Abu Dhabi - International Arabian Horse Championship 2009

The much-awaited event was held on February 13th and 14th in the wonderful setting of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian & Racing Club, usual location for this "B" show. This year it was even more interesting, if that was at all possible, by the rich prizes awarded to the top five of each category, the Gold, Silver and Bronze medal of the final championship, in addition to some special prizes that we will see later on.

Supported by the Prime Minister H.H. Sh. Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, this show was "rich" from every point of view, starting from the large number of high quality horses entered, the beauty of the facility hosting this lovely two-day event, the generous prize money and, last but not least, the excellent job done by the organizers. The organizing committe consisted of the President, H.E. Khadim Abdulla Aldarei, the members Mr. Khalifa Abdulla al Nuaimi and Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Dr. Nasr Marei, the Show Manager and President of the UAE Arabian Horse Association Mr. Essam Abdulla, who was supported by the coordinator Mr. Mohammed Ahmed Al Harby, the technical director Mrs. Christiane Chazel with the help of Mrs. Dominik Briot and Mr. Essam Al Homsi as engineer.

As many as seven judges were called to manage a competition that appeared compelling just by looking at the program. The many prestigious names in the ring made us predict fierce competition for the top places, and that is exactly what happened. Therefore, it is only fair to praise the judges who carried out their task impeccably. They were: Dr. Gianmarco Aragno (IT), Mr. Jerzy Bialobok (PL), Mrs. Titti Gagliani (IT), Mrs. Silvie Garde-Ehlert (D), Mrs. Joanne Lowe (UK), Mr. Tamas Rombauer (Hungary) and Mrs. Marianne Tengstedt (Denmark). The work done by the disciplinary committee was outstanding. Its members were Mr. Essam Abdulla, HRH Teresa De Borbon from Spain, Dr. Abdel Ali Amira, Mr. Kais Ouelhazi and Dr. Mohammed Al Otaify. Impeccable in his role and appearance was the Ring Master appointed for this occasion, Mr. Philip Jenkins (UK). He timed the competition right despite the large number of participants in every category and proved his ability when he grabbed the lead of a horse which had decided to do his show without the handler.

As we have just said, the categories were really "crowded", apart from being beautiful from a technical point of view, so that most of them had to be split up into two sections. A new scoring system was tested at the show, according to which the final result was the average between the highest and the lowest scores. An "experiment" which we could deem successful, and seemed to have been appreciated also by horse owners.

Section "A" of the yearling fillies category was won by the correct bay *Al Aryam Suhayla (Marwan Al Shaqab x Simeon Sidrah), bred and owned by the Al Aryam Arabians of HH Sh. Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a well known and important local breeder. This filly was presented by the excellent Barry Shepherd. The second and third place finished in a draw, which was resolved by the different score for movement. The second place went to *Shams Al Bidayer (Marwan Al Shaqab x Ultimate Perfection) whereas *Gazalat Al Bidayer (Gazal Al Shaqab x Marsina) was third. Both fillies were bred and owned by Sh. Mohammed Saoud Sultan Saqar Al Qassimi (UAE). The winner of Section B, with excellent general scores, was the beautiful *Felicia RLC (Shael Dream Desert x Camelia K), bred in Brazil, now owned by the Ajman Stud of HRH Prince Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi (UAE) and presented by Frank Spönle. The bay *Shamah Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab x SWF Desert Rose), owned by the Al Shaqab Stud (QAT) and presented by Giacomo Capacci won the second place. She was followed in third place by the gray *Al Aryam Arwa (Lea-Ma Park Chicago x Gwyneth), bred and owned by the Al Aryam Arabians of H.H. Sh. Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and presented by Barry Shepherd.

Section "A" of the two-year-old fillies category saw the beautiful *Jumilla (Thee Apprentice x Artemis) on the top step of the podium. Owned by the Dubai Arabians Horse Stud (UAE), she was presented by Paolo Capecci. The second place went to the bay *Shammaa Al Khalediah (F Shamaal x Wieza Wiatrow) owned by the Al Khalediah Stables of HRH Prince Khaled Bin Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz (KSA) and presented by Philippe Hosay. The third place went to the gray *Al Lucca (El Sid x Ca Kupona), bred in Denmark and now owned by the Ajman Stud of HRH Prince Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi (UAE), presented by Frank Spönle.

Section B of the same category saw the victory of the gray *Juwanda OS (WH Justice x Shak Lavanda), bred in Germany and now owned by the Dubai Arabians Horse Stud and presented by Paolo Capecci. Another typey and snub-nosed filly won the second place: the remarkable *Najdah Al Zobair (Marwan Al Shaqab x JFN Bint Ludhan), presented by Tom Schoukens, bred and owned by Sh. Abdulla Bin Mohammed Ali Althani (UAE). Third place for the beautiful *Baila De Djoon OS (Ajman Moniscione x Shak Shakira) presented by Scott Allman and owned by Sh. Mohammed Saoud Sultan Saqar Al Qassimi (UAE).

The winner of section "A" of the three-year-old fillies category was the charming *Sweet Caroline LL (Legacy Of Fame x Carolina Moon OA), led by Frank Spönle. This beautiful filly, bred in America, is now owned by the Ajman Stud of HRH Prince Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi (UAE). The second place went to *Zawah De Lam (AS Kayro x Wilaya De Lam) presented by Franck Cibois for the Royal Cavalry of Oman, whereas another wonderful filly onwed by the Ajman Stud, the gray *Aja Angelica (WH Justice x FS Anastasia), bred by Mr. and Mrs. Hickford (UK) obtained the third place.

In section "B", the top place was awarded to a filly owned by the Ajman Stud, but as we will see, this will almost become a constant throughout all categories. We are talking about *Badawieh AA (Laheeb x Bahiha), bred in Israel and presented by Frank Spönle. She was followed by *Angeliccah (Marwan Al Shaqab x BHF Dark Angel), second, bred in America, presented by Paolo Capecci and owned by the Dubai Arabians Horse Stud (UAE). Third place for the beautiful *Al Aryam Karubi (Sanadik El Shaklan x Kubaisha), owned by the Al Aryam Arabians of H.H. Sh. Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and presented by Barry Shepherd.

The category of mares aged four to six saw 18 wonderful competitors, which created a fantastic show for those like us who had the opportunity to experience so much beauty. The top place went to the stunning *Bess-Fa'izah (WH Justice x Sharon-El-Kendal) which dominated over every competitor thanks to a very high score. This mare does not need any introduction, given the results that have always characterised her participations in shows. Needless to say, this "lady" of the stage is another Ajman Stud horse and was presented as usual by Frank Spönle. Congratulations to Bess for obtaining unanimous 20s from the judges in type, six in movement and two for her head and neck. Congratulations also to her owner, HRH Prince Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi for having this and many other precious jewels in his stables. The second place went to the bay *Khaleifa (Kubinec x Farids Mandolin) presented by Scott Allman and owned by Sh. Mohammed Saoud Sultan Saqar Al Qassimi (UAE), whereas the beautiful *Shownel (Showkayce x WR Jullane) presented by Paolo Capecci and owned by the Dubai Arabians Horse Stud (UAE) was third. It must be said that in a category like this it was really difficult not to feel dizzy, because the quality on the ring was exceptionally high and even a tiniest detail could have made all the difference.

Fewer in numbers but with no less charm were the mares aged seven to nine. Once again the Ajman Stud took the first place home thanks to the lovely *Chammur (Don El Chall x SC Murya), which was awarded six 20s out of seven in type and excellent general scores. In second place *Kar Ofelia (L.M. Perlamor x Kar Ola) owned by the Dubai Arabians Horse Stud and presented by Paolo Capecci, followed by *Ghazalah El Gabry (El Basha Saqr x Konooz), third, perfectly presented by Luca Oberti and owned by Mr. Abdel Moshen Al Gabry (EG).

Moving to the category of mares aged ten and up, the first and the second place went to horses by the Ajman Stud. The top place was awarded to the well-known *Eagleridge Passionata (Sanadik El Shaklan x River Oak Dimity) followed, with a narrow margin, by one of her stable mates, *Deska HJE (Lumiar Amadeus x Soldateska), another guarantee when it comes to competitions. There are no words to describe their talents. Good scores also for the third, *SF Hossana (ZT Remaj x ZT Jossny), bred in Argentina, presented by the ever-so-good Berry Shepherd and owned by Al Aryam Arabians of H.H. Sh. Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The category of yearling colts had fewer participants than the mares', but there was still a good number of entries (12) that took turns in the ring. The top place thanks an excellent score went to the correct *AJ Portofino, bred in Italy and owned by the Ajman Stud, presented by Frank Spönle. Second place for *Bander (Psytadel x Horiah) presented by Jones on behalf of Stables Of Al Janadria, whereas the third place went to *AJ Darajj (A.S. Natsir-Apal x Bint Deladiva) bred by the Ajman Stud and owned by Mr. Ahmed Hamad Musabeh Khalfan Al Musafri.

The last category to be held on Friday, that of three-year-old colts, had also many entries.

After a show that convinced all the judges, the beautiful *OFW Magic Wan (Marwan Al Shaqab x Magna Prelude) won the top place, presented by Giacomo Capacci for the Al Shaqab Stud (Qatar). Just behind him, in second place, another colt sired by Marwan Al Shaqab, *Spartacus T O (x DA Shahnia), presented by Frank Spönle, bred in America and owned by the Ajman Stud. Third, in a draw with the second but with less points in movement, was *Amir Al Shaqab (Gazal Al Shaqab x Amira Madrona) of the Al Shaqab Stud.

First out of the elevent participants to the category of three-year-old colts was *El Palacio VO (Al Lahab x El Dorada), with excellent scores and a convincing show. He clearly won the podium for the Al Khalediah Stables of HRH Prince Khaled Bin Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz (KSA) and presented by Philippe Hosay. Second was *Radad (Koronec x Yasmeena), presented by Franck Cibois for the Royal Cavalry of Oman but bred in Saudi Arabia. The third place went to another horse of the Saudi stables, *Ataa Al Khalediah (Aja Sangali x Mashael Al Khamisa) of HRH Prince Khaled Bin Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz (KSA).

The category of stallions aged four to six consisted of 15 excellent horses. Winning the top place thanks to a score of six 20 out of seven in type and excellent general scores was the outstanding *Moutaz Al Biwaibiya (Aja Sangali x FS Premirra), owned by the Al Khalediah Stables of HRH Prince Khaled Bin Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz (KSA) and presented by Philippe Hosay. Second despite the tie with the winner but fewer points in type was the gray *JJ Carismatico (JJ Senor Magnum x Leenne NA) presented by Frank Spönle, bred in Argentina and owned by the Ajman Stud. The third place went to the World Champion *Marajj (Marwan Al Shaqab x RGA Kouress), which did not seem to be in top formthis time yet was still magnificent, presented by and owned by Sh. Mohammed Saoud Sultan Saqar Al Qassimi (UAE).

There was a draw also in the category of stallions aged seven to nine, resolved by the higher score in type, which led to the victory of the outstanding *F Shamaal (Maysoun x Sarameena) of the Al Khalediah Stables of HRH Prince Khaled Bin Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz (KSA) and presented by Philippe Hosay. The second place was therefore awarded to *Major (El Allah Abu x Marischka), owned by the Major Partnership (DE). *Karat (Kuninec x Nemara), presented by Frank Spönle and owned by the Ajman Stud (UAE) was third.

Winning the top place among stallions aged ten and up was the evergreen *Escape Ibn Navarrone-D (AS Sinans Pasha x Navarrone P), which won the podium fairly easily thanks to the highest score in the whole show. He was presented by Frank Spönle and is owned by the Ajman Stud. Second was the recent Reserve World Champion *Imperial Baarez (PVA Karim x BB Ora Kalilah), which appeared tired and below condition, despite the efforts put in by his handler Paolo Capecci to present him. For those who do not know, Bareez is owned by the El Farida Stud of Tarek and Ahmed Hamdy Soliman (EG). Third place for *Shafe Psuede (Padrons Psyche x Focus Shalia), presented by Philippe Hosay for the Al Khalediah Stables (KSA).

Next was the enjoyable Ridden Class, which featured well known horses on the conformation ring. Winner among stallions was *Al Sareeh W'Rsan of H.H. Sh Sultan Bin Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahayyan, followed by *Lea-Ma Park Chicago of Al Aryam Arabians in second place whereas *Al Borait W'Rsan, also owned by H.H. Sh Sultan Bin Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahayyan was third. With regards to mares and geldings, the top place went to *Shamilah Aroma of H.H. Sh Sultan Bin Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahayyan, second place for *Sugar Creek Willy of Toni Lee Porteous and third place for *Al Patra of H.H. Sh. Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassemi.

The adaptability of the Arabian horse, its excellence in the various disciplines are well known, but it is right to highlight this at shows that include a variety of competitions, in which the beauty of the Arabian, its innate grace, its strength and balance always come to the fore.

As it often happens, the show included also special prizes.

The "President Cup" Trophy was won by the beautiful *Jamilla Al Zobair (Ashhal Al Rayyan x My Silk Stocking) bred by Sh. Abdulla Bin Mohammed Ali Althani (UAE) and owned by HRH Prince Khaled Bin Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz (KSA).

The "Best UAE Citizen" Trophy was awarded to *AJ Darajj (A.S. Natsir-Apal x Bint Deladiva), bred by the Ajman Stud and owned by Mr. Ahmed Hamad Musabeh Khalfan Almusafri (UAE).

The "Best Breeder/Owner" Trophy was won by the Al Khalediah Stables of HRH Prince Khaled Bin Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz (KSA) with *Moutaz Al Biwaibiya (Aja Sangali x FS Premirra).

The "Emirates Arabian Horse Society Awards" was won by *Katherina BPA (Meridien ATL x Khayla NVF) owned by Nofal Kahook (Jordan).

The championship fully met the expectations that had been raised in the prior days. The Gold Medal Fillies went to the wonderful *Juwanda OS (WH Justice x Shak Lavanda), owned by Dubai Arabians Horse Stud (UAE) and presented by Paolo Capecci. The winner of the Silver Medal was another beautiful filly, *Felicia RLC (Shael Dream Desert x Camelia K), owned by the Ajman Stud of HRH Prince Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi (UAE) and presented by Frank Spönle. Bronze medal for the charming *Najdah Al Zobair (Marwan Al Shaqab x JFN Bint Ludhan), presented by Tom Schoukens, bred and owned by Sh. Abdulla Bin Mohammed Ali Althani (UAE).

The Gold Medal Mare was awarded to the stunning *Bess-Fa'izah (WH Justice x Sharon-El-Kendal) and the Silver Medal to *Eagleridge Passionata (Sanadik El Shaklan x River Oak Dimity), both owned by the Ajman Stud of HRH Prince Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi and presented by Frank Spönle. Our congratulations to the Ajman Stud for this double victory. The Bronze Medal went to *Khaleifa (Kubinec x Farids Mandolin) presented by Scott Allman and owned by Sh. Mohammed Saoud Sultan Saqar Al Qassimi (UAE).

The Gold Medal Colts went to *El Palacio VO (Al Lahab x El Dorada) of the Al Khalediah Stables owned by HRH Prince Khaled Bin Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz (KSA). The colt was presented by Philippe Hosay. *OFW Magic Wan (Marwan Al Shaqab x Magna Prelude), presented by Giacomo Capacci for the Al Shaqab Stud (Qatar) won the Silver Medal. Bronze Medal for *AJ Portofino, owned by the Ajman Stud of HRH Prince Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi and presented by Frank Spönle.

The Gold Medal Stallions was awarded to *Escape Ibn Navarrone-D (AS Sinans Pasha x Navarrone P) presented by Frank Spönle and owned by the Ajman Stud of HRH Prince Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, whereas the Silver Medal went to *F Shamaal (Maysoun x Sarameena) of the Al Khalediah Stables of HRH Prince Khaled Bin Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz (KSA) and presented by Philippe Hosay. Bronze Medal for *Imperial Baarez (PVA Karim x BB Ora Kalilah) owned by the El Farida Stud of Tarek and Ahmed Hamdy Soliman (EG) and presented by Paolo Capecci.

On the following day we had the pleasure of watching part of the endurance race, the 160 km FEI CEI***, held at the Emirates International Endurance Village Al Wathba, just outside Abu Dhabi, in which Italian riders were also taking part. We were able to see how much love and appreciation this exciting sport attracts and to what lengths they have gone to create unbelievable facilities, fit for these types of events. We then visited a relatively new stud, Al Aryam Arabians of H.H. Sh. Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which has been very successful and continues to be, in terms of breeding. We would like to thank its manager, Mr. Khalifa Al Nuaimi, who has found the perfect assistance in Mrs. Jennifer Jennings. Among the other things, we saw Maleik El Kheil, the stallion used with outstanding results, which is thirty years old but still looks like a young stallion with a great desire to be admired. The huge stud, equipped with every possible solution to ensure the wellbeing of the horses, the large paddocks, the wide and airy loose boxes certainly did not fail to impress the guests, and neither did the horses' attitude, calm, ready to be stroked, relaxed - a sign that the relationship with man has left a positive mark on them, that the work done at Al Aryam is remarkable also with regards to the respect that we must have towards this wonderful being, the Arabian horse, our passion. Our best congratulations and the rendezvous is for next year.