Arabian Horse Source - Website Design and Marketing for the Arabian Horse Owner

Michael's annual Open House was again held in early May. This always an incredibly well organised and fun event, with fabulous horses upon which to feast the eyes. This year in perfect weather visitors were greeted by a very dapper, svelte looking Michael sporting a handsome goatee beard ! The event started on Friday night with a gathering of friends and clients with great food and a chance to become acquainted with new and old friends.

photo:Melissa Raulerson

The next morning the valet parking officials did a great job in swiftly dispatching cars to a distant field. We started off with a wonderful presentation of Junior and Senior stallions. First in was the magnificent Mardigras JMF (Marwan Al Shaqab x JMF Dare To Dream). This colt already has an impressive show record having twice been Junior Champion at The All Nations Cup in Aachen.

photo:Melissa Raulerson Mardigras JMF (Marwan Al Shaqab x JMF Dare To Dream)

photo:Melissa Raulerson

The next five young colts were also stunning to behold and obviously have a wonderful future. The first of these was the beautiful, three year old grey Shakir El Marwan (Marwan Al Shaqab x Om El Shadina)—with those illustrious parents he can hardly go wrong. Following him were three yearlings, the first in was OFW Shahgal (Gazal Al Shaqab x GA Honisuckl Rose) his very famous dam who was Canadian National Champion in 1994 and Reserve US National Champion in 1995. He was very typey and an impressive mover. Then in came Perignon (Marwan Al Shaqab x Psychic Karma) another very promising colt with good type and movement.

The next colt was OFW Magic Wan (Marwan Al Shaqab x Magna Prelude) a colt with a gorgeous head and huge eyes. The final yearling was Shahteyn (Besson Carol x Shahteyna) this attractive yearling has a very famous dam who now aged 26 years was brought in along side him. It was great to see the old mare again and she was looking incredibly well. She was the US National Champion Mare in 1987.

The final Junior stallion was the 2007 Scottsdale Supreme two year old colt Aria Impresario (Marwan Al Shaqab x GC Echlectica) a young stallion with an incredible show record already, having also been the 2007 National Sweepstakes Colt Champion. His future is certainly assured.

photo:Melissa Raulerson Aria Impresario (Marwan Al Shaqab x GC Echlectica)

Then we moved on the the Senior stallions. What an array of type, great conformation and movement, it was so exciting to see such a gathering. First in was Besson Carol (Parys El Jamaal) x Classic Krystall) a really beautiful stallion with many international champions to his name and a great favourite of Michaels'. Next we saw an import from South Africa EKS Bey Al Gazal (Marwan Al Shaqab x Starbright Bey). He was very typical of the best of the Marwan sons and is now owned by Mystica Arabians in Australia.

photo:Melissa Raulerson
Besson Carol (Parys El Jamaal) x Classic Krystall)

El Nabila B (Kubinec x Elf Layla Walayla B) is a stallion I have always admired with the type of his lovely dam and movement of his great sire.

Photos: Liz Salmon
photo: Liz Salmon
El Nabila B (Kubinec x Elf Layla Walayla B)

photo:Melissa Raulerson
El Nabila B (Kubinec x Elf Layla Walayla B)

Finally, the two greats standing at Michael's farm. First of all Gazal Al Shaqab (Anaza El Farid x Kajora) a magnificent stallion by anyone's standard, who has been such an influence in the breed. Just siring the next stallion alone is tantamount to his greatness, who of course is Marwan himself out of the winning mare Little Liza Fame. What can one say about Marwan that has not already been said. He looked as magnificent as ever and put on a great show. His influence has been amazing all over the world and will continue for many years to come.

photo: Liz Salmon
Marwan Al Shaqab (Gazal Al Shaqab x Little liza Fame)

At the end Michael did a presentation of six generations, showing life sized poster of Shaikh Al Badi, Ruminaja Ali, Anaza El Farid, then standing Gazal Al Shaqab, Marwan Al Shaqab and finally Aria Impresario in a row. That was so interesting to see them all lined up like that.

Photos: Liz Salmon

photo: Liz Salmon

After a great lunch, we all trooped down to the larger arena to have a talk and demonstration of the new AHA scoring system by International judge Lori Conway. I loved her definition of an average horse. "If it doesn't excite you or offend you, then it's an average horse." So true !! I don't honestly know why some US judges are fussing about it. If they can judge other scored events such as reining and trail, a good judge should be able to adapt to any scoring system. Lori did a great job and got the audience involved, who seemed to have little problem in using the system, and she gave her reasons for her scores. As a judge I also want to be totally accountable in front of everyone for my scores or judging decisions. It has got to be fair and transparent in my opinion.

Finally Michael showed us some other horses including some lovely mares and foals. It was a fabulous day and was enjoyed by a very large group of people. Well done Michael and his very efficient, friendly staff.

That evening many of his friends and clients gathered for a wonderful dinner and to celebrate Michael's 50th Birthday. Unknown to him, he was presented with a gorgeous crystal vase and glasses, and a painting of Gazal and Marwan; but the 'piece de resistance' was a video collage of his life including a clip of him being dragged across the arena in Paris one year !!

Thank you Michael for all you have done for the breed in not only bringing in great horses, but sharing your time and expertise with us all. Here's to next year.