MENTON ARABIAN HORSE CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS
BON JOUR AND WELCOME TO MENTON! I arrived in Menton, the venue for the Mediterranean & Arab Countries Arabian Horse Championships, late yesterday afternoon. I was welcomed by brilliant golden sunshine, the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Bougainvillea blooming in a riot of exotic colors and one of the most charming city I have ever seen.
I dealt with my luggage as quickly as possible and made my way over to the show grounds, which happens to be almost directly across the street from the hotel and situated on the picturesque beach. If you love Arabian horses and are even the least bit adventurous, you really should come and see this for yourself. All the beautiful photos, and there are thousands of the, cannot prepare you for what you will experience.
The first horse I saw as I entered the show grounds was a beautiful, dark bay colt dancing and prancing his way toward me with none other Glenn Schoukens on the lead. The colt was the International Champion, Cadence PA (Cavalli x Donatella by Versace), bred by Pegasus Arabians and leased by Al Saqran Stud. I immediately thought to myself that if this was the quality of the horses being shown, I am in heaven!
The first stables I saw were those of Giacomo Cappeci, as his reception area faces the entrance. Gaging from all the e-blasts being sent out, Giacomo has a tremendous show string including U.S. National Champion Stallion Hariry Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab x White Silkk by Dakar),
Next, I spot a dear friend and the queen of karaoke, that’s right, Robin Hopkinson, who is an integral member of the Al Jassimya Farm team. Robin was excited about their yearling filly Om El Aisha Aljassimya (WH Justice x Om El Aliha by Om El Al Azeem), bred by Om El Arab International and owned by Al Jassimya Farm. Robin explained she has been spending time in Italy with Giacomo Cappeci, who will present the filly.
Next I stopped by Privilege Arabians and visited with Phillip Lyons and Raphael Curti who told me about a few of their top contenders for the show. Phillip’s client and mentor, Dr. Bruce McCrea, manager of Al Mohamadia Stud, who came to check on their horses, allowed us to go back and see some amazing offspring of their senior sire, Abha Qatar (Marwan al Shaqab x ZT Ludjkalba by Ludjin El Jamaal). First we saw the three-year-old stallion Prussia MI (Abha Qatar x Parada by Magnum forty Four), bred by Ambition Investments. Prussia MI is even more handsome than his photos, which is saying a lot. He had a wonderful presence and a face to die for. We also saw the lovely chestnut filly Deem AM (Abha Qatar x Abha Opalina by WH Justice), proudly owned and bred by Al Mohamadia Stud.
It’s always fun to get a chance to go behind the scene and see the horses up close and personal. I was visiting with Hilke De Bruyker, manager of Al Thumama Stud of Qatar and she kindly invited me back to see the lovely Penelope KA (QR Marc x Polonia), bred by Knocke Arabians and owned by Al Thumama Stud. Penelope is a veteran champion with many well-deserved titles. Penelope KA will be presented by Tom Oben.
Later, I was invited to partake in the official Menton kick off bar-b-que at Schoukens Training Center. You can see why this team is at the top of their game. It is a young, passionately dedicated group who obviously enjoy working hard and playing hard – but the horses come first. After enjoying some delicious dinner, it was time to head back to the hotel to get some rest. Walking down the quiet aisle way at dusk, I saw one beautiful face after another. One in particular made me stop. He was a grey stallion with enormous dark eyes. He came over to say hello and immediately, I was charmed by him. Looking down at the stall card, I saw it was Equiborn KA (QR Marc x Espardilla by Monogramm), bred and owned by Knocke Arabians. Equiborn is a horse I have seen before – never in person – but on live feeds from international shows. He is everything his pedigree says he should be – absolutely beautiful. Equiborn will be presented in three-year-old colts for Knocke Arabians by Tom Schoukens.
Earlier I had heard a group of grooms from different farms talking and comparing notes. In my experience, grooms almost always have the inside scoop on everything in the business and according this group of well informed, hard workers, the Three-Year –Old Stallions just may be the most exciting class of the show. I plan on being there – I’ll let you know if they are right.
In the meantime, you can visit Arab Horse Network and see many of the Menton contenders by visiting the News page at: www.arabhorse.com/e-newsletters
