The 2012 Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show Halter Championships
By Beth Ellen Hunziker
The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is considered the largest competition for Arabian horses in the world. It is 11 very full days with over 125 halter and breeding classes for amateur and professional handlers; that does not include all of the performance divisions, which we will cover in a separate story.
There are several halter and breeding division allowing maximum opportunities for owners to show and enjoy their horses. The Scottsdale International Arabian Breeders Classic is a special division with U.S certified judges, as well as international judges from around the world, who use a point system similar to the European judging system. The Scottsdale Signature Stallion Classes, (SSS), are for the eligible offspring of Scottsdale Signature Stallions; and The SSS Auction Classes are exclusively for offspring resulting from a stallion service purchased at the SSS Auction. Last, but not least, are the Classic Arabian Classes, which are open to all registered Arabian horses. One of the most exciting aspects of the SSS classes is that all horses must be presented by amateur handlers, and the horses in the Auction classes must be handled by their amateur owners. Don't think for a minute the horses presented by the amateurs are of lesser quality. In fact, I heard many spectators comment that the horses presented in the SSS classes were some of the best of the show!
The competition in the SSS classes is very deep, perhaps because there is a lot more to win than ribbons and roses. The SSS classes have huge payouts; they vary from year to year depending on the amount the stallion service auction generates. The proposed payout for the 2012 Scottsdale Signature Stallion Classes was $590,598.41! Both the SSS Yearling Auction champion colt and filly won $34,618.50 and the reserve champions in those classes took home a paycheck of $17,309.25! It certainly proves that it pays to play at Scottsdale! However, even if you don't win a huge check, Scottsdale is one of the very best shows in the industry and it attracts some of the highest quality horses from around the world. Big breeders, small breeders, owners, trainers and everyday people all come together to celebrate the Arabian horse. Here are some of the halter champions from the show...
INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONS:
The Scottsdale International Arabian Breeders Classic Champion Yearling Filly of Jan 1 - Apr 1 was a filly of extreme quality and type, and a favorite of the spectators as well as the judges. Jullye Al Gazal XX (SF Veraz x Beautiful Juell V by Jullyen El Jamaal), was bred and is owned by Larry Schopf and was presented by Keith Krichke. The Scottsdale International Arabian Breeders Classic Champion Yearling Filly of Apr 16 - Dec 31 was Faraah AC (Marhaabah x Heart Of Gold AC by MCA Magnum Gold). This lovely bay filly, bred and owned by Christine and Andy Steffens and presented by Jeff Schall combines the national winning type and quality of her sire and her maternal grandsire. The Scottsdale International Arabian Breeders Classic Two-Year-Old Champion Filly was HCF Kamillah (Marajj x Alada Mistique by Alada Baskin), bred and owned by Bruce Morgan and presented by Keith Krichke. The filly classes culminated with the Scottsdale International Arabian Breeders Classic Junior Championship, and the winner by a unanimous choice was Jullye Al Gazal XX. I am betting we will see this lovely filly wearing roses for many years to come.
The Scottsdale International Arabian Breeders Classic Champion Yearling Colt of Jan 1 - Apr 15 was MP Ambassador by the Enzo son, Chancellor MW, and out of FM Ambrosha by the Bey Shah son JK Amadeus. MP Ambassador was bred and is owned by Cindy and Robert Morgan and was shown by Greg Knowles. The Scottsdale International Arabian Breeders Classic Champion Yearling Colt of Apr 16 - Dec 31 was Sheer Audacity V (Audacious PS x Sweet Silk V by Desperado V), bred by William Moores or William Ganson. Ricardo Rivero presented this extremely typey, dark bay colt for owner Sheila Varian of Varian Arabians. The Scottsdale International Arabian Breeders Classic Champion Two-Year-Old Colt and Unanimous International Junior Champion Colt was JLS Aayns Al Reejis, a grey straight Egyptian colt sired by Scapa and out of LPS Thunderstruck by Thee Infidel. JLS Aayns Al Reejis was bred by Elizabeth Witt. He is owned by Josh Heath and was presented by Michael Byatt.
The Scottsdale International Arabian Breeders Classic Champion Three & Four Year-Old Mare was Gameelah KA, sired by the Simeon Sanegor grandson, Crave FF, and out of Bint Georgie Girl by Avondview Akubra. This imported mare was bred by Sharon and Max Warke and is owned by S & M Warke and Shona Young & Olivia Cleary. The Scottsdale International Arabian Breeders Classic Champion Five & Six Year-Old Mare was Hooria Al Shaqab (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x Hanouf Al Shaqab by Ansata Ibn Halima), a straight Egyptian mare bred and owned by Al Shaqab, a Member of the Qatar Foundation, and presented by Michael Byatt. The Scottsdale International Arabian Breeders Classic Champion Mare Seven Years & Older Mares and the International Champion Senior Mare was *Abha Myra (Marwan Al Shaqab x ZT Ludjkalba by Ludjin El Jamaal), bred by Marieta Salas, owned by Al Shaqab Member of the Qatar Foundation, and presented by Michael Byatt.
The Scottsdale International Arabian Breeders Classic Champion Three & Four-Year-Old Stallion and International Senior Champion Stallion was Apalo (Justify x Gloria Apal by Psytadel US). This handsome chestnut stallion was bred by DST Arabians and presented by Rodolfo Guzzo for the owners, Belvedere Farms LLC. The Scottsdale International Arabian Breeders Classic Champion Five & Six-Year-Old Stallion was JA Urbino (Alfabia Damascus x JA Ultima by Besson Carol), bred by Ganaderia Ses Planes, owned by David Ross, and presented by Andrew Sellman. The Scottsdale International Arabian Breeders Classic Champion Stallion Seven Years & Older was Suhal Al Nasser (Ashhal Al Rayyan x Konouz by Imperial Mahzeer). This straight Egyptian stallion was bred by Sheikh Nawaf Bin Nasser al Thani, owned by Luiz Miguel Muzquiz, and presented by Michael Byatt.
Scottsdale Signature Stallion Auction Champions:
Some of the most highly anticipated classes at the show are the Scottsdale Signature Stallion Auction yearling classes. The SSS Auction Champion Yearling Filly was Joi El Jiuliusz, sired by Jiuliusz de Wiec and out of the Enzo daughter, Enjoi E. This filly was bred by Enzo LTD and was presented by her owner, Dr. Philip Delpozzo. The SSS Auction Champion Yearling Colt was Sultan ORA, sired by Vegas DPA and out of the Rahere daughter, Raherra. Sultan ORA was bred by Oak Ridge Arabians and was presented by his owner, Anthony Marino, Jr. The owners of each of these SSS Auction Champions took home checks for $34,618.50 - congratulations!
Scottsdale Signature Stallion Champions:
There was a Triple Crown in the SSS Championships for the Anthony Marino family. The SSS Champion Yearling Filly ATH was Victoria Principal M (Vitorio TO x Diamond of Versace by Versace). This lovely filly was bred and shown by Anthony Marino Jr. for owners Anthony Marino and Anthony Marino, Jr. The SSS Champion Yearling Colt ATH was Dominic M (Da Vinci FM x Rosa La Valentina by DA Valentino). Dominic M was also bred and shown by Anthony Marino Jr. for owners Anthony Marino and Anthony Marino, Jr. Completing the Triple Crown was the SSS Champion Two-Year-Old Filly ATH, Kharisma M (DA Valentino x Kharmel BR by Khadraj NA). Kharisma M was the third champion bred and shown by Anthony Marino Jr. for owners Anthony Marino and Anthony Marino, Jr. Congratulations!
Additional SSS Champions include the Champion Two-Year-Old Colt ATH, Mi Grand Valentino (DA Valentino x GA Mi Grandlady by Minotaur), bred and owned by Linda Mehney and David Boggs and presented by Jason Tackitt. The SSS Champion Two-Year-Old Gelding ATH was TKS Oh My Gatti (KM Bugatti x Khemos Fancy by The Chief Justice), bred and owned by Kris and Tim Simmons and also presented by Jason Tackitt. The SSS Champion Three-Year-Old Filly ATH was Overlook Jezebel (DA Valentino x Overlook Jubilee by Echo Magnifficoo), bred and owned by Overlook Arabians and presented by Mike Bills. The SSS Champion Three-Year-Old Colt ATH was Maasai PVF (Maserati WR x Alora Gold NBW by MCA Magnum Gold), bred and owned by Donald and Ann Benson and shown by Mike Beethe. The SSS Champion Three-Year-Old Gelding ATH was Ariya Encore (Aria Impresario x Airiya by Aikon), bred by Robert or Jerry Meade and owned by The Russell Family Trust.
Scottsdale Arabian Classic Winners:
The annual Scottsdale yearling classes are the proving ground for many breeding programs - large and small - from all parts of the world. These classes never fail to thrill me; it is a joy to see these exquisite creatures, and for me, one of the highlights of the show. The Scottsdale Arabian Classic Reserve Junior Champion Filly and Winner in Yearling Fillies of Jan 1- Apr 15 was Miss Marwan PA (Marwan Al Shaqab x Miss Amerika by Versace), bred by Pegasus Arabians, owned by Oswaldo Bello Biava, and presented by Sandro Pinha. Winning the Scottsdale Arabian Classic Winner in Yearling Fillies of Apr 16-Jul 31 was HA Lady Freya (Chancellor MW x Poetic Psyche by Padrons Psyche), bred by Timothy and Stefanie Poole, and presented by Greg Gallun. The Scottsdale Arabian Classic Winner in Yearling Colts of Jan 1-Apr 15 was Volturi (DA Valentino x Abha Qalams by Alfabia Damascus), bred and owned by Nora and Ray Tatum and presented by Michael Byatt. The Scottsdale Reserve Junior Champion Colt and First Place Winner in Scottsdale Arabian Classic for Yearling Colts of Apr 16-Jul 31 was Invictus PCF (PCF Vision x En Vogue FA by Enzo), bred and owned by Sam Peacemaker, and presented by Joao Rodrigues.
The unanimous Junior Champion Filly and winner of the Scottsdale Arabian Classic Two-Year-Old Fillies of Jan 1-Apr 15 has become a show ring superstar. She received the highest scores for a female at the 2011 US Nationals and it was a thrill to see her again! RH Triana (ROL Intencyty x Sylviah WLF by ATA Bey Starr), was bred by Robin Hood Farms Inc and presented by Rodolfo Guzzo for owner Richard Freeland of Freeland Farm LLC. The Scottsdale Arabian Classic Winner in Two-Year-Old Fillies of Apr 16-Dec 31 was SW Da Vidica (Da Vinci FM x SW Jasmine by Magnum Psyche), bred by Charles Mosely and presented by Austin Boggs for owner Sally Bedeker of Gemini Acres. The Scottsdale Arabian Classic Winner in Two-Year-Old Colts of Jan 1-Apr 15 was LLC Fasario (Aria Impresario x RD Fabreanna by Falcon BHF), bred by Claire and Margaret Larson, and owned by Luciana Fasano of Fazenda Floresta. The Scottsdale Junior Champion Colt and winner of the Scottsdale Arabian Classic Two-Year-Old Colts of Apr 16-Dec 31 was Hariry Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab x White Silkk by Dakar El Jamaal), bred and owned by Al Shaqab, Member of the Qatar Foundation and shown to a unanimous win by Michael Byatt.
The Scottsdale Arabian Classic Winner in Three-Year-Old Fillies was Patriciaa (Marwan Al Shaqab x Patrina de Parys by Parys El Jamaal), bred by Harold and Dolly Orr and Michael Byatt, and owned by Mohammed Bin Faisal Al Saud. The winner of the Scottsdale Arabian Classic Three-Year-Old Colts was Sir Marwan CRF (Marwan Al Shaqab x Ames Mirage by Brass), bred and owned by Cedar Ridge Arabians and presented by Andrew Sellman.
The Scottsdale Senior Champion Mare and Arabian Classic Winner in Four-Year-Old Mares was JJ La Baronesa (Magnum Psyche x NV Angelica by Bey Shah), bred by London Derby S A, and presented by David Boggs for owners Haras Mayed. The Scottsdale Reserve Senior Champion Stallion and winner of the Scottsdale Arabian Classic Four-Year-Old Stallions was Baahir El Marwan (Marwan Al Shaqab x HB Bessolea by Besson Carol), bred by Taylor Arabians, and presented by Andrew Sellman for owners The Baahir Group.
The Scottsdale Arabian Classic Winner in Five-Year-Old Mares was Abha Qalams (Alfabia Damascus x Abha Mudira by Marwan Al Shaqab), bred by Ganaderia Ses Planes and presented by Michael Byatt for owners Al Shahania Stud. The winner of the Scottsdale Arabian Classic Five-Year-Old Stallions was Eccentric Valentino (DA Valentino x Amelia B by Magnum Psyche), bred by Beverly Halquist and presented by David Boggs for owner Luciana Fasano of Fazenda Floresta.
In the aged divisions, the Scottsdale Reserve Senior Champion Mare and Winner of the Arabian Classic for Six & Seven-Year-Old Mares, was Shimmering Starr TA (LM Boardwalk x Starrina by WN Ultimate Star), bred by Linda Reed, owned by Cedarbrook Arabians, and presented by Greg Gallun. The winner of the Scottsdale Arabian Classic Eight Years & Older Mares class was HED Caramba (Magnum Psyche x HED Cajun Queen by Cajun prince HCF), bred by Diego Lerner, owned by Caramba Holdings LLC, and presented by Sandro Pinha. Winning the Scottsdale Arabian Classic Eight Years & Older Stallions class was Hun (Gazal al Shaqab x Hula by Penthagonn), bred by the Bialka State Stud and presented by Greg Gallun for the Hun Partnership.
The leading stallion at the show was Aria Impresario (Marwan Al Shaqab x GC Echlectica by Echo Magnifficoo), bred by Gerald Canda, and presented to his wins by David Boggs for the owners, the Sloan Family and Impresario Holding.
Aria Impresario was the unanimous first place winner in the Scottsdale Arabian Classic Six & Seven-Year-Old Stallions class, Scottsdale Senior Champion Stallion, Scottsdale Signature Stallion Classic Get of Sire Champion, and the Scottsdale Arabian Classic Supreme Show Champion! Congratulations!
We wish to congratulate the breeders, owners, trainers, grooms, and everyone whose efforts contributed to the achievements of these fantastic horses. We are very blessed to be able to share our lives with these magnificent and noble creatures. Let's make sure we are doing all we can to repay that blessing by treating our horses with the love and respect they deserve, and that we make the most of every opportunity to share the Arabian horse with others at events like the great Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show.