing up, the Prague show caused mixed feelings. On one hand we must remember that it was held for the first time and at once gathered such a numerous and good group of horses, close to the borders of our country. On the other hand it was clearly visible that the expansion of breeders from the Arab countries has spread not only to the A-ranked shows, but also to the smaller, B-ranked ones. The show could’ve been a chance for good horses, but not good enough to leave a mark in the “title shows” (the World Championships, European Championships and All Nations Cup in Aachen). Meanwhile many of the presented horses belonged to the elite, already with meaningful achievements from significant shows under their belt. An unfavorable impression was also left by the fact that the horses of the main sponsors, without whom the show would have probably never taken place, were evaluated with more forgiveness. We can only hope that the magic of the beautiful city of Prague will erase the bad memories and a different judge panel next year will draw even more horses to Czech’s capital, including horses from Poland.

The Arabian Horse Days, which have permanently written themselves down in the calendar of the Polish breeding tradition, surprise us with something each year and are remembered due to certain events and horses participating in them. Two years ago they caused much excitement by means of the spectacular successes of the invincible Pianissima and the sale of World Champion Mare Kwestura for a “trifle” of 1,125,000 Euro. Last year for the first time in the history of the auction a yet unborn foal was sold, while the National Show ended with the success of the private breeders, who returned home with four out of six junior medals, including two Reserve Champions.

The 32nd Polish National Arabian Horse Show combined with the 41st Pride of Poland Sale was to be the year of Pilar, who held promise for a financial success, especially since her perhaps most titled daughter was entered into the National Show – the bay Pinga, Polish National Champion Filly and Best in Show of 2005, who returned to Poland just a month ago after residing almost two years in the US. Unfortunately the weather and the worldwide economic crisis foiled all plans and this year’s Arabian Horse Days will be remembered as a dramatic evacuation of horses in pitch-darkness during the storm and a decrease of the auction’s income after several years of prosperity. However Pilar fulfilled the expectations and she achieved the highest price of the auction: 240 thousand Euro.

Class competition

The first day of this year’s National Show battle for the coveted titles commenced with the yearling colts of class 4A, which included two favorites for the Champion Colt garland: the Janów Podlaski-bred Pogrom (QR Marc – Pętla/Visbaden) and Michałów’s Empire (Enzo – Emira/Laheeb). It was speculated that these colts would exchange between themselves the titles gained at Junior Spring Show in Białka, which was exactly what happened on Sunday morning during the championships. The class was won by the dainty Empire, who though slightly feminine and not a very good mover, without raising his tail at that, definitely has one of the most beautiful heads among the colts born over the last several years in Poland. His victory confirmed the primacy of marks for head and neck over the total score. Janów’s robust Junior Spring Show Champion Colt, the bay Pogrom, had to yield before Empire and with a score of 89,67 had to settle for second place, which in accordance with the championship rules closed the doors for him to the champion title on Sunday.

Class 4B was won by Janów’s grey Almanzor (El Nabila B – Alantina/Emigrant), who once again delighted the public with sweeping movement. Second placed the private-bred Zimarc (QR Marc – Zeksterna/Ekstern), bred and owned by Czeple Arabians, who bested the bronze medalist from Białka – the bay Maran (FS Bengali – Missouri/Wachlarz), bred and owned by Kielnarowa Stud. The son of Bengali placed fourth, right behind Amanito (Eden C – Altamira/Ekstern), bred and owned by Janów Podlaski. Closing off the class Top Five was a representative of Falborek Arabians, who brought to Janów a numerous group of horses. The most attention was focused on the above mentioned grey Emarc (by QR Marc), as he is the son of Polish National Reserve Champion Filly from 2008, Eksterna (Ekstern – Emanta/Pamir). He scored a total of 88,33.

After the yearling colt classes came time for the competing of the two-year-olds. Already during the initial presentation it was easy to predict the winner – Michałów’s El Omari (Enzo – Embra/Monogramm), whom we did not see in Białka. This handsome chestnut colt presented himself very well and made a very positive impression, which cannot be said about Chimeryk (Eryks – Chimera/Emigrant), who in accordance with his name (meaning “capricious”) had no intention of cooperating with his handler. This resulted in lesser marks for movement, which in turn prevented him winning the class. Whereas El Omari turned out to be the best moving stallion of the younger generation; during his presentation he literally flew in the air to the beat of Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” and in the Sunday championships gained the bronze medal.

Traditionally the class of three year old colts was the least numerous, with only four contestants. There were no surprises and the classification from Białka was repeated – the first spot with a score of 89,67 went to the gifted mover Echo Adonis (Al Maraam – Echo Kallisto/Pamir), bred and owned by Chrcynno-Palace Stud, before the chestnut Chagall (Poganin – Corina-Corina/Dębowiec), bred and owned by St. Roch Arabians, who gained 0,33 point less.

After finishing off the colt classes a break was announced. Part of the audience dispersed and the other guests began a welcome dinner in the VIP sector, awaiting the evening preview of the Pride of Poland Sale horses. Suddenly a strong wind started blowing and the squall began uplifting some of the tent stables, which could not be held down, even by some n-teen people! The roof, burdened by the downpour, did not stand the load and the horses began to panic. Some dispersed in all directions, some were stuck in the tumbling stalls, while others found their own route of escape by breaking through the tarpaulin. The operation of transferring the frightened horses to quickly organized places in the manege and non-stall stables was made difficult by the lack of electricity and in turn – the lack of light. Amazing as it is to believe, no horse or person was seriously harmed during these dramatic events. Many people struggled with the weather and rescued the endangered animals with great sacrifice. In the end it all came down to some bruises and scratches. Nevertheless the stressed horses and tired staffs were deeply affected by what happened. Without a doubt it had much influence on the results achieved the next day during the subsequent class competitions.

The numerous as usual filly classes brought much excitement, especially since the very even level of quality made it difficult to single out a decisive favorite. Already the first class brought a face-off of the gold and silver medalists from the Białka show. The Champion Palatina (QR Marc – Palmeta/Ecaho) presented herself much worse than at Białka, scoring a total of 90,33 (lower than the previous 94,00), which resulted in third place of this class. Whereas the Reserve Champion from Białka, Michałów’s grey Zigi Zana (QR Marc – Zagrobla/Monogramm) proved what she’s worth – it was her day. With a highly raised tail she flew through the air with great finesse, for which the judges awarded her with maximum marks for movement: the tablet with “20” went up thrice! Second place in this class was secured by Janów’s Primera (Eden C – Preria/Ararat), bearing a dished, carved-like head, which the judges acknowledged with the highest marks among the junior females of this show (20-19-19). This filly also flaunts other assets: a nice movement and a very good body, for which she was awarded the highest score among the entire presented junior group, next to Bajaderka, sporting the best body over the last years, who can boast a similar score (19-19-18).

The next class of the yearling fillies (series B) was won by the equally well moving Piacenza (QR Marc – Primawera/Emigrant), bred and owned by Michałów Stud, before the first-time shown Janów filly Berenika (Eden C – Belgica/Gazal Al Shaqab).

In the next class of the two year old fillies (4A) we saw the showdown between three daughters of the world-famed sire WH Justice who, despite placing high, had to yield before Michałów’s Enzo daughter, the chestnut Wagira (out of Wkra/Gazal Al Shaqab). She won the class with a score of 91,33. Second, with a total of 91,00 was El Piatzolla (WH Justice – Enya/Ekstern), bred and owned by ZPH Strusinianka, a filly of a beautiful head and rather correct body for this

sire. The third and fourth spots went to subsequent daughters of WH Justice. Beginning with the superbly moving Pertisa (out of Pernacja/Ekstern), bred and owned by Falborek Arabians, who became a living advertisement for her dam, offered the next day in the Selection Sale (and who achieved the highest price among the mares offered there: 20,000 Euro). Right behind Pertisa placed the unusually toned chestnut Ekspiracja (out of Eklezja/Monogramm), bred by Lech Błaszczyk and owned by Krzysztof Falba, who due to the

slight injuries suffered the day before during the evacuation of the tumbling stables did not show her abilities to the full. Only fifth placed the daughter of Pilar, the grey Pilarosa (by Al Adeed Al Shaqab), who apparently did not meet the tastes of the judges, as she gained just 89,33, whereas she ended the Białka show in the Championship Top Five with a high total of 93,00.

However the subsequent series of the two year old fillies belonged to three Michałów daughters of Ekstern, who divided the top three spots among themselves: Mesalina (out of Mata Hari/Werbum), Lawinia (out of Luanda/Emigrant) and Pustynna Malwa (out of Pustynna Róża/Emigrant). Fourth came the daughter of the Ariela Arabians-bred stallion Al Lahab – Emlahaba (out of Emanta/Pamir), bred and owned by Falborek Arabians.

The last fillies’ class, where we saw three year old females, was dominated by private breeders. It was won in great style by the recent champion from Midelfart – Chaos Persefona (Poganin – Ceres/Ganges), bred and owned by Chrcynno-Palace Stud. The filly was in excellent form and presented great movement. On Sunday afternoon she was the only private-bred filly to enter the Polish National Championship Top Five, doing so at fifth place. The second spot in class was secured by the expressively moving Padova (Galba – Palanga/Ekstern) from Michałów, third came Bajaderka (Złocień – Bagatela/Pesal), bred by

Agricola Farm and owned by Monika Luft, while fourth placed another Chrcynno-Palace representative, the chestnut Gaja Iris (Poganin – Granada/Monogramm).

In the afternoon the arena was entered by the 4-6 year old mares – 26 beauties, 13 in each series. The first of them was won by Janów’s Sefora (Ekstern – Sawantka/Pepton), who proved with her tenure at the racetrack that beauty and stamina can indeed go hand in hand. That makes the usage of Ekstern for yet another season at Janów even more pleasing. Second came

the Reserve Champion from Białka 2007, the grey Wasa (WH Justice – Waresa/Empres), bred by Falborek Arabians. The latter stud also took home the ribbon for fourth place, awarded to the Michałów-bred grey Gemellia (Piber – Georgia/Monogramm), purchased at the Selection Sale for 21 thousand Euro.

The second series of 4-6 year olds belonged to – as expected – Janów’s Pinga (Gazal Al Shaqab – Pilar/Fawor), who scored 93,67 points. She was awarded with especially high marks by judge Doug Dahmen, who gave her three “20s” – for type, head and movement and a

controversial 18 for the legs, thanks to which Pinga turned out to be the “best legged” horse of the show, next to Gaja Valentina (Emiliusz – Ganga/Emigrant), bred and owned by Chrcynno-Palace, who contrary to Pinga received uniform marks in the shape of three “17s” for this trait. Pinga’s high score from that judge could’ve resulted from the fact that he originates from the US, where horses present a slightly different type. Right behind Pinga placed Pistoria (Gazal Al Shaqab – Palmira/Monogramm), who with the change of her coat color is

becoming more and more beautiful with each year. A slightly lesser performance was given by the 2007 Junior Spring Show and Polish National Champion Filly, the bay Ejrene. This mare did not show her best movement and though she garnered three “20s”, the total score of 91,33 allowed her to only place third and not enter the championships.

The battle of the 7-10 year old mares once again proved the quality of Janów’s Etnologia (Gazal Al Shaqab – Etalanta/Europejczyk), who won in great style with a total score of 94 points, an 0,33 points higher than the soon-to-become Polish National Champion Pinga, gaining as much as three „20s” for movement! This mare seems to be struggling with bad luck for some time, as for over three years she has not been able to “break through”. First she was in the shadow of Pianissima, later – Emandoria and this year – Pinga. Second in class was Michałów’s

Palanga (Ekstern – Panika/Eukaliptus) and third Palmeta (Ecaho – Pilica/Fawor), who gained three well-deserved “20s” for type! The biggest thrills though were still to come, as the arena saw the entrance of true stars, mares aged 11 years old and up. They posed gracefully for the judges and photographers to the music of Ludwig van Beethoven. It was in that class that came the highest score of the show: for Michałów’s Emmona (Monogramm – Emilda/Pamir), who received the highest mark of “20” as much as nine times – for type, head and neck, as well as movement. Her impressive total score amounted to 95,33!

From this almost mystical atmosphere we were transferred to a less spectacular class, though one of the most interesting for the breeders – the 4-6 year old stallions. Because although Poland does not lack beautiful mares, breeding a good stallion is extremely difficult.

As befits masculine rivalry, the nostalgic classical music was changed to decisively livelier beats, among others by Danish percussion group Safri Duo. The class was won in wonderful style by Polish National Champion Colt and European Top Five Colt of 2006, the stallion Alert (Piaff – Andaluzja/Sanadik El Shaklan), besting the much titled Polish National Reserve Champion Colt, European Reserve Champion and World Top Ten Colt, the grey Kabsztad (Poganin – Kwestura/Monogramm), who placed second. Surprising was the outcome of the stallions’ class aged 7 and up where the favorite was none other than the double Polish National Reserve Champion from the last two years in a row – Drabant (Gazal Al Shaqab –

Demona/Monogramm). However he came in just fourth, giving way to Pegasus (Gazal Al Shaqab – Pepesza/Eukaliptus) and Eurykles (Emigrant – Eutona/Etogram), who has become very refined with age, gained dryness, became flea-bitten and has begun to resemble his sire. The victory in this class went to Salar (Ecaho – Saba/Etat), whose type was acknowledged by two judges with the maximum mark. It was starting to get dark and a beautiful red sun was setting over the VIP tent when the horses were stepping off the arena. All the classes took place outside, in nice weather and without any problems.

The finals

On Sunday, before the championships began, a minute of silence commemorated the passing of breeder, trainer and ambassador of Polish breeding abroad – Wojciech Kowalik. His absence during the decoration of the bred by him Boreas (Metropolis NA – Bombina/Bomarc), who placed 5th in the 4-6 year old stallions class, was a sad moment…

The junior championships did not bring any great surprises: the Colt Championships Top Five consisted of Empire, Pogrom, El Omari, Almanzor and the private-bred Zimarc. Whereas the Filly Championships ended with the victory of Zigi Zana, Primera, Piacenza, Wagira and Chaos Persefona. The choice of Senior Champion Mare caused some controversy, as many people considered Pinga’s score to be much over the top and that it was Emmona who deserved the top honors, but there’s no accounting for tastes and as we all know, the choosing of a champion is a very subjective decision dictated by personal likings of the judges. In accordance to all speculations that Pinga simply had to win to strengthen the position of her

dam during the auction, she was unanimously chosen Polish National Champion Mare, with the subsequent spots going to Emmona, Sefora, Etnologia and Zagrobla. The choosing of Polish National Champion Stallion caused no controversy at all and was easy to predict: the gold went to Alert, the silver to Kabsztad and the bronze to Salar, with Eurykles closing off the Top Four. The Best in Show trophy was awarded to Pinga. The awards for Best Movement and Best Head of the Show went to Michałów’s Emmona. Her home stud also returned with the trophies for Best Breeder, as well as Best Handler which was handed to Mariusz Liśkiewicz. The Best Trainer was Gerard Paty from Janów Podlaski State Stud. Named as the Best Racehorse of the Show was New Man (Major – Njuschaah/Santhos), bred and owned by Andrzej Wójtowicz. Whereas the honoree of the sixth edition of the WAHO Trophy was Palmira from Michałów Stud.

The Sale

After a small break all gathered in the indoor arena where Fryderyk Chopin’s 200th birthday was commemorated with a special performance by Arabian stallions, which presented themselves to live music. The riders threw white roses in the direction of the piano, handed to them previously by a lady with a child in historical costumes. This beautiful picture of our tradition and national achievement began the 41st auction, known since 2001 as the Pride of Poland. The round 10th anniversary of organizing the event by Polturf did not end in a great celebration, as there wasn’t much to be happy about. It was the weakest auction of the past several years, as 10 out of the 36 horses offered in the main sale did not sell. Several were bought without any fight whatsoever after reaching the reserve price, which this year seemed to be set for many horses at a low level of 10 thousand Euro. The world crisis finally caught up with the Arabian business, but I don’t think anyone expected such a decrease of prices. In 2008 the auction brought a total of 3 million Euro, last year nearly 2,5 million and this year only slightly more than a million… Of course we should mention that in the previous years the high financial result came courtesy of the sale of the spectacular Kwestura, but analyzing the average price achieved from the sale of horses from the main auction list in 2007-2009 (excluding the mentioned mare from our statistics) we see that the average maintained an even level of around 80 thousand Euro per horse. This year that amount is lower by half, being a little more than 39 thousand Euro. A similar decrease can be observed in the number of horses which reached the 100 thousand Euro mark: in 2007 there were seven such horses, in 2008 and 2009 – six. This year the magical number of 100 thousand Euro was surpassed only by Janów’s Pilar (240 thousand euro). However this year’s auction doesn’t necessarily have to herald a long lasting crisis, as in the last decade we have witnessed similar events right after entering the new millennium. In 2001 fifteen out of the 39 offered horses did not sell and the average price for a mare was just

under 40 thousand dollars. The next year was slightly better, as up for sale was the freshly crowned Reserve Champion Filly – Wieża Wiatrów (Ganges – Wiaźma/Arbil) and the auction ended with the sale of 30 out of the 33 offered mares with an average price of 36 thousand dollars. A year later again 13 out of the 37 offered mares did not change owners, with the average amounting to just 32 thousand dollars. The highest prices were given for Embella (Monogramm – Emanacja/Eukaliptus) and Elwia (Ecaho – Etopka/Eukaliptus), for whom 140 thousand Euro was given each*. The third price of the auction was 105 thousand Euro for the Michałów-bred Figlarka (Monogramm – Frejlina/Pepton). These three mares “made” the entire auction, as the rest sold around 10 thousand Euro per horse. The years 2004-2005 brought a breakthrough. The number of offered horses was decreased to 29-30 and the prices went up. The mare Palestyna (Monogramm – Palestra/Penitent) achieved a sum of 300 thousand Euro, a year later Elandra (Monogramm – Erlanda/Eukaliptus) reached 290 thousand Euro. Sums surpassing 100 thousand Euro began to appear more frequently and after lean years again came years of plenty. In capitalism there are often fluctuations and there cannot always be increases and record prices.

A large surprise this year was the fact that in the top five of the highest sold horses two belonged to private owners. Purchased for a sum of 48 thousand Euro was last year’s Autumn Show Champion Filly from Janów Podlaski – the bay Gadnes (Psytadel – Gracea/Etogram), bred and owned by Jan Głowacki. This two year old filly showed a direction in which the demand of the market will probably be heading. Foreign buyers are looking for young horses, promising a show career and the most sought after are individuals with achievements under their belt. Such a horse was without a doubt Lot 25 Ermina (Galba – Echidna/Ararat), bred by Samko P.U.H. and owned by Monika Luft, a granddaughter of Elandra, a regular at international shows where she placed in the Top Five of her classes and a class winner from Białka. She found a buyer for the second highest price of this year’s auction, 90 thousand Euro! This mare with a uniquely beautiful carved head is the highest sold horse of private ownership in the history of the Janów sale. Her new owner however wanted to remain anonymous. It is only known that Ermina will leave Poland. The other two private owned mares (Primadonna and Sotika) were not sold and the reserve prices of 75 thousand Euro seemed to be too high for this year, though sometimes it is better to leave a good horse in your own stable than to sell it below the value that it means to us.

Looking at the Pride of Poland offer we find a different regularity than the one that the world demand is heading for. The average age of the offered mares is 8 years – with the state stud horses averaging 8,5 and the private-bred slightly over 4 years. Of course we must remember that we cannot sell only young and unproven mares, as they must leave progeny in Poland in order to maintain the continuity of the dam line and their sale cannot compromise our breeding itself. The interest in Monogramm daughters has decreased, who beside those with an outstanding show career aren’t such an attractive offer as they used to be a couple of years ago. Foreign buyers prefer to purchase the younger daughters of Ekstern than to spend large sums on 15-16 year old mares, burdened with a reproduction risk and problems with re-selling the horse at a later time. We must remember that our mares after producing several foals at the buyer’s stud often change owners, being simply a good investment. Six out of the seven Ekstern daughters offered this year for sale were sold. The highest price was achieved by the Junior Spring Show Reserve Champion Filly from 2001, Wilga (out of Wenessa/Egon). This 11 year old mare can boast a successful breeding career with her signature daughter by Gazal Al Shaqab – the grey Wilda, last year’s Polish National Reserve Champion Mare from Janów Podlaski. It is definitely a pity to sell such a handsome mare, proven broodmare, in foal to an outstanding sire of show horses QR Marc for a sum of 82 thousand Euro to Belgium. With that she became the highest sold horse from Michałów Stud, who this year painfully felt the world crisis in comparison to previous auctions. The stud’s budget will be enlarged by 368,700 Euro from horses sold at both the main auction and Selection Sale. Last year Michałów’s auction income amounted to more than one million Euro and two years ago, thanks to the sale of Kwestura, almost two million Euro! An even worse balance has been made by Białka Stud, which earned a total of just 64 thousand Euro… Whereas Janów Podlaski Stud is the only one that saved itself from the crisis, though this year’s result is lower than the previous, which surpassed one million Euro. The total of 560 thousand Euro, considering such a tough year, should be recognized as a rather large amount.

Considering that last year Shirley Watts from Great Britain purchased two Janów mares, offering for the daughter of Pipi, the bay Preria (by Ararat), 230 thousand Euro and several minutes later half a million Euro for the young Pinta (Ekstern – Pilar/Fawor), her total purchases amounted to 730 thousand Euro, which is slightly less than the entire outcome of this year’s auction! This time Halsdon Arabians will welcome three mares: Michałów’s Pampa (Gazal Al Shaqab – Palestyna/Monogramm) for 45 thousand Euro and Janów’s Hekla (Primo – Harpia/Ernal) and Agusta (Piaff – Albigowa/Fawor), for which Mrs. Watts paid 40 thousand Euro each, having spent a total of 125 thousand Euro. Everyone betted that due to the love for this dam line Mrs. Watts would make her dream come true and purchase the dam of the previously bought daughters: Pinta (500 thousand Euro) and Pieta (300 thousand Euro). Though during the pre-sale presentations she inspected Pilar thoroughly, applauding her loudly, during the sale she moved aside for Al Shaqab Stud from Qatar, allowing them to purchase this epochal mare for the already mentioned 240 thousand Euro. The new owners gave Shirley Watts a joyful hug – was it a thank you gesture for the opportunity to purchase this mare? Pilar has produced good looking foals each year and during her 10 year breeding career at Janów Podlaski gave ten foals, the most successful by Gazal Al Shaqab, to whom she was bred five times. So it is not surprising that it were buyers from the Middle East that were interested in purchasing this mare. Heading off to Qatar is also a Laheeb daughter – the grey Ariadne (out of Argentyna/Partner), for whom 60 thousand Euro was given and an Angor daughter – Galatea (out of Gehenna/Monogramm), who was sold for 27 thousand Euro. A decisively smaller group of horses will journey to the US: three mares for a total sum of 46 thousand Euro. This shows the change in the clientele market. Not as far as a couple of years ago buyers from the US were the most active bidders during the sale and today their presence is barely visible. Whereas the European market is developing more intensively – this year it was led by France, who purchased as much as seven horses for a decent total of 215 thousand Euro. Also the highest sold horse of the Selection Sale (30 thousand Euro) will head to France: the stallion El Azem (Gazal Al Shaqab – El Fatha/Entyk). Last year the stallion Eol (out of Eutona/Etogram), for whom 12 thousand Euro was given, also went to France. As we can see, our countries have more in common than just a love for Chopin’s music – perhaps the time has come for the expansion of Polish Arabians in that country?

Also our domestic breeders did not fail and took advantage of the sale offer to acquire good genetic material for their herds. Three mares will stay in Poland, including a Monogramm daughter, the chestnut Wyborna (out of Wybranka/Piechur), sold for 20 thousand Euro. Slightly more expensive at 30 thousand Euro was Emetyna (Ekstern – Esina/Sinus) and for a minimum price of 10 thousand Euro the beautiful Laheeb daughter, Percepcja (out of Perturbacja/Laheeb) was bought. The total amount of domestic purchases is 60 thousand Euro, which is 14 thousand higher than the American buys, not counting the four mares purchased by the Poles for a total of 18,5 thousand Euro at the Selection Sale, where the buyers from America were not present at all.

The auction itself was rather spiritless, without frequent surges of thrills and emotions which we could’ve witnessed in the previous years. A truly vibrant atmosphere appeared only during the bidding of Pilar and Ermina. The audience also did a good job of cheering on the horses and encouraging the potential buyers to make a decision to bid.

As this year’s auction showed it is time to search for new markets, as the buyers who have been coming to Poland for years have this time greatly reduced their purchases. We can only hope that the Polish Arabians, as many times before, will come out of yet another crisis unscathed.

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*Embella was not paid and until 2007 remained in Michałów. She was sold to Dubai at a monthly tender on July 7th of 2007 (added by: polskiearaby.pl)

Polish Nationals results

Auction results

Polish Nationals – photo gallery by Sylwia Iłenda
Pride of Poland Sale – photo gallery by Sylwia Iłenda

Download the PDF version of the Auction 2010 article – English/French»