QatarP h o t o g r a p h e d b y E r w i n E s c h e ra n dS c o t t T r e e s

Of all the Middle Eastern shows, the Qatar International show has always been a favorite. It was one of the first shows in that part of the world to make a real effort to welcome foreign visitors and lure international competition, and it’s always been held

outdoors in what is invariably gorgeous weather in February or March. While we miss the green lawn of the old facility, the new grounds, built for the Asian games held in December 2006, are impressive, with handsome stables, great arena footing, plush seating, a top-class racetrack and clubhouse — all in all, a world-class equestrian center.

Now, having staged 17 international Arabian Championships, the show management has grown in sophistication, with everything running on time down to the minute. Furthermore, the fine staff of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, in particular Majid Al Kaabi and Mohammed Sharif, still sets the standard in making visitors feel welcome and well looked after — from warm greetings at the airport, to transportation from the hotel to the show and open houses — we can’t think of another show that does a better job of providing a truly memorable show experience for its guests. And for exhibitors, there is the chance to win very nice prizes, such as SUVs or Mercedeses for each Champion and Reserve.

Oh, and the horses? Gorgeous, with plenty of American-bred horses among the winners. We’ll let Gudrun Waiditschka tell you more about them on the following pages.

In recent years, the Qatar International show dates have conflicted with Scottsdale, so we’ve missed Qatar for the past three years. Returning this year was like visiting a different country. Revenue from the development of Qatar’s natural gas fields has transformed the country at breathtaking speed. Throughout the capital city of Doha, whole blocks of old (well, if late 1970s is really old) buildings are being razed and construction cranes dominate the skyline. It seems as though every road in the country is under construction, and villas, condos, and apartment

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Qatar,

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complexes are being erected at a furious pace to accommodate the influx of tens of thousands of foreign workers arriving to work on all phases of the gas development and exploitation.

American universities (Texas A & M, Carnegie Mellon, Cornell Medical School, and Georgetown) have established branches in the Qatar Foundation’s “Education City,” a sprawling 2,500-acre multi-institutional campus. The Qatar Foundation, founded in 1995

by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar, is a nonprofit group dedicated to promoting arts and sciences and educating the younger generations.

Also located within Education City is Al Shaqab, formerly the Emir’s Arabian stable, now undergoing an expansion to create an equine education resource center. A massive construction project is under way — planned are several performance arenas, a breeding and training center, veterinary hospital, endurance training track, museum, riding academy, and clubhouse. The Equestrian Department and Riding Academy at Al

Shaqab will provide education in classical horsemanship. Envisioned as an educational hub for the entire Middle East, the Equestrian Department will oversee a curriculum aimed at developing skills in all facets of horsemanship, with international standards of accreditation and certification.

What does all of this mean? One read is that His Highness The Emir wishes Qatar to take a leading role among Arab nations by embracing Western educational values, thus stimulating economic progress and political reform. One hopes that this stunning investment in the people of the region will be a lasting legacy of this tiny Gulf state.

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2008 Qatar International Show — F i g h t o f t h e G i a n t s

This year’s 17th Qatar International Arabian Horse Show was dominated by two studs that fought for the champion titles by bringing several World and Reserve World Champions to Doha’s new equestrian stadium. After a tough fight, Al Shaqab, the

stud of the Emir of Qatar, won by a nose length and brought home the prestigious title of “Most Successful Stud Farm,” despite the great success the Saudi horses had.

Al Shaqab’s breeding and show advisor, Sheikh Hamad bin Ali Al Thani, has been shopping lately all around the world, but mainly in the U.S., to bring the best horses and new fame to the peninsular Gulf state of Qatar. And he obviously did a good job, as Al Shaqab won the prestigious title of Most Successful Stud Farm apart from four Champion and Reserve Champion titles. With that, Al Shaqab beat Al Khalediah Farm from Saudi Arabia, the stud of HRH Prince Khaled bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, which is quite accustomed to victory, and Ajman Stud of Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi from the UAE.

For the second time the show took place in the new outdoor equestrian arena, and it was refreshing to see that the oriental flair was nevertheless maintained by some goat hair tents alongside the showring for those spectators who wished to have a close look at the horses, by an art exhibition of (mainly) local artists and by arts and crafts of the region on display. Here you could see firsthand how fishing nets, carved wooden doors, and other handicrafts were created in the old days.

The show was well attended with 108 entries, among them highly successful horses, such as Layan Al Khalidiah, Panarea By Palawan, the local hero Al Adeed Al Shaqab, and many more. The show program promised tough competition and didn’t make the job of the judges — Sylvie Eberhardt, Germany; Peter Upton, Great Britain; Jerzy Bialobok, Poland; Titti Gagliani and Dr. Francesco Santoro, both from Italy — an easy task.

FilliesThe fillies were numerous, and the class

had to be divided into two sections. The younger section was won by the U.S.-bred Sara Al Mohamadiah, who achieved 20 points twice — the judges started high in this show. And although the filly is in Saudi ownership, she is partly Qatari, as her sire

Marwan Al Shaqab was born here. Bred by Harold and Dolly Orr and Michael Byatt out of the mare ZT Maghan and owned by HRH Prince Abdullah bin Fahd Al Saud from Saudi Arabia, she is a typical daughter of her successful sire. In second place was yet another Marwan filly: Halah Al Khalidiah (Marwan Al Shaqab x Psyx Summerrain H), exhibited by Al Khalediah Farm, also from Saudi Arabia. The third place went to a half sister of Sara, Mageeda Al Shaqab (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x ZT Maghan). We may see this more often in the future, as breeders more commonly make use of embryo transfer. This filly was by Al Adeed Al Shaqab, also bred by

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Top left and right: Senior Champion Stallion Al Adeed Al Shaqab (Ansata Halim Shah x Sundar Alisayyah), owned by Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar.Middle left: Reserve Senior Champion Stallion Marquis (Marwan Al Shaqab x Rohara Magnifica), owned by Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia.

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Middle right and bottom right: Senior Champion Mare Venetzia (Versace x Giavanna), owned by Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar, and pictured with Sheikh Hamad bin Ali Al Thani, Al Shaqab breeding and show advisor. Bottom left: Reserve Senior Champion Mare Eagleridge Passionata (Sanadik El Shaklan x River Oak Dimity), owned by Ajman Stud, UAE.

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Top left and right: Junior Champion Colt AJ Dinar (WH Justice x Deska HJE), owned by Ajman Stud, UAE, pictured above with Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, left, and handler Frank Spönle.Middle right: Reserve Junior Champion Colt Salman Al Khalidiah (F Shamaal x The Evening Star), owned by Prince Khaled bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabia.

Middle left and bottom left: Junior Champion Filly Layan Al Khalidiah (Dakharo x Padrons Amour), owned by Al Khalediah Farm, Saudi Arabia. Pictured with Layan Al Khalidiah in the bottom left photo is Om El Bernadette (Om El Shahmaan x Om El Benedict), Top Five Junior Champion Filly, also owned by Al Khalediah.Bottom right: Reserve Junior Champion Filly Abha Al Shaqab (Abha Fadil x Abha Galati), owned by Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar.

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the Orrs and Michael Byatt, but purchased by Al Shaqab Stud.

The second section of the yearling fillies made for a hat trick for Al Shaqab Stud: First to third place was theirs. Here, two Al Adeed fillies were in front of a Marwan filly, and it was very obvious that these two sires would be dominating the show. First place was Wijdan Al Shaqab (x Amwaj Al Shaqab), then came Nouf Al Shaqab (x Medasa Al Shaqab), and Shollah Al Shaqab (x Shahirat Al Shaqab).

The two-year-old fillies were also split into two sections due to many entries, although in the end, only five horses came forward in the first section. One may assume that it therefore was an easy run for Abha Al Shaqab to win the class, but actually she won by such a wide margin that she might have beaten a stronger class, too. Abha Al Shaqab (Abha Fadil x Abha Galati) is bred by Marieta Salas of Ses Planes in Palma de Mallorca. She is of quite different bloodlines and shows it, as she represents the Spanish lines with a lovely head and good eye; three 20s were given to her credit. In second place the judges used the U.S.-bred filly Sweet Caroline LL (by Legacy Of Fame), owned by the third big contender of the show, Ajman Stud from the UAE. The third place was given to Al Khalediah Farm for their self-bred filly Ghayat Al Khalidiah by AJA Sangali.

The winner of the older section of the two-year-old fillies was not a surprise, as she won the World Championships in Paris less than three months ago: Layan Al Khalidiah

(Dakharo x Padrons Amour), bred and owned by Al Khalediah Farm. Her sire is 2007 World Champion stallion Dakharo, who was actually entered for this show but not brought forward. She received four 20s for type and head and neck and actually, she had the same final points as Abha Al Shaqab, so there would be two tough contenders in the championships later on! The second place went to Al Shaqab again, here to Mayyasa Al Shaqab (x Al Hambra El Dakar), by Al Adeed Al Shaqab, the third place to Bint Helwa by Gazal Al Shaqab (the third of the famous Al Shaqab sires), owned by Abdul Mohsen Al Shaikh from Saudi Arabia. Down to the sixth place horses had more than 90 points, which shows the quality of this class.

The class of three-year-old fillies again saw two U.S.-bred horses at the top: The European-looking Om El Bernadette (Om El Shahman x Om El Benedict), bred by Om El Arab International, and PS Rose Of Marwan (Marwan Al Shaqab x PD Rose Mahogany), another Marwan filly, bred by Paul and Marcella Mehew. While Om El Bernadette, exhibited by Saudi Stud Al Khalediah Farm, was again more Spanish looking, Rose Of Marwan, purchased by Al Shaqab Stud, demonstrates longer lines. In third place followed FS Cayenne, who appeared a bit tired of shows; bred by Frank Spoenle and owned by Ajman Stud, Sheikh Ammar.

ColtsThe colts — one might say “as usual”

— were fewer, but the quality, especially of the yearling class, was still high. Outstanding here was Salman Al Khalidiah, again a homebred Al Khalediah entry, who is very harmonious and well proportioned, just like his sire F Shamaal, who was later presented in the stallion class. He won with a wide margin in front of Naaman Al Shaqab (Gazal Al Shaqab x Evening Starr) and Nayef Al Shaqab (Ashhal Al Rayyan x Naima Al Shaqab), the first bred in the U.S. and owned by Al Shaqab, the latter bred by Al Shaqab and owned by Saudi citizen Mohamed Al Yousef. Nayef excelled by his very elastic movements, something which was rarely seen at the show otherwise.

The highest score of all colts was awarded by the judges to AJ Dinar, bred by Ajman Stud, UAE. He is a very masculine, powerful, and quite mature-looking young colt who achieved the best marks for

Second Place Stallions Seven Years and Older F Shamaal (Maysoun x Sarameena), owned by Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia.

Second Place Four- to Six-Year-Old Stallions BS Paparazzi (KAR Papageno x Sivka), owned by Abdul Mohsen Al Shaikh, Saudi Arabia.

Second Place Three-Year-Old Colts Baanderos (Marwan Al Shaqab x HS Bessolea), owned by Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia.

Right: First Place Three-Year-Old Colts Memphis 27 (El Amin x SA Misha Apal), owned by Ajman Stud, UAE.

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movement of the whole show. He also has an interesting pedigree, as both parents are well-known show horses: his sire, European Reserve Champion WH Justice, is one of the most typey stallions available, while his dam, Deska HJE, is a former World Junior Reserve Champion. Second-placed El Palacio, on the other hand, looked far less mature, but his pedigree is no less illustrious: by World Champion Al Lahab, out of European Champion mare El Dorada — sometimes it works out to mate champion with champion! In third, the guests from Oman were found with Radad (Koronec x Yasmeena) from the Royal Stables.

With only six horses, the class of three-year-old colts was the smallest. And again it was Ajman Stud who owned the winner: Memphis 27 (El Amin x SA Misha Apal) is a Belgian-bred colt. He convinced the judges with his type and elegant neck, and beat Baanderos (Marwan Al Shaqab x HS Bessolea) of Al Khalediah by 0.38 points.

Mardigras JMF (Marwan Al Shaqab x SMF Daretodream), exhibited by Al Shaqab, was the most mature-looking colt of the three and was placed third, but at other shows it was the other way round, as the quality is quite close and placing depends on the favored form of the day.

MaresJudge Sylvie Eberhardt, from Germany,

was thrilled by the quality of the class of junior mares and she was not alone — of 13 mares, nine were given more than 90 points in the end! With 93.38 points the winner Venetzia (Versace x Giavanna) stood in first place, achieved with 4 x 20 and 4 x 19.5 points for type and head and neck, but additionally, Venetzia also had the best marks for movements of all mares. The U.S.-bred mare is a very complete horse, harmonious with good topline; proud owner is Al Shaqab. In second place was an exhibit also from Al

Shaqab: Abha Myra (Marwan Al Shaqab x ZT Ludjkalba), bred by Ses Planes on Mallorca, while her sire Marwan Al Shaqab was standing there at the beginning of his career. She was beaten only by a tight margin, and although different in type, she is of similar quality. Athenaa (Ashhal Al Rayyan x Ass Windi), the 2007 European Champion Mare and quite accustomed to victory, was pushed to third place — she looked a bit tired. Panarea By Palawan (WH Justice x Palawan) is also a mare that is used to winning, but she had to be content with the fourth place — well, there is only one winner, no matter how strong the class!

The class of seven- to ten-year-old mares had a beaming winner from Australia and a beaming Sheikh Ammar as her proud owner: Eagleridge Passionata by Sanadik El Shaklan, out of River Oak Dimity. She had the same result for type and head and neck as Venetzia, but was not as powerful in her movement; actually, she is more feminine and graceful. Al

Second Place Yearling Colts Naaman Al Shaqab (Gazal Al Shaqab x Evening Starr), owned by Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar.

Second Place Two-Year-Old Colts El Palacio (Al Lahab x El Dorada), owned by Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia.

First Place Mares 11 Years Old and Older Om El Shadina (Sanadik El Shaklan x Om El Shaina), owned by Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia.

Second Place Seven- to Ten-Year-Old Mares Amira Al Nasser (Mujahid x Bint Saida Al Nasser), owned by Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser Al Thani, Qatar.

Second Place Mares 11 Years Old and Older Psynecia SPA (Padrons Psyche x Fairview Amira Nikit), owned by Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar.

Second Place Four- to Six-Year-Old Mares Abha Myra (Marwan Al Shaqab x ZT Ludjkalba), owned by Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar.

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First Place Three-Year-Old Fillies Om El Bernadette (Om El Shahmaan x Om El Benedict), owned by Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia.

First Place Junior Yearling Fillies Sara Al Mohamadiah (Marwan Al Shaqab x ZT Maghan), owned by Prince Abdullah bin Fahd bin Abdullah Al Saud, Saudi Arabia.

Second Place Two-Year-Old Senior Fillies Mayyasa Al Shaqab (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x Al Hambra El Dakar), owned by Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar.

Second Place Junior Yearling Fillies Halah Al Khalidiah (Marwan Al Shaqab x Psyx Summerrain H), owned by Prince Khaled bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabia.

Second Place Three-Year-Old Fillies PS Rose Of Marwan (Marwan Al Shaqab x PD Rose Mahogany), owned by Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar.

Second Place Two-Year-Old Junior Fillies Sweet Caroline LL (Legacy Of Fame x Carolina Moon OA), owned by Ajman Stud, UAE.

Sheikh Hamad bin Ali Al Thani of Al Shaqab Stud, is pictured here with their winning senior yearling fillies, from left, first place Wijdan Al Shaqab (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x Amwaj Al Shaqab), second place Nouf Al Shaqab (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x Medasa Al Shaqab), and third place Shollah Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab x Shahirat Al Shaqab).

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Left and above: Winner of the trophy for “Most Successful Stud Farm” of the Show, the Al Shaqab Stud team, pictured from left to right: handler Giaccomo Cappaci; Show Division Manager Willy Oppen; Al Shaqab’s breeding and show advisor Sheikh Hamad bin Ali Al Thani; and trainer Michael Byatt.

Left: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Faleh Al Thani, Vice Chairman of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club.

Left: Majid Al Kaabi, Head of Show Section for the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club.Middle: Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser Al Thani of Al Nasser Stud.Right: Sami Jassim Al-Boenain, Chief Executive Racing for the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club.

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Nasser showed three mares in this class and all three were placed second to fourth place with only a small difference in points: Amira Al Nasser (Mujahid x Bint Saida Al Nasser) and Aliah Al Nasser (Imperial Mahzeer x Dyn Aliah), as well as Ftoon Al Shaqab (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x Malvina), all of whom the visitors had the pleasure of seeing again at the stud presentation of Al Nasser Stud.

Of the six mares entered, only three were brought forward for the class of older mares — a pity, as many of us were looking forward to seeing World Champion Mare Loubna again, but she did not come. Again, this class was won by a Sanadik Al Shaklan daughter, Om El Shadina, bred at Om El Arab International and owned by Al Khalediah Farm. She is a very feminine mare and scored 5 x 20 for type and head and neck. Australian-bred Psynecia SPA, exhibited by Al Shaqab, and Brazilian-bred Julianna El Jamaal, owned by Qatari citizen Saad Al Dehaimi, were in second and third place, but all of them had more than 90 points.

StallionsThe stallions were few and were shown

in only two classes — but again, among the few were several World and Reserve World Champions, so the quality was good! Winner of the junior stallions by a clear margin was Marquis (Marwan Al Shaqab x Rohara Magnifica), who — less than two months ago — was Junior World Reserve Champion and who now has to compete among the grown-

ups. He did so with superior style: was it his playful attitude or his refined face that convinced the judges to give again 4 x 20 and 4 x 19.5 for the first two criteria? BS Paparazzi (KAR Papageno x Sivka), a good mover, was second, owned by Abdul Mohsen Al Shaikh. Again a third place for the Royal Cavalry of Oman for their chestnut Padrons Immage

son IM Bayyard Cathare (Padrons Immage x Shamilah Bagheera).

And then came the one for whom most spectators had waited with anticipation: Al Shaqab’s homebred World Champion Stallion Al Adeed Al Shaqab, snow-white, charismatic, and an impressive personality. The judges couldn’t escape his charisma and although he as well got “only” the “typical” 4 x 20 plus 4 x 19.5, he also received high marks for his near-

perfect body, good legs, and movements. He was the clear winner of the class the moment he entered the showring. But again, this does not diminish the quality of the others, like second-placed F Shamaal (Maysoun x Sarameena), a stallion who is very correct, but not as charismatic, maybe even a bit feminine in his expression; he is owned by Al Khalediah Farm. In third place, local Jandeh Al Naif (Ansata Shalim x Ansata Nile Gypsy),

was one of the few exhibits of Al Naif stud shown at this show.

ChampionshipsWith five class wins for Al Khalediah,

four for Al Shaqab and three for Ajman Stud, the championships promised to be exciting, and the question as to which stud farm would be collecting most trophies, remained open. The filly championships quite clearly demonstrated that the points achieved in the class are merely sound and fury the next day and don’t have any long-lasting effect. According to the points, Om El Bernadette and PS Rose Of Marwan should have won the race, but it was to be a different result. Was it the fifth judge, who didn’t judge the respective class before, or was it the form of the day? In the end, the scale tipped for the

two-year-old 2007 World Champion Filly Layan Al Khalidiah and so stud manager Mutlaq Masharet collected the first champion ribbon for Al Khalediah Farm. The Reserve Champion title was given to Abha Al Shaqab, the pretty Spanish filly of Al Shaqab Stud. Two yearlings, Wijdan Al Shaqab and Sara Al Mohamadiah, together with three-year-old Om El Bernadette formed the Top Five Fillies.

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Khalediah’s promising young stallion Marquis was selected as reserve champion, and with F Shamaal, Al Khalediah Farm had yet another stallion in the Top Five, together with Abdul Mohsen Al Shaikhs BS Paparazzi and IM Bayyard Cathare of the Royal Cavalry of Oman.

With the picture of Qatari flags waving in the evening breeze, a happy Sheikh Hamad with Al Adeed on the lead in the midst of his grooms and stud employees celebrating their victory, a most enjoyable show came to an end — well, not quite yet, as the next day was reserved for the liberty and ridden classes.

Liberty and Ridden Classes

The liberty and ridden classes enjoy great popularity with the citizens and smaller studs in Qatar who have otherwise not so many chances of competing with the big stables and studs like Al Shaqab. In liberty, the judges place more emphasis on the movements, while the type and attitude of

In the colt championships the result was somewhat more predictable. Here the colt with the highest score won the champion title: AJ Dinar, the strong mover from Ajman Stud. It was Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi himself who received the trophy and ribbon for his homebred colt. The promising Salman Al Khalidiah of Al Khalediah Farm had to be content with the reserve champion title — but as a yearling he has many more chances to go right to the top. Al Khalediah’s Baanderos, Al Shaqab’s Naaman Al Shaqab, and Ajman Stud’s Memphis 27 were in for the Top Five.

Tension built up when the mares entered the ring again to be presented for the Championships. Five mares of the strong class of four- to six-year-old mares entered the ring, together with three of the seven- to ten-year-olds and two of the senior mares — a beautiful sight and tough competition. The champion title was awarded to Venetzia, last year’s World Reserve Champion Filly and so, finally, Sheikh Hamad bin Ali Al Thani, stud manager of Al Shaqab, was the happy man to accept the trophy and ribbons in the name of the Emir of Qatar. Australian-bred Eagleridge Passionata of Ajman Stud was elected reserve champion mare, while each of the three big contenders of this show had one additional horse in the Top Five: Om El Shadina (Al Khalediah), Abha Myra (Al Shaqab) and Panarea By Palawan (Ajman Stud) — each of the mares a worthy champion at other shows.

As was to be expected, the Stallion Championships were a home victory for Al Adeed Al Shaqab, who captured the judges with his aura. Accompanied by a big fan club that took over the music with a live band of drums and tambourines, Sheikh Hamad received the champion trophy and ribbons for the second time this day. Al Adeed has not only proven his worth as a show horse, but also — and maybe more important — as a sire at this show, as he was also awarded the prestigious title of “Most Successful Sire.” On top of it all, Al Shaqab was awarded the title of “Most Successful Stud Farm” of the show — all in all, a tremendous success. Al

the horse are not forgotten. Therefore, the horses in these classes are sometimes different from the show horses, and their pedigrees even show some French bloodlines or other racing blood. This was the case for Ballistic (by CR Pistol Pete), who won the Liberty class for mares, owned by Dr. Mohammed Rashid Al Marri from Qatar. The stallion class was won by Nayef Al Shaqab (by Ashhal Al Rayyan), whom we saw in the show as well and who excelled by his movements. Here, at liberty, this was even more evident, as he displayed such a springy, elastic trot that it was a pleasure to see and the judges did well to place him first, much to the joy of his owner Mohammed Al Yousef from Saudi Arabia.

The ridden classes are an adaptation from the English Pony Club Ridden Show Class in which the performance in the class and the individual pattern are being judged, but also the manners, saddlery, and rider’s turnout, as well as Arabian type and conformation of the horse. In the beginning, when these classes were started, mostly Europeans or Americans who happened to work in Qatar were riding. Nowadays, it is mostly locals. This in itself is an achievement, as it demonstrates that horseback riding has found its place as a leisure-time occupation in this country. For the first time, this class (mares section) was won by the Royal Cavalry of Oman with their horse Lahn (by A’Dhafer), ridden by Hebeh Khalfan, while the first place in the stallion section was given to Nassim (by Damascus), ridden by Sarah Smith.

Winner of the Ridden Class, mares section, was Lahn (by A’Dhafer), owned by the Royal Cavalry of Oman, and ridden by Hebeh Khalfan.

Winner of the Ridden Class, stallion section, was Nassim (by Damascus), ridden by Sarah Smith.

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Q at a r I n t e r n at i o n a l A r a b i a n H o r s e S h o w R e s u lt s

Judges, pictured from left to right: Titti Gagliani, Italy; Dr. Francesco Santoro, Italy; Jerzy Bialobok, Poland; Peter Upton, Great Britain; Sylvie Eberhardt, Germany; and ringmaster Phillip Jenkins, Great Britain.

Senior Champion Stallion: Al Adeed Al Shaqab (Ansata Halim Shah x Sundar Alisayyah), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; Reserve: Marquis (Marwan Al Shaqab x Rohara Magnifica), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; Top Five: BS Paparazzi (KAR Papageno x Sivka), Abdul Mohsen Al Shaikh, Saudi Arabia; F Shamaal (Maysoun x Sarameena), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; Im Bayard Cathare (Padrons Immage x Shamilah Bagheera), Royal Cavalry, Oman

Senior Champion Mare: Venetzia (Versace x Giavanna), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; Reserve: Eagleridge Passionata (Sanadik El Shaklan x River Oak Dimity), Ajman Stud, UAE; Top Five: Om El Shadina (Sanadik El Shaklan x Om El Shaina), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; Abha Myra (Marwan Al Shaqab x ZT Ludjkalba), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; Panarea By Palawan (WH Justice x Palawan), Ajman Stud, UAE

Junior Champion Colt: AJ Dinar (WH Justice x Deska HJE), Ajman Stud, UAE; Reserve: Salman Al Khalidiah (F Shamaal x The Evening Star), Prince Khaled bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabia; Top Five: Baanderos (Marwan Al Shaqab x HS Bessolea), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; Naaman Al Shaqab (Gazal Al Shaqab x Evening Starr), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; Memphis 27 (El Amin x SA Misha Apal), Ajman Stud, UAE

Junior Champion Filly: Layan Al Khalidiah (Dakharo x Padrons Amour), Al Khalediah Farm, Saudi Arabia; Reserve: Abha Al Shaqab (Abha Fadil x Abha Galati), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; Top Five: Wijdan Al Shaqab (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x Amwaj Al Shaqab), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; Sara Al Mohamadiah (Marwan Al Shaqab x ZT Maghan), Prince Abdullah bin Fahd bin Abdullah Al Saud, Saudi Arabia; Om El Bernadette (Om El Shahmaan x Om El Benedict), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia

Stallions 7 Years Old and Older (6): 1. Al Adeed Al Shaqab (Ansata Halim Shah x Sundar Alisayyah), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; 2. F Shamaal (Maysoun x Sarameena), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; 3. Jandeh Al Naif (Ansata Shalim x Ansata Nile Gypsy), Sheikh bin Nasser Al Ahmed Al Thani, Qatar; 4. Hamras Akid (Ali Valentino x Akiysha Moon DMF), Prince Abdullah bin Fahd bin Abdullah Al Saud, Saudi Arabia; 5. Adnan Al Shaqab (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x Tebrah), Al Mohannadi, Qatar

Four- to Six-Year-Old Stallions (9): 1. Marquis (Marwan Al Shaqab x Rohara Magnifica), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; 2. BS Paparazzi (KAR Papageno x Sivka), Abdul Mohsen Al Shaikh, Saudi Arabia; 3. IM Bayard Cathare (Padrons Immage x Shamilah Bagheera), Royal Cavalry, Oman; 4. Alzeer (Gazal Al Shaqab x Marha), Al Misnad, Qatar; 5. Ashhal Al Khalidiah (AJA Sangali x Psyches Kiss), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia

Mares 11 Years Old and Older (3): 1. Om El Shadina (Sanadik El Shaklan x Om El Shaina), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; 2. Psynecia SPA (Padrons Psyche x Fairview Amira Nikit), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; 3. Julianna El Jamaal (Ali Jamaal x NV Justa Dream), Saad Al Dehaimi, Qatar

Seven- to Ten-Year-Old Mares (7): 1. Eagleridge Passionata (Sanadik El Shaklan x River Oak Dimity), Ajman Stud, UAE; 2. Amira Al Nasser (Mujahid x Bint Saida Al Nasser), Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser Al Thani, Qatar; 3. Aliah Al Nasser (Imperial Mahzeer x Dyn Aliah), Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser Al Thani, Qatar; 4. Ftoon Al Shaqab (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x Malvina), Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser Al Thani, Qatar; 5. Ansata Mouna (Farres x Talmona), Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Ahmed Al Thani, Qatar

Four- to Six-Year-Old Mares (13): 1. Venetzia (Versace x Giavanna), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; 2. Abha Myra (Marwan Al Shaqab x ZT Ludjkalba), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; 3. Athenaa (Ashhal Al Rayyan x Ass Windi), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; 4. Panarea By Palawan (WH Justice x Palawan), Ajman Stud, UAE; 5. Bilkis Begum (Khidar x Nur Jahan), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia

Three-Year-Old Colts (6): 1. Memphis 27 (El Amin x SA Misha Apal), Ajman Stud, UAE; 2. Baanderos (Marwan Al Shaqab x HS Bessolea), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; 3. Mardigras JMF (Marwan Al Shaqab x SMF Daretodream), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; 4. Warad Al Khalidiah (Thee Ricochet x Psyches Kyss), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; 5. Badi Al Maha (Ashhal Al Rayyan x Julianna El Jamaal), Al Dehaimi, Qatar

Three-Year-Old Fillies (14): 1. Om El Bernadette (Om El Shahmaan x Om El Benedict), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; 2. PS Rose Of Marwan (Marwan Al Shaqab x PD Rose Mahogany), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; 3. FS Cayenne (AS Natsir Apal x FS Cleopatra), Ajman Stud, UAE; 4. Al Jazi Al Nasser (Ansata Selman x Amera Al Nasser), Nasser Stud, Qatar; 5. Marylla (Gazal Al Shaqab x Margotka), Sheikh Abdul Mohsen Alshaikh, Saudi Arabia

Two-Year-Old Colts (7): 1. AJ Dinar (WH Justice x Deska HJE), Ajman Stud, UAE; 2. El Palacio (Al Lahab x El Dorada), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; 3. Radad (Koronec x Yasmeena), Royal Stables, Oman; 4. Monther Al Nasser (Ansata Hejazi x Aliah Al Nasser), Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser Al Thani, Qatar; 5. Mayal Al Zobair (Khidar x Estasha bint Masri), Al Hajri, Saudi Arabia

Two-Year-Old Senior Fillies (13): 1. Layan Al Khalidiah (Dakharo x Padrons Amour), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; 2. Mayyasa Al Shaqab (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x Al Hambra El Dakar), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; 3. Bint Helwa (Gazal Al Shaqab x Bona), Abdul Mohson Al Shaikh, Saudi Arabia; 4. Ahlam Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab x Moniet Al Oshaak), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; 5. Adhaba Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab x GW Natorious Star), Al Shaqab, Qatar

Two-Year-Old Junior Fillies (5): 1. Abha Al Shaqab (Abha Fadil x Abha Galati), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; 2. Sweet Caroline LL (Legacy Of Fame x Carolina Moon OA), Ajman Stud, UAE; 3. Ghayat Al Khalidiah (AJA Sangali x Faaina AT), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; 4. Ballerina BVA (Ames Charisma x LC Pirouette), Prince Abdullah bin Fahd bin Abdullah Al Saud, Saudi Arabia; 5. AJ Marahel (Marwan Al Shaqab x Hed Ab Maria), Ajman Stud, UAE

Yearling Colts (9): 1. Salman Al Khalidiah (F Shamaal x The Evening Star), Prince Khaled bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabia; 2. Naaman Al Shaqab (Gazal Al Shaqab x Evening Starr), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; 3. Nayef Al Shaqab (Ashhal Al Rayyan x Naima Al Shaqab), Al Yousef, Saudi Arabia; 4. Rayyan Al Shaqab (WN Star Of Antigua x WN Sixofhearts), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; 5. Naif Al Mohamadiah (Marwan Al Shaqab x Maria El Besson), Prince Abdullah bin Fahd bin Abdullah Al Saud, Saudi Arabia

Senior Yearling Fillies (7): 1. Wijdan Al Shaqab (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x Amwaj Al Shaqab), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; 2. Nouf Al Shaqab (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x Medasa Al Shaqab), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; 3. Shollah Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab x Shahirat Al Shaqab), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; 4. Salma Al Mohamadiah (Farres x Galva), Prince Abdullah bin Fahad bin Abdullah Al Saud, Saudi Arabia; 5. Shahd Al Naif (Gazal Al Shaqab x Sayeda), Bubshait, Kuwait

Junior Yearling Fillies (9): 1. Sara Al Mohamadiah (Marwan Al Shaqab x ZT Maghan), Prince Abdullah bin Fahd bin Abdullah Al Saud, Saudi Arabia; 2. Halah Al Khalidiah (Marwan Al Shaqab x Psyx Summerrain H), Prince Khaled bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabia; 3. Mageeda Al Shaqab (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x ZT Maghan); Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; 4. Jawharat Al Mohamadiah (Farres x IWF Shahnia), Prince Abdullah bin Fahd bin Abdullah Al Saud, Saudi Arabia; 5. Sadikah Al Shgair (F Shamaal x Syrena), Sheikh Abdulmohsen bin Abdulmalik Al Sheikh, Saudi Arabia

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Qatar’s stud farms welcomed visitors during the week. Top, a brunch at Al Shahania. Middle and below left: Scenes from an evening at Al Rayyan Stud, where Don and Judi Forbis were feted on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of their Ansata Arabian Stud. Al Rayyan manager, Bart Van Buggenhout, middle left, gave the touching “toast,” as a pair of Ansata-bred mares stood quietly at his side. “We are gathered here today to celebrate a special anniversary — the 50-year anniversary of Ansata Arabian Stud,” said Bart. “Now most of us, unlucky souls that we are, will never celebrate anything with the sounds of ‘A Golden Jubilee,’ but that’s not the case with this titanic couple here: Don and Judith Forbis. I said ‘titanic’ because that’s for me what they are — entrepreneurs, managers, writers, teachers, lecturers, and organizers … the list is too long to mention all the fields they have sprinkled their seeds in.

“Does this couple ever stop moving around? Turkey, Syria, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Cyprus, the U.K. … a trend they continued in their home country as well: Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Kentucky, and let’s not forget that mysterious lake house! Well, I have good news for you all — it does not stop here!

“The truth is that we gathered here today to celebrate and give appreciation for their accomplishments and dedication to the Arabian horse. Fifty years ago they had a dream; that dream turned into a vision. The desire got hold of them and a humble beginning was made. For sure they had wishes and hopes but no one would have thought that that long boat trip they set forth on from the ancient to the new lands would have turned out to become a cornerstone for the Egyptian Arabian horse worldwide.

“That something so small should mean so much today for so many of us breeders and Arabian horse lovers. Ansata has become a foundation from which generations can build, dream, and capture the essential beauty of the Arabian horse.

“Judi and Don, forever grateful we are. We congratulate you both on your golden 50-year anniversary of Ansata. Our well wishes, and Mabrouk.”

D. hearsT phoTo

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Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, second from right, was victorious in the in the 2008 120-km FEI CEI three-star Qatar International Endurance Cup. He was riding the Anglo-Arabian Kishon Zeal (Solaboy x Gold Royal by Milands Royal Fashion) maintaining an average speed of 23.41 kmph. Sheikh Hamdan was followed home by Salem Rashed bin Ghadayer on Wadhnan, left, while the UAE‘s Ali Ghanim Al Marri was third on Cutie, far right.

S h e i k h H a m d a n W i n s Q at a r C u p

Stud Visits — Al Rayyan, Al Nasser, and Umm Qarn

Due to major reconstruction at the most successful stud of the show, Al Shaqab, its facilities were closed to the public so Al Shaqab did not host its usual Open Day. However, there are enough studs to visit nevertheless, for example Al Rayyan Farm, the stud of Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Khaled bin Hamad Al Thani who did not exhibit any horses at this year’s show. He has dedicated himself to breeding straight Egyptian horses, based to a great extent on imports from Ansata Arabian Stud. And so it was no surprise that Don and Judith Forbis were present themselves and celebrated their 50-year anniversary here, where no fewer than 16 mares and stallions of their breeding found a new home. Most important for the stud is the Dhamah Shawanieh strain through Sabrah, Bukra, and the Farida family. It is especially the Bukra line that traces back to Ansata imports on the dam line. Just think of the foundation mare Ansata Sharifa (Ansata Ibn Shah x Ansata Samantha) and her daughter G Shafaria (by Prince Fa Moniet) who were imported together with a colt at foot: Ansata Selman (Ansata Hejazi) who later became chief sire at Al Rayyan — an exceptional stallion who was presented at liberty for everybody to enjoy. G Shafaria also left a number of broodmares, such as Al Wajba Al Rayyan, the dam of Sinan Al Rayyan, a young and promising stallion at Al Rayyan at present. Or think of the unforgettable mare Ansata Majesta (Ansata Halim Shah x Ansata Malikah), who is representing the Farida family. She was the dam of the homebred chief sire Ashhal Al Rayyan, one of the top sires in Qatar. Her daughter Al Aangha Al Rayyan (by Alidaar), an international Champion, was shown with her 2006 filly Sebha Al Rayyan (by Ansata Nile Pasha). Recently, some horses of Dr. Nagel’s breeding (Katharinenhof stud,

Germany) were imported, as well as the mare Toya El Zahraa by Gad Allah out of Tee, thus combining the best blood of the Egyptian National Stud El Zahraa. All in all, more than 40 horses were presented to the international visitors — too many to mention them all in detail.

Another stud, situated like an oasis in midst of the green of palm plantations is Al Nasser Stud, owned by Sheikh Nawaf Al Nasser Al Thani. Here it is Bint Saida Al Nasser, the 1999 Middle East Champion mare, who catches your eye. She is a very showy mare, with the “certain extra” that makes the difference between a good horse and a show horse. She is by Imperial Mahzeer, and it was nice to see this stallion here as well, enjoying the eve of his life surrounded by his harem at the age of 19 years. And another great old hero was presented, Moroc (by Imperial Imdal), also 19 years old and looking good. The stud presentation also offered the possibility to see again the three mares that were presented at the show, this time at liberty and they were even more impressive now: Amira Al Nasser (by Mujahid), Aliah Al Nasser (by Imperial Mahzeer) and Ftoon Al Shaqab (by Al Adeed Al Shaqab) — all of them reliable broodmares. Al Nasser maintains two breeding programs, one with straight Egyptians and one with “mixed bloodlines,” to which Aliah Al Nasser and Ftoon Al Shaqab belong. The difference became evident in their powerful movements.

For breeding, mostly Egyptian stallions such as Ashhal Al Rayyan are used and the results are encouraging, e.g., Anood Al Nasser, a granddaughter of Aliah, with exceptional type. Aliah’s son Monther Al Nasser (by Ansata Hejazi) is a young and promising stallion, national champion colt at the national C show in November 2007.

On Thursday morning, everyone had the opportunity to visit Umm Qarn Stud, about one and a half hours outside of Doha. The stud was established in 1988 by Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, the prime minister of Qatar, who has dedicated himself to racing and — in former years — to endurance. The stud is situated on 580 hectares of a natural oasis with state-of-the-art facilities, such as two training courses, air-conditioned stables, vet lab and clinic, swimming pool and treadmill, round walker and paddocks. In 1993 an outlet in Newmarket, England, was added and today these two studs are home to some of the best racehorses in the world, namely Amer, originally a gift from Saudi Arabia; Sambist, one of the best Russian racehorses; and of course French racing stallions like Makzan (by Manganate) and Concord (by Dormane). Three champion racing stallions were presented to the visitors: Djebbel (by Djelfor), Mugadir (by Amer), and Muneef (by Amer) and it is striking that the offspring of Amer are far more “Arabian looking” than the horses of French bloodlines.

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b y H a n n i e M a a s d i j k

Al Dahma (Amer x Al Hanoof ), the dark grey on the right, owned by Umm Qarn Farm, was victorious over Al Shahania Farm’s Mared Al Sahra (Amer x Massamarie) in the Qatar International Trophy race covering 1,850 meters.

Qatar International Equest rian Festival Race Review

had been waiting for, was here, the Qatar International Trophy, a Group 1 Pure Arabian race run over 1,850 meters. Umm Qarn Farm and Alban de Mieulle, quietly confident with their superstar Al Dahma (Amer x Al Hanoof ) and Al Shahania Farm and Georgina Ward hoping that this time their planning and scheming would be successful, and they would finally beat Al Dahma. For Al Shahania Farm, Georgina Ward saddled three horses, Mared Al Sahra (Amer x Massamarie), Jaafer (Amer x Madjela), and Haut de Faust (Barour de Cardonnen x Balta). The race started out as planned: out of the starting gates Haut de Faust set a good pace from the outset with Al Naif Stud’s Souk de Candelon (Dormane x Lara de Candelon) keen to go that bit faster on the outside and Mared Al Sahra on the inside rail in third position. Al Dahma positioned herself as always at the back. It was a fast race and everything went according to plan. In the last turn Mared Al Sahra took the lead and pulled away from the rest of the field but Al Dahma was moving with him, quietly in hand not being pushed. Jockey David Bouland had to wait for the right moment to give Al Dahma her head as she stops when she is in front. And expert jockey that he is, he pushed Al Dahma and passed Mared Al Sahra in the final 5 meters and once again, this unbeatable duo won the Qatar International Trophy. Mared Al Sahra finished a neck behind Al Dahma, with Jaafer further behind in third, and the heroic Haut de Faust finished fourth.

S t a t e o f Q a t a r R a c i n g a n d E q u e s t r i a n C l u bP. O . B o x 7 5 5 9 · D o h a · Q a t a r · Te l : 9 7 4 - 4 8 0 5 9 0 1 / 3 · F a x : 9 7 4 - 4 8 0 5 9 9 6

Fourteen races were on the card at the Qatar International Equestrian Festival held at Al Rayyan Park over two days

on February 27-28, 2008. It was the biggest and best organized International Equestrian Festival ever, under the accomplished leadership of general manager Sami Jassim Al Boenain.

The main event on Wednesday was the 1,600-meter Gulf Cup for GCC purebred Arabians. Eight horses went to post, all ready to beat the Alban de Mieulle-trained magnificent Maleehah (Amer x Marja), unbeaten the last two seasons. Al Shahania Farm had entered their localbred star Nimr (Amer x Nisaee) who rules on the 1,400 meter. This was the first time he took a step up to 1,600 meters. Was it going to be enough to beat the unbeatable? The UAE had entered the dynamic Dynamite (Bibi de Carrere x No Answer) fully expecting to win and Saudi Arabia entered Bent Abu Dhabi (El Mansour de Brou x Tanzina), a second-time runner. In the early stages Zaeem Al Shaja (Amer x Katre Karats) set the pace with Dynamite running in second, Nimr in third, and Maleehah in fourth position. In the last turn it all changed. Maleehah surged ahead and in truth had no competition. But the real hero was the Georgina Ward-trained Nimr, who finished a good second, ran for the first time over 1,600 meters and fought till the end to stave off the challenge of the UAE entry Dynamite who finished in third.

The next evening excitement had reached a peak, the main event everybody