The spectacular performances of domestic progeny by foreign stallions from the line of the chestnut US National Reserve Champion Stallion PADRONS PSYCHE 1988 (Padron – Kilika/Tamerlan) at the last Polish National Arabian Horse Show, as well as a group of 2007 Janów foals already making a name for themselves by another stallion of this subline (Enzo), bid us to yet again turn our attention to this breeding and show branch within the most powerful and popular in the world today sire line of Saklawi I d.b.

The precursor of the „line of Padrons” was none other than the Egyptian ASWAN (Raafat) himself – another splendid son of Nazeer – given to the communist authorities of the USSR by the president of Egypt on the occasion of building the Assuan dam. In Tersk Aswan turned out to be a superb sire, laying down the foundations (together with Polish mares robbed earlier from Janów, together with our Piołun – sire of Priboj – and Arax – the sire of Nabeg) of the modern Arabian breed in the USSR and later Russia. Aswan gave many superb sire-sons in Tersk, including “our” Palas, Plakat, Mascat, Aromat, Kilimandżaro, as well as PATRON out of Podruga, who then found his way to Holland, where mated with the mare Odessa by Bright Wings he gave the chestnut PADRON (Dutch, US and Canadian National Champion) – founder of a numerous and charismatic “line of Padrons”. One of the best and most valuable sons of Padron turned out to be the already mentioned Padrons Psyche, who already

created his own “Padron branch”. Just as in the States (where the „Padrons” created a true dynasty of National Champions: Padron – Padrons Psyche – Magnum Psyche and Enzo), as well as in Europe and the Middle East, Poland is also witnessing more and more show successes of “Padrons” progeny, especially those of private breeding. At the already mentioned Polish Nationals they quite clearly dominated the youngest classes, besting even the offspring of Gazal Al Shaqab and Ekstern. Both series (A and B) of the yearling fillies class were conquered by the bay daughters of the Belgian PSYTADEL (Padrons Psyche – Bey Shah) – ESPIRIA 2006 (out of Ekspiacja by Emigrant) and ESPINEZJA 2006 (out of Entaga by Ganges) – a Top Five at the European

Championships – while right behind them placed the bay,subtle SOTIKA 2006 by the Italian-based sire WH JUSTICE (by Magnum Psyche, in turn by Padrons Psyche), out of Słonka by Wojsław. Also without equals among the yearlings was another representative of this line, the sensational grey ALTIS (WH Justice – Albia/Pers), who later went on to grasp the prestigious title of All Nations Cup Junior Reserve Champion Colt (as well as a Top Five in the European Championships and Top Ten in the World Championships). Only slightly less successful in Janów were the

previously well-performing in Białka: the grey WASA 2006 (out of Waresa/Empres) – 5th in class IA – and the chestnut SATIS 2006 (out of Sadika/Simeon Sadik) – 6th in class. However the youngest classes were not the only ones in which we could applaud the privately bred and owned Polish „Padrons”, as in the 4-6 year old mares class a very effective performance was given by the chestnut and robust PRIMADONNA 2003 (Padrons Psyche – Pelargonia/Alegro), placing 2nd, while in the class of the 4-8 year old stallions the bay ETNODRONS PSYCHE 2003 (Padrons Psyche – Etnografia/Aloes) made quite a sensation also placing 2nd. It’s a shame that in Janów in the 3-year-old colts class we were not able to see the handsome (and already titled at European shows) chestnut FIREBALL 2004 by Magnum Psyche (by Padrons Psyche) out of Flotylka by Emigrant. The frozen semen of the chestnut MAGNUM PSYCHE (US National Champion Stallion) was imported to Poland right after the semen of his father (Padrons Psyche) by Stanisław Redestowicz (a pioneer in this matter). Beside Fireball, Magnum Psyche left such interesting daughters

as: the chestnut FUMELIA 2004 (out of Fuma by Monogramm), the chestnut EMEGNA 2004 (out of Embola byBalon), the bay CIMANE (out of Circe by Alegro) and first and foremost – the grey KASHIRA 2004 (out of Kahila IV (DE) by Ibn Bint Inas (HU)). Whereas Padrons Psyche himself left in Poland, beside Etnodrons Psyche, such stallions as: the grey PILIN PSYCHE 2003 (out of Pilina by Eternit) and the grey CANZON PSYCHE 2003 (out of Canzona by Penthagonn (DE)) – wider described in our article “The Three Muskateers”. The youngest son of Padrons

Psyche in our country up to now is Michałów’s 2-year-old promising grey ZIGI-ZAN 2005 out of Zagrobla by Monogramm. After the first successful attempts of using sires from this line by private breeders, the State Studs also decided to try this option. In the 2006 breeding season Janów Podlaski Stud used 10 doses of frozen semen of the chestnut stallion ENZO 1999 (Padrons Psyche – RD Bey Shahmpane/Bey Shah), US National Champion Stallion, which resulted in 7 foals in 2007, considered as the best (beside those by Piruet) of all those born that given year. Among this group quite promising seem to be: the bay BENITA (out of Bogini/Arbil), the grey PALABRA (out of Palmeta/Ecaho), the chestnut POEZJA (out of Pelota/Pilot), the chestnut PERESPA (out of Polenta/Ecaho) and the bay EPINAL (out of Elima/Eukaliptus). These successful results were reason enough for Enzo’s semen to be used once again in Janów and for the first time – in

Michałów. How to describe and characterize this male strain in the population of the Saklawi I d.b. sire line? Certainly it has its own characteristic mark, its own distinct style. What’s interesting is, although it stems from the line of ASWAN (through his son PATRON and grandson PADRON), it shows more resemblance to the “Munighi” strain, but in a modern way: with plenty of beauty in a refined outline, a long neck, high-legged, although not the best size, a bit rigid movement and the characteristic chestnut coat color. The “line of Padrons” distinguishes itself with adaptability in type and quality. Among its members, apart from chestnuts (Padron, Padrons Psyche, Magnum Psyche, Magnum Chall, Enzo, Meridien ATL, Ajman Moniscione, Fireball) we also find almost

typical Kuhailans (Psytadel, El Amin, Monarcos DD), as well as classic Saklavis (WH Justice, Altis). This often depends on the type and pedigree of the dams. The “line of Padrons” is currently one of the most known breeding and show lines on the world scene, achieving many spectacular successes on a regular basis. For that reason it would be advisable and even desirable to have it in Polish breeding. The line has been used in our country for only the last couple of years on a small scale, so for the time being it doesn’t endanger the harmonious development of breeding in Poland – on the contrary. Of course in the interest of this breeding lies the maintaining of all sire lines, as well as introducing new ones, such as the incredibly effective when crossing with the “Padrons” sire line of Mirage d.b. (vide Enzo, Psytadel, Pandorah and many more).

Not further than on the 19th of August visitors of Michałów Stud’s website could encounter an unprecedented fact: 6 months prior to the next breeding season the finalization of negotiations with Ariela Arabians on the return of the stallion LAHEEB 1996 to Michałów Stud was officially announced. It is worthy to point out that such outrightness is not yet common practice among other Polish studs.

Laheeb performed his duties as chief sire at Michałów Stud in the breeding season of 1999, which resulted in an extensive get of 33 offspring in 2000 (and a year later 14 other foals were

born in Janów Podlaski). The son of Imperial Imdal and AK Latifa by Ibn Moniet el Nefous splendidly fulfilled his task, giving several good sons, such as: ZŁOCIEŃ grey, 2000 (out of Zaleta by Piechur) – Polish National Champion Colt; and multichampions EMILIUSZ grey, 2000 (out of Emocja by Monogramm) and EDIN grey, 2000 (out of Edina by Egon); as well as a superb lot of daughters, among which the brightest shining pearls are: EMIRA grey (out of Embra by Monogramm) – Polish National Champion Filly & Best in Show, All Nations Cup Champion Filly, Polish National Champion Mare, as well as European Reserve Champion Mare; GALILEA grey (out of Georgia by Monogramm) – Polish National &

World Champion Mare; EMESA grey (out of Etopka by Eukaliptus) – Bełżyce Champion Mare; ELOIDA grey (out of Ekspedycja by Faksyfikat) – a stunning sensation on the showrings in South Africa; ESTORIA grey (out of Ekspozycja by Eukaliptus); EGEA grey (out of Egna by Eukaliptus); PUSTYNNA DROGA grey (out of Pustynna Tarcza by Pamir) – Ströhen International Reserve Champion Mare; and WIEŻA BABEL grey (out of Wiaźma by Arbil) – Spring Show Champion Filly & Best in Show. In the twice smaller Janów group of “Laheebs” appear such personages as: POGANIN grey, 2001 (out of Pohulanka by Pepton) – the reigning Polish National Champion Stallion; PERSEUSZ grey, 2001 (out of Pepesza by Eukaliptus) – Poznań International Champion Colt; SIKLAWA grey (out of Siewka by Eldon) – Polish National Reserve Champion Filly, sold recently at the Pride of Poland Sale for 100,000 EURO; ARIADNE grey (out of Argentyna by Partner); PERCEPCJA grey (out of Perturbacja by Eukaliptus); or SALAMINA grey (out of Sari by Alegro).

The mere information that Laheeb is a typical representative of the sire line of SAKLAWI I d.b. and the line’s main progenitor ANSATA IBN HALIMA (by Nazeer, from whom stem all of the most important branches of the “Egytpian Saklavi line”) will only be a formality to all those interested. However an interesting feature is the fact that his pedigree (as the pedigrees of many Egyptian Arabians) is based not only on the strong and multilateral inbred to NAZEER, but also relies twice on the latter’s two most valuable sons – Ansata Ibn Halima and Morafic. Hence Laheeb’s sire, Imperial Imdal, originates on the spear side from Ansata Ibn Halima and on the distaff side from Morafic, while his dam – AK Latifa – the opposite way around: on the spear side from Morafic, while on the distaff side from Ansata Ibn Halima.

Multichampion (twice Israeli National Champion Stallion and European Reserve Champion among others) Laheeb is referred to on his breeder’s website, Ariela Arabians, as the “first STRAIGHT EGYPTIAN ever to be used at a Polish Arabian horse State Stud”. It also has to be noted that the use of the then very young stallion in Poland only added him splendor and charisma. Laheeb’s most renown “product” –apart from the Polish horses mentioned above – is AL LAHAB grey, 1999 (out of The Vision by Thee Desperado) bred by Ariela Arabians, wielder of the titles of European Champion Colt, as well as All Nations Cup & World Champion. Quite promising are also his full brothers: AL HADIYAH grey, 2005 and AL RAHEEB grey, 2006. Their dam, the black THE VISION HG (US) 1994 by Thee Desperado out of Belle Star by The Minstril – inbred very strongly to the son of the legendary Ruminaja Ali, the stallion The Minstril, with a noticeable contribution of the stallion The Egyptian Prince – is currently probably the most valuable broodmare in the Middle East, as well as being the dam of the bay AL MARAAM 1998 (by Imperial Imdal), used at Michałów Stud during the last two breeding seasons – which makes him a half-brother on the spear side to this articles title figure.

After Laheeb’s success during his Michałów debut it is more than sure that also this time this superb sire will receive a wide (and perhaps even larger than before) book of mares, which will be able to generate a very significant number of intriguing, class personages. Without a doubt (although a wild guess) this lot will include such exquisite Michałów mares as: Emanda, El Dorada, Droga Mleczna, Egzonera, Elgina, El Haza, Embra, Emigra, Emocja, Emmona, Endorra, Ernera, Erotika, Eryka, Esmirna, Espadrilla, Ewina, Felicjana, Gailardia, Georgia, Gotlandia, Kasjopea, Luanda, Nina, Panika, Palmira, Peczora, Primawera, Pustynna Róża, Tonacja, Wilga, Zagrobla, Złota Orda, Zmowa, Zofiówka and Brandy. We can presume that the end of the last decade of the 21st century should once again belong to Michałów’s youth, after a couple of drought years and experiments with Galba.

However another matter is the fact that already today the broodmares from the Saklawi I line, which include the daughters of Laheeb, Emigrant, Ararat, Wiliam or Sanadik El Shaklan, count up to 20 individuals and will soon be joined by the younger daughters of Emigrant and most of all – the daughters of Gazal Al Shaqab. In the next couple of years this group will be further enlarged – which is unavoidable – by the best female progeny of Galba and Al Maraam, which in the next 5 years will make up for 1/3 of the Michałów herd, with a decisively growing trend. Another massive use of Laheeb might cause that in the near future (about the year 2013) just the Saklavi mares from the sire line of Saklawi I d.b. might constitute for almost half the posts of Michałów’s elite mare herd. The question is, whether this is good or bad, whether such meaningful domination of only one sire line among the female population of a given herd and the narrowing of the genetic pool will allow that lot to retain its versatility, plasticity and the ability to generate all necessary creative impulses on the breeding plane? Although diverse things will be contributed to breeding by the daughters of Laheeb, Emigrant and Galba and different by Gazal Al Shaqab and Al Maraam, they still represent the same branches and origins. I do not judge or prejudge in the favor of certain actions, however it is perhaps worth to give it some thought beforehand.

On the other hand, if we were to bet on a sire, it is definitely better to choose one tested as positively as Laheeb. Whereas by a skillful selection of other stallions we can in a certain way neutralize the absolute domination of only one sire line and diversify the herd. Hence it’s a pity that so far it was not possible to import to Poland a valuable representative of the world-renown sire line of Mirage d.b., as he would definitely help in the process of enriching the genetic pool of our native herd – as well as the fact that he superbly crosses with certain branches of the Saklawi I d.b. sire line, especially those of Padron. Just as vital would be collateral actions strengthening other Saklavi lines: Ilderim d.b. and Ibrahim d.b., as well as the “Amurath line” of Bairactar d.b. Such actions should bring a very positive effect.

For a finishing touch – a digression. Among private breeding in Poland are only two – if I’m not mistaken – daughters of Laheeb so far: ET CETERA grey, 2000 (out of Escoveda by Pamir, bred by Michałów) and BARBA grey, 2001 (out of Baza by Eukaliptus, bred by Janów Podlaski) – dam of BAEZA grey, 2006 by Pesal. The next years can enlarge this number, something which will definitely take place, as the private breeders invest in their horses more and more money and do so more boldly. A question appears, whether the interested private breeders will also be able to make use of Laheeb’s service while his stay at Michałów? That would be a good move, as it would definitely raise the chances of our national breeding in the confrontation with foreign teams at the most prestigious arenas of international shows.

When in April our website (polskiearaby.pl) informed about the import of the stallion FS BENGALI from Germany to Poland (to the Podkarpacie region), we became witnesses of a historical moment on our breeding scene. After more than 70 years from the import of a group of desert Arabians (including Kuhailan Haifi d.b. and Kuhailan Afas d.b.) from Arabia by Bogdan Ziętarski for Prince Roman Sanguszko of Gumniska, once again a private breeder turned to breeding material of the world’s highest league.

This occasion prompted polskiearaby.pl to present the achievements of this stallion, as

well as the successes of his parents.

FS Bengali’s sire – the chestnut KUBINEC (Balaton – Kosmetika/Muscat), born in 1987 – is the wielder of the titles of German and European Champion Stallion, as well as All Nations Cup and World Reserve Champion Stallion. Albeit his age, Kubinec has proven himself a typey and outstanding sire, giving better and better offspring with each year. In ECAHO’s sire rating (as of the 31st of December 2005) he was the only “five star” rated sire in Europe, which included 3 stars for the successes of his progeny both in the show and breeding field.

Above all Kubinec became the sire of many superb mares, who gave birth to offspring with show predispositions. Among his “Western European” progeny were many outstanding sons, known for their prestigious show and breeding achievements, as for example the grey KORONEC (European and All Nations Cup Champion Colt and World Reserve Champion Colt); the grey EL NABILA B (2001 Kreuth Reserve Champion and 2004 Brazilian Champion among others), whose frozen semen has been used for the last two seasons by Janów Podlaski and lately by Michałów Stud; the grey DAVIDOFF (a sport and show champion, as well as the sire of champions in Germany); our title hero – the bay FS BENGALI; or the grey KASEEM (champion of licensed sires in Germany), very closely inbred to his sire. Surprisingly none of them possess the chestnut coat color, but do not worry – this trait can be found in the promising Polish (private bred) Kubinec son – SETNIK 2001 (out of Sieć by Europejczyk), who has successfully been used for a second season at Agricola Farm.

What’s interesting, and what should be taken into consideration when analyzing the potential breeding value of Kubinec, is that all consecutive male ancestors in his pedigree were superb sires: his sire BALATON chestnut, out of Panagia by Aswan, his grandsire MENES bay, out of Metropolia by Priboj, his great-grandsire NABEG light bay, out of Nomenklatura by Naseem, his greatgreat-grandsire (Klemensów-bred) ARAX bay, out of Angara by Wielki Szlem and the founder of this line himself – Breniów’s grey AMURATH SAHIB by Amurath II out of Sahiba by Nana Sahib. Unquestionably an important feature in Kubinec’s pedigree is the fact that on the distaff side he stems directly from Janów’s outstanding mare DZIWA 1922 (Abu Mlech – Zulejma / Kohejlan d.b.), dam of LIMBA (by Bakszysz), but most of all OFIR 1933 by Kuhailan Haifi d.b., TAKI PAN 1937 by Kaszmir, SADYK PASZA 1936 by Lowelas, the stylish NIWKA 1932 by Fetysz and MOKKA 1931 by Flisak (dam of the sire LOTNIK 1938 by Opal), whose progeny (through MOKDIARA 1940 by Hadjar), once numerous, is limited to three mares and fillies in elite breeding today (MELONIA by Batyskaf, MILA 2005 by Ararat and MERCJA 2006 by Salar).

Dziwa’s daughter – the bay LIMBA 1930 by Bakszysz – abducted together with most of Janów Stud in 1939 to Caucasia, became the progenitor, through her daughter KANITEL by Korej and her granddaughter KAPELLA by Priboj, of a rather numerous and valuable dam line in Tersk (within the family of Sahara d.b.). Members of this family included: KLIPSA by Pomeraniec, KASSETA by Salon, KROMKA, KARTINKA, KARINKA and KARIATIDA, KALUGA by Aswan, KASATKA by Sport, KOLUMNA by Moment, KARTA by Arax and her daughter KOSMETIKA by Muscat (dam of Kubinec). This line earned merit in Tersk by producing valuable sires, such as: KUMIR by Mak, KILIMANDŻARO and KLARNET by Aswan, KARNAVAL and KOSMONAUT by Naftalin, KAPRAL by Piesniar, KARAVAN by Naslednik, DRUG by Prizrak and KUBINEC himself – by Balaton.

What’s symptomatic is that the Tersk descendants of the Klemensów-bred ARAX by Amurath Sahib (from the sire line of Bairactar d.b.) gloriously wrote themselves down in the history of Russian and world breeding, creating many superbly sophisticated show representatives, displaying huge beauty and excellent charisma. Not to remain groundless, we can mention the stallions PIESNIAR, NARIADNYJ, NEMAN, MENES, VYMPEL, KAPRAL, AMPER, TOP, GUSAR, BALATON or his own son – KUBINEC himself. While in Polish breeding this sire line developed in a completely different way, giving mainly valuable, and stunningly beautiful mares, whereas his male representatives could be characterized quite often with less sophisticated and often “heavy” type. Why, it is difficult to say. Perhaps in some way the decision of placing Gwarny ahead of Arax (among the sons of Amurath Sahib), is taking its toll; or maybe because the most valuable Polish (Janów-bred) mares were seized in 1939 to Tersk, where they fantastically proved themselves in breeding (for the most part with Aswan and Arax). Either way the sire line of Bairactar d.b. did not stand out in Poland in terms of producing “show progeny”, placing far behind the sire lines of Ibrahim d.b., Saklawi I d.b., Ilderim d.b., Kuhailan Haifi d.b. and Kuhailan Afas d.b., besting only the line of Krzyżyk d.b. and the line of Koheilan Adjuze d.b., marginally present in our breeding.

Polish representatives of this sire line – the descendants of Gwarny – as for example GEDYMIN 1968, ENDOR 1965, POLONUS 1968, ARGO 1976, PASAT 1978 or BALON 1979 displayed immense beauty, although it was not superb. While some of them gained the titles of Champion both in Poland (Argo, Balon) and abroad (Polonus, Pasat), they did not gain wider acclaim in that field. The lease of TALLIN 1978 from Tersk and the creation of the bay stallion WOJSŁAW 1986 (out of Wilejka by El Paso) by Michałów Stud changed this situation slightly. And though Wojsław, another alongside Argo and Balon, Polish National Champion from the line of Bairactar d.b., did not make a show career abroad, being only Swedish Reserve Champion Stallion, his Michałów-bred son – EMANOR 1993 out of Emanacja by Eukaliptus, Polish and US National Champion – can be considered one of the most beautiful Arabian stallions ever bred in Poland. Huge beauty is also displayed by other Polish-born offspring of Wojsław: MONAR, WERBUM and DIAMENT (grandson), however they are on the margin of the breeding reserve.

oday’s condition of the ancient line of Bairactar d.b. does not give much optimism and should rather be the subject of particular worry of modern breeders. What’s sad is that both autonomous sublines (of Gwarny and Arax) found themselves in a blind alley. The sons of Gedymin 1968 (Gwarny – Garstronomia / Marabut), which were DYLEMAT grey, 1974 (out of Doliwa by Comet) and the bay WOROBLIN 1977 (out of Warmia by Comet), ARGO grey, 1976 (Gwarny – Arba by Comet) or the grey FALSYFIKAT 1984 (out of Fantastka by Palas) among others, were eliminated from breeding long ago. Unfortunately, all shows that the grey BALON 1979 (Gwarny – Ballada / Partner) did not manage to leave a class, worthy successor in Polish breeding, as the Michałów-bred KULIG grey, 1991 (out of Kawalkada by Penitent) is not such a stallion. Though among Janów’s youngstock by Balon there are male descendants, we can’t count on it that one of them will grow into a quality sire (though it is not impossible). Unable to leave a class sire was also the German-leased grey PASAT 1978 (by Gwarny out of Parma by Aswan), just like his German son PENTHAGON grey, 1985 (out of Panela by Diem), whose best son, the very valiant at the track TAMIL grey, 1996 (out of Tania by Bandos) made his way only to the private sector. In this situation we might be facing the extinction of the subline of Gwarny on our Polish breeding scene in the near future.

Slightly better (at least on the surface) appears to be the current situation of the subline of Arax in our country, as we have at our disposal a rather numerous lot of not-so-bad stallions. The best known among these are: the bay MONAR 1993 (out of Mitręga by Probat), the grey WERBUM 1995 (out of Werda by Piechur) – both by Wojsław – and the bay DIAMENT 2000 (by Druid out of Decyzja by Pamir). Out of them only Werbum breeds regularly, though on a small scale in the homely Michałów, giving good, robust, pretty daughters and (unfortunately) rather insubstantial sons. The lightly built and delicate Monar has been moved away from breeding for over the last couple of years and nearly all his hitherto progeny is being eliminated from elite breeding. The most beautiful Janów-bred son of Wojsław (after having gelded the bay ERROL out of Eria by Europejczyk), the bay BEDUIN 2002 (out of Bogdanka by Europejczyk) was sold to Scandinavia. The future of the track-brave chestnut SABAT 2002 (son of Wojsław and Sarmacja by Gil) is not yet known. The most handsome son of Druid – Michałów’s Diament – did not get a chance to breed in elite breeding and was offered only to private breeders (similar to other sons of the Derby winner – Janów’s: PENTAGRAM bay, 1999 out of Pętla by Visbaden, EUFEMOS bay, 1999 out of Etra by Pepi, or ELMEN bay, 1999 out of Emu by Arbil). Previously a chance in elite breeding was denied to other – besides Wojsław – interesting, domestic sons of TALLIN 1978 (Nabeg – Tallantlivaia by Aswan) (SU) – WAGRAM bay, 1987 (out of Wendeta by Palas) and WIERSZ bay, 1989 (out of Wiorsta by Banat), who were exported from Poland a long time ago.

In this state of things it will be extremely difficult to create worthy male successors of the line of Arax. That’s why the leases or imports of suitable stallions or their semen can have such huge significance. In the 2006 season Janów Podlaski Stud for the first time (which they are continuing in 2007, together with Michałów Stud) used the frozen semen of the grey EL NABILA B 1996 (bred in Hungary) by Kubinec, by whom – among others – 2 interesting colts were born. El Nabila B is a beautiful and impressive stallion with a long, harmonious neck and ideal body, with an exquisite pedigree to match: exotic on the distaff side and charismatic on the spear side. It is quite possible that this international multichampion – Brazilian National Champion Stallion and Kreuth Reserve Champion among others – will make an attempt at producing quality offspring. Whether he will meet the expectations and hopes of creating a class successor of the Arax line (of Kubinec) in Polish breeding, that we cannot foresee today.

The use of frozen semen (incidental and rather expensive) of a stallion (even of such class as El Nabila B) will never replace the benefits resulting from the direct and long-term access to a certain sire. This is not to be underestimated if we are dealing with a stallion of the class of FS Bengali, a figure similar to few in our Arabian horse State Studs.

Let’s take a look at the domestic breeding scene with regard to Polish-bred sires. What do we see? Unfortunately a rather poor list of chief sires, both with respect to show and breeding class. This list does include EKSTERN grey, by Monogramm – an unbeaten world-class champion, but at the same time a non-standard representative of the Kuhailan Haifi d.b. line, a rather unpredictable sire, for whom it is hard to select “optimal mares”. Despite this, he is currently the most valuable and most classy Polish sire – nearing closer to

the 4 star level. Rather far behind are: the retiring, 22-year-old ELDON grey, by Penitent, the progenitor of the Ilderim d.b. sire line and the younger, though also becoming of age (16-year-old) grey EMIGRANT by Ararat, progenitor of the Saklawi I d.b. line. Even due to their age they are being used less and less and produce smaller and smaller lots of class progeny. All these stallions possess the spectacular titles of Polish National and European Champion Stallion, while Ekstern can also add to his credit the title of World Champion Stallion.

Unfortunately, another titled stallion of Polish breeding, the bay GANGES by Monogramm – Polish National Champion Stallion, All Nations Cup and US Reserve Champion Stallion and in addition a typical representative of the male line of Kuhailan Haifi d.b., has disappointed in breeding so far. A couple good and very good daughters: Wieża Wiatrów, Diaspora, Drzewica, Dobra Nowina (unfortunately deceased), Złota Księga, Złota Wieża and Wróżka; Derby-winner Don Carlos or the exported Fryderyk are too few achievements for such a stallion. On the other hand, the Michałów herd for many reasons may not be optimal for Ganges (as once for Fawor) so his true value should show, in my opinion, on Janów’s mares. Let’s wait with a final evaluation of this horse a couple more years.

Out of the other, older (and titled stallions) not much good can be said about the senior (22-year-old) grey ARARAT by Palas. This stallion (boasting a fantastic pedigree) proved to be a rather passive sire, in my opinion not too creative, though he managed to shine a couple of times. A lot more can be said about the current progenitor of the Krzyżyk d.b. line, the dark bay WACHLARZ by Arbil, who reliably fulfills his duties as chief sire in Polish breeding. The point is that due to the decreasing demand in state breeding for “Polish Kuhailans”, especially from the Krzyżyk d.b. line, this Arbil son (and Banat grandson) is being pushed more and more to the sidelines.

Among the middle-aged stallions (born before 2000) definitely shines PIAFF grey, by Eldon – Polish National Champion Colt and Stallion, who I would however define as the best “Kuhailan among the Saklavi”, which he confirms by generally giving (with some exceptions – vide Alert) more typical Kuhailan progeny (Agusta, Miły Pan, Warejka, Zadżal). Without a doubt a total disappointment in breeding so far is GRAFIK grey, numerous Polish National Reserve Champion Stallion and it would seem – the successor of Eukaliptus – presenting himself rather well at international shows. Then the classy and potential-full HARBIN grey, by Eukaliptus is underrated by the most important Polish breeders, so obviously he has a small chance of showing his value. Practically totally left out of the official breeding program was the dark bay WIEK by Arbil – a classic and strong Kuhailan from the Krzyżyk d.b. line, at the same time a close relative (on the distaff side) of the famous Wiking. The only current descendant of the male line of Kuhailan Afas d.b. (and son of Pamir) is the grey PIBER, who is not a favorite of state breeders. He had to wait quite long for his enlistment to the elite stud (Michałów Stud), where he was used rather warily (with good results) in 2004 and 2006, after which he made his way to the breeding reserve. The same can be said about the bay EL VIS by Visbaden (SU) – the only (in state breeding) representative of the valuable line of Koheilan Adjuze d.b. An unknown (he has not been breeding long enough) is the grey

GASPAR by Emigrant – another Polish National Champion, however it doesn’t seem that he will become a huge revelation in our breeding. Lukewarm feelings are stirred by the bay ASLAN by Eukaliptus – Polish National Reserve Champion Colt, who within a Kuhailan package is to represent the Saklavi line of his male ancestors. WERBUM grey, by Wojsław, has proved himself only partly at Michałów – giving barely good and promising daughters. His half-brother, the light bay MONAR by Wojsław, has been withdrawn from breeding almost entirely – it is difficult to say why, as his progeny did not stray too far from the average type in our country.

Among the youngest generation of domestic sires there is truly only one horse –the grey POGANIN by Laheeb (IL), giving Saklavi progeny, which perhaps was not fully visible at this year’s Junior Spring Show in Białka. His 3/4 brother – PERSEUSZ by Laheeb, although weaker, cannot be denied class and sire reliability. In my opinion, ECAHO’s suuccessor – the grey SALAR 1999 – had a rather good debut in Białka – even though Białka’s current herd is not an authoritative material of anyone’s sire value. Soon after his debut at Michałów Stud the very valuable ESCULAP grey, by Primo (SE) – Polish National Champion Colt, representative of the Engano subline (descendant of the superb Engracja), owner of a great movement, made his way to the breeding reserve. This fact is totally incomprehensible, but shows a rather sad manner of our breeders of narrowing down the genetic pool (of the entire herd, as well as of individual sire and dam lines). A very underrated sire on our elite scene is the

promising bay ESTURION by Wachlarz – probably the most pure and classic (besides Wiek) representative of the Kuhailan line and sire line of Krzyżyk d.b. It’s a pity that after two symbolic breeding seasons at Janów Podlaski Stud this sire found his way to the breeding reserve, as all would advise to use him in the Polish breeding program. Also rather passively used (so far) was the chestnut SARACEN – son of Monarch AH (US) and Sarmacja by Gil, a stallion with a splendid racing pedigree, who should be tried at all three State Arabian horse Studs and not only in one – at Janów. Among the youngest generation of domestic sires we should follow Janów’s EOL bay, 2003 by Gazal Al Shaqab out of Eutona by Etogram and of course his Michałów half-brother – the bay DRABANT 2003 out of Demona by Monogramm, who at the last minute was incorporated into the elite “chief” sires for 2007. Here a huge surprise proved to be the son of Gazal, the bay ERYKS 2003 out of Emmona by Monogramm, who was also a “last minute” and surprising addition to the chief sires list.

And this is how – in a nutshell – the modern breeding scene in regard to chief sires looks like, with a lack of sires of Kuhailan origin, color-coated horses (albeit the group of youngest sires) and true class stallions – not only proven by achievements gained in the show rings, but also in the breeding barn.

And in such moment an incredibly active and competitive breeder from the Podkarpacie region – Czesław Witko (previously the importer of the US stallions HF Ontario and Prince Vayu) – purchases from Germany the excellent and titled (4 star) FS BENGALI bay, 1994. The import of a sire of this class to domestic breeding by a private breeder is an event of immense size, as this stallion has all it takes to significantly enrich the domestic breeding scene and restore the diminishing greatness of the sire line of Bairactar d.b., which thanks to Kubinec enjoys its renaissance in breeding barns across Europe and the Middle East today.

FS Bengali – bred in Germany by the well-known show trainer Frank Spoenle – the son of Om El Sanadiva (US-bred, European multichampion, including All Nations Cup & World Champion) is without a doubt quite a figure among the Arabian horse world. Already in the junior category he gained the titles of German, All Nations Cup and World (in 1997) Reserve Champion. In 2000 in the senior category he grabbed the title of German Champion and in 2003 the prestigious title of US National Champion Stallion, where in the finals he bested Michałów’s Ganges among others. His refined type and beauty ideally blends with the characteristics and quality of the line of Arax, who produced such individuals as NABEG, PIESNIAR, NARIADNYJ, MENES, MUSTANG, MAGDAN, NEMAN, PELENG, PRINCIP, GUSAR, VYMPEL, AMPER, TOP, TALLIN, KAPRAL, BALATON, KUBINEC, KORONEC and (in Poland) WOJSŁAW, EMANOR or BEDUIN. The majority of these were bay, robust and beautiful, with a very good and sometimes even phenomenal movement. For the most part all of them could boast quality progeny, especially invaluable daughters. In addition to that the sire line of Arax had the superb ability to create splendid stallions in every generation. FS Bengali is that kind of example and the sixth generation, counting from the legendary Amurath Sahib (through Arax – Nabeg – Menes – Balaton and Kubinec). What’s characteristic is that FS Bengali already proved himself with a group of splendid sons, out of which the best turned out to be the bay AJA SANGALI out of Bey Santeyna by Simeon Sanagor (from the line of El Shaklan), in whose pedigree can also be found the Michałów-bred black FORTEL (Como – Forta/Kuhailan Abu Urkub). This colt fantastically wrote himself down in the history of world shows, gaining as a yearling the three most important titles: All Nations Cup, European and World Champion, joining the very small and elite group of “Triple-Crowned” horses. These prestigious successes effected in his migration (even prior to the success in Paris) to Saudi Arabia, where he became a valued sire (his progeny includes: MOUTAZ AL BIWABIYA, LANA AL KHALIDIAH, ALLIYA and NASHWAT AL KHALIDIAH). Not worse from Aja Sangali turned out to be his own brother – AJA SANAGOR (multichampion, including UK Champion and Supreme Champion) or AJA SVENGALI – UK Champion Colt among other titles.

This resulted in FS Bengali being listed in the ECAHO Star rank as one of seven sires evaluated over 300 points for his own achievements and one of five, who gained four stars for their own achievements as well as their progeny’s.

This particular ability of creating quality sons by FS Bengali is a very favorable trait in the rebirth of the sire line of Bairactar d.b. on our breeding scene. The bay coat color is also a strong asset in our situation, where we lack non-grey sires. Apart from that, FS Bengali, as a classic representative of the “ancient Amurath line”, has the attributes to achieve significant breeding effectiveness. The import of FS Bengali in April of 2007 to Poland is almost symbolic, as at that time Wojsław passed away on US soil the age of 27. With that a changing of the guard on the position of the progenitor of the Bairactar d.b. sire line in Poland was done.

Analyzing the value and class of FS Bengali, there should be no doubt that this stallion has what it takes to get the job done.