The 2011 WAHO Conference Arabian Farm Tours — Qatar

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Wade into warm green-blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, kingfi sh darting around in the shallow waters. Swim toward sky-high buildings on the far shore

of the bay, and later as the sea breezes tousle the palm trees, you might contemplate the metamorphosis of this tiny gulf Emirate that grew from a former pearl-fi shing center into one of the richest countries in the Gulf, thanks to the exploitation of large oil and gas fi elds since the 1940s.

Qatar is also rich in Arabian horses, with several of the region’s, if not the world’s, top Arabian breeders located here. Perhaps no Arabian breeding program in modern times has had the success or the impact on the breed as the Arabian show stable Al Shaqab, founded by HE The Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. Home to super sire Marwan Al Shaqab and his sire Gazal Al Shaqab, as well as the Egyptian stallion Al Adeed Al Shaqab, the farm now

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boasts a stunning new and modern equestrian complex that is nearing completion. In fact, most of the Arabians had been moved in just prior to our visit at the end of April. Also in Qatar are huge names in Arabian racing, Al Shahania and Umm Qarn. The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) sponsors major stakes races throughout the region and the world, most notably the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and the Qatar Arabian World Cup held annually in Paris. The Arabian race farms are joined by revered Egyptian breeding programs like Al Rayyan, Al Naif, and Al Nasser. Several other smaller farms possess lovely gems as well.

Adding to these noteworthy Arabian programs, the port city of Doha on the east coast of the peninsula is being transformed into a cultural hub, anchored by the breathtaking Museum of Islamic Arts, designed by I. M. Pei. In addition, the nation has lobbied hard to

2 ▪ WAHO QATAR ▪ WORLD

Al Shaqab

Al Naif

Al Nasser

Al Shahania

Al Rayyan

Al Shahania

Al Maha

Al Samariyah

Al wabra Wildlife Preserve

Umm Qarn

Al Shaqab

Al Rayyan

Al Nasser

Al wabra Wildlife Preserve


secure major sporting events — the 12th Pan Arab Games will be held in Doha, December 9-23, 2011, the fi rst time the quadrennial multi-sport event is being held in a Persian Gulf state. More than 8,000 athletes from various Arab countries, are expected to compete in 34 sports, including equestrian disciplines, during the Games.

The news that really has the region excited is that Qatar will host the 2022 FIFA Soccer World Cup, the fi rst time those games will be held in an Arab country. At the press conference announcing the winning bid, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al-Thani, Chairman of the Qatar 2022 Bid Committee said, “On behalf of millions living in the Middle East I want to thank FIFA for having such a bold vision. I would also like to say congratulations to His Royal Highness, the Emir, for believing that expanding the game and bringing it to our region is the right thing to do.” Added HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar, “This achievement is a big one for all Arab countries. A lot of people think that we are a small country, but we can accomplish great things.”

To that end, fi ve stadiums will be constructed. The

breathtaking designs (one echoing the look of traditional dhows, one a seashell, another an oasis, and two more modern inspirations) will employ solar-powered cooling technology. The upper tiers will feature modular elements that can be disassembled after the World Cup and donated to countries with less developed sports infrastructure. As H.E. Sheikh Mohammed said, “We have a date with history: 2022.”

It seems fi tting that Qatar now hosts the biennial WAHO (World Arabian Horse Organization) conference in November 2011. The tours being planned by the QREC in conjunction with the conference offer not only a glimpse of Qatar’s historic sites, souks, and dunes, but a peek inside selected private Arabian stables, presented on the following pages.

WAHO guests are sure to treasure their experiences in this engaging nation — a modern-day marvel that keeps the iconic symbol of its past, the Arabian horse, close to its heart.

HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani is the chairman

of the Camel Racing Organizing Committee in Qatar.

Here at his vast camel farm, he will clue you in on the

various types: the black camels are from Saudi Arabia,

and the white camels, from Sudan, are most prized as

the fastest. The fuzzy-eared camels are from Pakistan.

The brown ones are from Qatar.

Al Shaqab’s trio of respected stallions, Gazal Al

Shaqab (Anaza El Farid x Kajora), top left, his son

Marwan Al Shaqab (x Little Liza Fame), top right,

and the straight Egyptian Al Adeed Al Shaqab

(Ansata Halim Shah x Sundar Alisayyah), left, have

helped build the Al Shaqab name.


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Al Shaqab’s trio of respected stallions,

Shaqab

Marwan Al Shaqab (x Little Liza Fame), top right,

and the straight Egyptian

(Ansata Halim Shah x Sundar Alisayyah), left, have

helped build the Al Shaqab name.


In contemporary Arabian horse breeding, there is perhaps no program that has had the same global impact on the breed as Al Shaqab. After nearly 20

years, not only has Al Shaqab bred their own major show champions in nearly all of the world’s great showrings, but the stud has bred the sires of those winners as well.

When HH The Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani founded Al Shaqab in 1992, he was passionate about Arabian horses and understood their decisive role in Qatar’s history and in achieving his country’s liberty. He determined that Al Shaqab should inspire Qatari citizens, and the world. Indeed, Al Shaqab sparked a renaissance for the Arabian horse in the Gulf. To assure continuity of Arabian horse breeding in Qatar, at the beginning of the new millennium he placed Al Shaqab under the umbrella of the Qatar Foundation and undertook construction of a spectacular new equine facility. Today, Al Shaqab’s board of directors is chaired by his son HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad Al Thani, an enthusiastic horseman and avid competitor. HH The Emir’s daughter, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, a graduate of Duke University, serves as a member of Al Shaqab’s board of directors and takes an active interest in the show program. She is also chair of the Qatar Museums Authority and is encouraging the development of equine artists through Al Shaqab’s atelier project. Other members

of the royal family are also owners, riders, and active participants in various equine activities.

Al Shaqab’s trio of respected stallions, Gazal Al Shaqab (Anaza El Farid x Kajora), his son Marwan Al Shaqab (x Little Liza Fame), and the straight Egyptian Al Adeed Al Shaqab (Ansata Halim Shah x Sundar Alisayyah) have helped build the Al Shaqab name and defi ne the stud’s commitment to excellence. Each of them is a champion at the highest levels of competition, and each has in turn sired international champions. Gazal and Marwan in particular are routinely found at the top of leading sire charts. “They represent our current level of success and their infl uence will further defi ne and improve future generations of Al Shaqab horses,” notes Al Shaqab breeding and show manager Mohammed Al Sulaiti, a graduate of the University of Detroit in Michigan. “These stallions have truly changed the Arabian breed and further enhanced its excellence throughout the world.”

Now, Al Shaqab is beginning to identify successors to these great sires. “There is dynamic potential in the sons and grandsons of Al Adeed Al Shaqab, Gazal Al Shaqab, and Marwan Al Shaqab,” says Mohammed. “Because of their conformation, type, and overall quality we have selected a number of them for trial as sires in Al Shaqab’s breeding program. They include the straight Egyptian Farhoud Al Shaqab (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x Johara Al Shaqab), who was named 2010 U.S. Egyptian Event Supreme Champion Male. “Farhoud Al Shaqab’s fi rst offspring, from Al Shaqab’s mares located in Qatar,

Johara Al Shaqab), who was named 2010 U.S. Egyptian Event Supreme Champion Male. “Farhoud Al Shaqab’s fi rst offspring, from Al Shaqab’s mares located in Qatar,

Above: The 2007 stallion Amir Al Shaqab (Gazal Al

Shaqab x Amira Madrona). � Right: The 2008 straight

Egyptian stallion Farhoud Al Shaqab (Al Adeed Al

Shaqab x Johara Al Shaqab), was named 2010 U.S.

Egyptian Event Supreme Champion Male.


Faraa is now on lease to Haras Mayed of Argentina where he has commenced his breeding career having covered fi fteen of their fi nest mares.

“Kahil Al Shaqab (x OFW Mishaahl) is a typey and exuberant champion son of Marwan. In limited outings he has claimed the title of 2009 Wels International Champion Colt, 2011 Menton Gold Champion Colt, 2011 Al Khalediah Gold Champion Colt, 2010 All Nations Cup Reserve Champion Colt, and 2010 and 2011 Qatar International Champion Colt.

“The Marwan Al Shaqab grandson Fadi Al Shaqab (Besson Carol x Abha Myra by Marwan Al Shaqab), earned such titles as 2010 Menton Gold Champion Colt, Al Khalediah 2010 Gold Champion Colt, and 2010 Silver World Champion Colt.” Fadi Al Shaqab proved popular among outside breeders and bred a

Italy, and the United States, have exceeded our highest expectations.” Another son, Ghasham Al Shaqab, out of Gazala Al Shaqab (Gazal Al Shaqab x Evening Starr) shows ideal conformation and type and was named the 2011 U.S. Egyptian Event Silver Champion Colt at his fi rst and only show thus far.

“Amir Al Shaqab (x Amira Madrona) is a tall and very correct Gazal Al Shaqab son who was 2008 Qatar National Champion, 2009 Qatar Reserve International Champion, and 2010 Wels International Champion,” continues Mohammed. “He bred his fi rst mares during 2010 in Qatar and Italy and sired, arguably, the fi nest Al Shaqab bred colt for the 2011 season. And we are extremely excited by two other promising Gazal Al Shaqab sons that were foaled in 2010. Saiaf Al Shaqab, a bay from the two-time Reserve World Champion Venetzia (Versace x Giavanna); and Bahr Al Shaqab, a grey from Thourayah Al Shaqab (Ashhal Al Rayyan x Shahirat Al Shaqab) represents four generations of Al Shaqab breeding.

“The Marwan Al Shaqab sons are represented by 2010 U.S. National Top Ten Junior Stallion and 2011 Argentine National Champion Stallion Faraa Al Shaqab (x GW Natorious Star).

Left: Fadi Al Shaqab (Besson Carol x Abha Myra by

Marwan Al Shaqab), has earned such titles as 2011

and 2010 Menton Gold Champion Colt, Al Khalediah

2010 Gold Champion Colt, and 2010 Silver World

Champion Colt. � Below: Kahil Al Shaqab (Marwan

Al Shaqab x OFW Mishaahl) has claimed the title

of 2011 Menton Gold Champion Colt, 2011 Al

Khalediah Gold Champion Colt, 2010 All Nations

Cup Reserve Champion Colt, 2010 and 2011 Qatar

International Champion Colt, and 2009 Wels

International Champion Colt.International Champion Colt.

Left:

Marwan Al Shaqab), has earned such titles as 2011

and 2010 Menton Gold Champion Colt, Al Khalediah

2010 Gold Champion Colt, and 2010 Silver World

Champion Colt.

Al Shaqab x OFW Mishaahl) has claimed the title

of 2011 Menton Gold Champion Colt, 2011 Al

Khalediah Gold Champion Colt, 2010 All Nations

Cup Reserve Champion Colt, 2010 and 2011 Qatar

International Champion Colt, and 2009 Wels

International Champion Colt.International Champion Colt.


limited number of mares in 2011.The Al Shaqab broodmare collection

is breathtaking, with individuals astutely hand-picked from every corner of the globe. The foundation mares Kajora (Kaborr x Edjora), dam of Gazal Al Shaqab, and Little Liza Fame (Fame VF x Katahza), dam of Marwan, are well- known, and their names will forever be etched upon the history of the breed. “They have left a lasting legacy at Al Shaqab as well as around the world,” says Mohammed. “We have similar expectations for Johara Al

Shaqab (Imperial Mahzeer x Sahaba), the dam of Farhoud Al Shaqab, and of an outstanding collection of straight Egyptian daughters and granddaughters. Abha Myra (Marwan Al Shaqab x ZT Ludjkalba) is a U.S. National Reserve Champion Junior Mare, Towerlands Champion, Sharjah International and All Nations Cup Reserve Champion and has also produced a champion and future sire in Fadi Al Shaqab. Venetzia (Versace x Giavanna), in producing just her fi rst foal, has proven capable of passing along her most desirable characteristics. Malvina (Balaton x Mirnaia), an early Al Shaqab purchase from the Tersk Stud of Russia, has made a signifi cant contribution. Like Kajora and Little Liza Fame, Malvina has produced a noteworthy male heir. Through Shahirat Al Shaqab Malvina’s family has now reached a fourth

generation, appropriately represented by Bahr Al Shaqab (Gazal Al Shaqab x Thouraya Al Shaqab) a most promising 2010 grey stallion.”

In terms of bloodlines, Al Shaqab maintains parallel programs — straight Egyptian and contemporary blended pedigrees. “We strive to preserve the straight Egyptian and all Arabian bloodlines through an ever improving breeding program,” says Mohammed. “The straight Egyptian program is headed by World Champion Stallion Al Adeed Al Shaqab (Ansata Halim Shah x Sundar Alisayyah), whose young sons mentioned above will carry his legacy forward, along with his grandson Aadel Al Shaqab (Miad

limited number of mares in 2011.The Al Shaqab broodmare collection

Left: Negma Al Shaqab (Safi r x

Kajora), in 2010 alone won Las

Vegas World Cup Reserve Supreme

Champion Mare, U.S. Ebyptian Event

Supreme Champion Mare and Senior

Champion Mare, and U.S. National

Reserve Champion Senior Mare.

� Below: Abha Myra (Marwan Al

Shaqab x ZT Ludjkalba) is a U.S.

National Reserve Champion Junior

Mare, Towerlands Champion,

Sharjah International and All

Nations Cup Reserve Champion and

has also produced a champion and

future sire in Fadi Al Shaqab.


Al Shaqab x Shouk Al Shaqab by Al Adeed Al Shaqab) and his maternal brother Hadban Al Shaqab (Ashhal Al Rayyan x Sundar Alisayyah). Al Adeed’s infl uence is complemented by Dinary Al Shaqab (Anaza El Nizr x Imperial Sharah) and the ever amazing elder statesman Alidaar (Shaikh Al Badi x Bint Magidaa), who passed away in 2010, at 27 years of age.”

The reputations of the Shaqab stallions have been burnished by their seasons standing on lease at other highly regarded stud farms. The fi rst was Gazal Al Shaqab, who made immeasurable contributions to the Polish state studs in 2002-2003, siring, among others, World, European, U.S. National, and Polish National Champion Mare Emandoria; two-time Polish National Champion and Scottsdale and U.S. National Reserve Champion Pinga, and U.S. National, two-time Polish National, All Nations Cup, European and World Champion Mare Pianissima.

Al Shaqab x Shouk Al Shaqab by Al Adeed Al Shaqab) and

Top left: The 2008 mare Laian Al Shaqab (Al

Adeed Al Shaqab x Mesada Al Shaqab), 2011 U.S.

Egyptian Event Supreme Champion Female. � Top

right: Adhaba Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab x

GW Natorious Star), a 2006 mare. � Below: The

2010 colt Hariry Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab x

White Silkk).

Bint Magidaa), who passed away in 2010,

Champion Pinga, and U.S. National, two-


“Leasing Gazal Al Shaqab to Poland enabled him to exhibit his ability as a sire and that led to international acclaim,” he adds. “As a result of that success, we have agreed to lease WN Star Of Antigua to Mrs. Shirley Watts of Halsdon Arabians, Great Britain; Faraa Al Shaqab to Mr. Fernando and Mr. Joaquin de Santibanes, of Haras Mayed, Argentina; Hadban Al Shaqab to Dr. Jody Cruz of Rancho Bulakenyo in Los Osos, California; Jadaan Al Shaqab to Mr. Peter and Mrs. Jenny Pond of Forrest Hill Stud, Australia, and we are in negotiations to lease another.”

Meanwhile, Al Shaqab has moved into its new facility. “This will allow us to provide the greatest level of care for our horses,” says Mohammed. “Today Al Shaqab will serve as the region’s fi rst state-of-the-art equestrian facility and a center for equine excellence.” The complex — which will include a breeding and show center, veterinarian clinic, riding academy, endurance facilities, equestrian club, administrative center, visitors center, atelier for artists, and equine library — will be spread over an area of 980,000 square meters. “It is hoped that it will serve to connect the Qatari people to their tradition of the Arabian horse and equestrian heritage,” adds Mohammed. “This will be a wonderful facility to further develop and showcase our cultural treasure — the Arabian horse. Our highly qualifi ed and dedicated staff will complement the stunning new facilities. I am proud of being a part of Al Shaqab’s contribution to the Arabian horse all over the world. By sharing ideas and bloodlines with other breeders around the globe, we are in the fortunate position of being able to help enhance the Arabian breed internationally. As one Arabian horse family, we all are here to see the same goal carried out — the breed continually progressing and constantly reaching new standards of excellence. I am honored and proud to be a part of this experience that strengthens the Arabian horse, which has always been my

passion in life.”The underlying philosophy that has led Al Shaqab

to become one of the foremost breeding programs in the world is anchored in a belief that success is not only defi ned by show victories, but is best represented by the health and well-being of each and every horse. The goal for Al Shaqab was perhaps best explained by His Highness The Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani as he stated at the beginning of the new millennium — “Progress and development of modern-day Qatar will refl ect, in particular, efforts to maintain the heritage of our forefathers through the noble Arabian horse.” To that end, HH The Emir ensures not only the continuing legacy of the Arabian horse in Qatar, but in the world — a treasure for which we can all be grateful.

Left: Malvina (Balaton x

Mirnaia), an early Al Shaqab

purchase from the Tersk Stud

of Russia, has made a signifi cant

contribution to the Al Shaqab

program. � Above: The 2010

fi lly Rose Al Shaqab (Marwan

Al Shaqab x QR Annah Ferrari).

qualifi ed and dedicated staff will complement the stunning

Left: Left: Malvina (Balaton x


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Al Shahaniya town is blessed with plentiful water, and here in Qatar’s greenbelt the Arabians of Al Shahania Stud enjoy turnout in irrigated pastures in the shade

of the date palms. The beautifully designed barns and grounds make this a showplace befi tting the elite of the Arabian racing and show world.

In the late 1980s when Qatar began to hold organized race meets, owner HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani purchased the stallion Djendel (Manganate x Mandore), one of the fi rst French-bred horses ever to come to the Middle East. In the years since, Sheikh Mohammed has built a fi rst-class breeding program, having added three full siblings to Djendel: the mares Mangadore (winner of the 2002 Emirates Championship Group 1 race) and Madjela (winner of the 22 of February Cup, the Rowdat Al Faras Cup, and the Doha Cup), and the stallion Mebrouk, winner of the 2001 Emir’s Sword and several other stakes. These horses were to form the core of what is now a nearly 300-horse program. Roughly half are in England, France, and the U.S. and half are at the farm in Qatar.

In the racing program, one of the current stars is Jaafer (Amer x Madjela), whose thrilling win in the $250,000 Kahayla Classic in 2010, the fi rst on the card on Dubai World Cup Day, was a milestone for Al Shahania Stud. Here in front of the entire racing world, their homebred colt upset the favorites to win his richest race, and the fi rst win for a Qatari horse on Dubai World Cup Day. Four months later in the Shadwell Dubai International Stakes Group-1 for Purebred Arabians at Newbury racecourse in the U.K., Jaafer cruised to an easy victory, the highlight of the fi nal day of the Dubai Summer Festival. This year, Jaafer brought home the eighth Emir’s Sword victory, Qatar’s biggest Arabian race. He is the fourth Emir’s Sword winner bred by Al Shahania. “Anyone can buy a winner, but our goal is to breed winners,” Sheikh Mohammed says. “When you can trace the thinking, the logic, and yes, the hunch, that led to

In the racing program, one of the current stars is Jaafer


that particular breeding decision … when you remember your fi rst sight of the precious foal that would one day carry your colors to glory, well, I can hardly express what great pleasure and pride I feel in those moments.”

In refl ecting on the numerous international wins earned by his horses, Sheikh Mohammed also points to the French-bred Arawak d’Aroco (Manganate x Arizona), winner of the 1996 Derby du Pur Sang Arabes at Chantilly. Although deceased, he is still siring winners via frozen semen. Many of his get are multiple stakes winners such as the Emir’s Sword winner Kalbarq (x Kalila).

Elixir de Bastorre’s win at Chantilly in the 1996 Prix du Président des Emirats Arabes is another fond memory, as he and Arawak d’Aroco were just two of the horses that led Sheikh Mohammed to be named the 1996 Racehorse Owner of the Year in France.

The Al Shahania Arabian racing broodmare band is considered by many to be one of, if not the best in the world for racing and race breeding. Among those coveted broodmares, Sheikh Mohammed is quick to name Akie Croix Noire as his best. She was a race winner in France and the U.K. as well as the Middle East, and has produced nine excellent foals. Her daughter Arc de Ciel by Djendel is perhaps the best bred mare and may soon rival her dam as the best producer, Sheikh Mohammed feels.

In 2009 Sheikh Mohammed added the Arabian Horse Trust Hall of Fame mare and Darley Horse of the Year Dixie Darlene (Wiking x BW Ali Catt). “I recognized her as a great broodmare as well as a racehorse,” he says. “She’s produced: Dixies Delight (by Sam Tiki) who has nearly $300,000 in earnings; stakes winner Dixie Dance (by Line Dancer); and Dixies Valentine (by Nivour de Cardonne), Darley Champion Four-Year-Old Filly of the Year.”

Dixie Darlene produced, via ET, four outstanding foals in 2010 — one fi lly by Burning Sand in the U.S., one fi lly by Madj Al Arab in Qatar, and two colts by Emir’s Sword winner Mared Al Sahra. In 2011, Dixie Darlene produced a bay fi lly by Awarak D’ Aroco, a bay fi lly by Mared Al Sahra, and a bay colt by Mared Al Sahra.

Each year, Al Shahania sends a string of racehorses to compete in Europe’s big races, while another string races on the Middle East

Above: Djendel (Manganate x Mandore), one of the fi rst

French-bred horses that formed the start of the Al Shahania

racing and breeding program. � Below: Mared Al Sahra (Amer

x Massamerie), shown here winning the 2008 Emirs Sword Cup.x Massamerie), shown here winning the 2008 Emirs Sword Cup.

circuit. The state of Qatar sponsors the best racing event for Arabian and Thoroughbred horses in Europe, the Qatar Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe, run in October in Longchamp, France. The two Arabian races are the Qatar Arabian World Cup Sponsored by Qatar Telecom and the Qatar French Arabian Breeders Challenge.


There is now another arena in which Sheikh Mohammed’s horses are excelling — the Arabian showring. In the past two years he has begun to assemble a beautiful Arabian show string. “It’s true that I look at Arabians fi rst as athletes, but who doesn’t also love to gaze on something beautiful, for the sake of beauty itself? This is another of life’s great gifts. And I am not immune to the excitement of the Arabian halter ring. So my challenge will be to fi nd a balance between the big, strong, physically capable horse that I admire, and the beauty that I appreciate. I would also hope that these horses will come to represent a distinctive Al Shahania type, and will earn the respect of fellow breeders … and of course, the judges!

“To that end, I have sought the counsel and ideas from

some of the world’s best breeders, visited many farms, and I am excited by the program that is beginning to take shape. Of course I can’t help but be impressed and infl uenced by the global impact of the two great stallions of Al Shaqab Stud, bred by my brother HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar. So I began by looking for mares that will cross well with Gazal Al Shaqab and Marwan Al Shaqab.”

Sheikh Mohammed’s entry into the show scene was a stunning success. At his fi rst U.S. Nationals competition, his three-year-old fi lly Abha Qalams (Alfabia Damascus x Abha Mudira) was named U.S. National Champion Junior Mare. “She’s a big, powerful, pretty horse, and I was taken by her when I fi rst saw her — she stopped and snorted, and displayed such power, energy, and beauty. I also purchased her 2010 colt, Ezz Al Shahania, by Thee Desperado. He’s a very long-necked, long-legged, balanced colt with a pretty face.” Sheikh Mohammed

Jaafer (Amer x Madjela), winning the 2011 Emirs Sword Cup

in record time (2,400 meters in 2:37.21).

The Emir’s Sword Winners for Al Shahania Farm

1991 Djendel (Manganate x Mandore)Sire of many race champions, including: ✦ Sayf, Emir Cup winner ✦ Arc De Ciel, Emir’s Sword winner ✦ Barbari, race record 18(7,5,2), 2002/2003

winner of the Group III Bani Yas Race, UAE, and the Group III Liwas Oasis Race. He won the Arabian Sprinter Group III in Qatar.

✦ Qassid, winner of the Heir Apparent Sword

1992 Damascus (Strij [by Topol] x Mexica)Winner of: ✦ The 1992 Emir’s Sword — 2,400 meters —

purse 100,000 QAR

1993 WF High Voltage (Wiking x Dunasabellina)Winner of: ✦ The 1993 Late Sheikh Suhaim Cup — 2,400

meters ✦ The 1993 22 of February Cup — 2,400 meters ✦ The 1993 HH The Emir’s Sword — 2,400 meters

handicap — purse 110,000 QAR

2000 Arc De Ciel (Djendel x Akie Croix Noire)Winner of: ✦ The 2000 Emir’s Sword 2,400 meters — purse 400,000

QAR. She was Al Shahania-bred and the fi rst Qatar-owned and -bred Emir’s Sword winner.

✦ The 2000 Qatar International Trophy 1,800 meters — Purse 500,000 QAR

✦ The 1999 UAE HH The President’s Cup 2,200 meters — Purse 500,000 UAE

✦ The 1999 Doha Club Cup — 1,200 meters ✦ The 1999 Doha Derby Trail — 1,800 meters ✦ The 1999 Qatar International Derby — 2,400 meters ✦ The 1999 Doha Al Wajiba Cup

2001 Mebrouk (Manganate x Mandore)Full brother to Djendel, Dormane, Mangadore, MadjelaWinner of: ✦ The 2001 Emir’s Sword Race — 2,400 meters — purse

400,000 QAR

2004 Kalbarq (Arawak D’Aroco x Kalila)Winner of: ✦ The Sheikh Suhaim Cup — 1,850 meters ✦ The HH Emir’s Sword — 2,400 meters — purse

400,000 QAR

2008 Mared Al Sahra (Amer x Massamerie)Winner of: ✦ The 2008 Emir’s Sword — 2,400 meters, purse

1,140,000 QAR ✦ The 2010 HH The Heir Apparent Trophy ✦ The 2006 GCC Breeders Champion Race — 1,600

meters — purse 400,000 QAR

2011 Jaafer (Amer x Madjela)Winner of: ✦ The 2011 Emir’s Sword — 2,400 meters — purse

400,000 QAR ✦ The 2010 Kahayla Classic ✦ The 2010 Shadwell Dubai International Stakes

Group-1


also added Abha Qalams’s dam, Abha Mudira (Marwan Al Shaqab x Abha Fetiyeh) to his show program.

The 2011 Scottsdale show brought more glory to Al Shahania when the gorgeous chestnut colt Barzan Al Shahania (Stival x NW Siena Psyche) won Champion Arabian Classic Junior Colt. Two months later, Barzan was crowned unanimous Supreme Champion Yearling Colt at the Las Vegas World Cup show. Also at Scottsdale, the farm’s pretty bay mare Abha Raipur (El Perfecto x Abha Zenobia) won Champion Breeders International Classic Senior Mare, while the fi lly A-Malaysia (A Jakarta x Estee Lauder) won Champion Breeders International Classic Junior Filly. Reserve to A-Malaysia was another Al Shahania beauty, Nada Al Shahania (Besson Carol x MFA Annies Song).

Nada Al Shahania’s dam, MFA Annies Song (Ludjin El Jamaal x MFA Lilac Tyme) is just one of a number of

also added Abha Qalams’s dam, Abha Mudira (Marwan Al

Left: Abha Qalams (Alfabia Damascus

x Abha Mudira), U.S. National Champion

Junior Mare. � Below: Barzan Al

Shahania (Stival x NW Siena Psyche),

2011 Scottsdale Champion Arabian

Classic Junior Colt and Las Vegas

World Cup unanimous Supreme

Champion Yearling Colt.

also added Abha Qalams’s dam, Abha Mudira (Marwan Al Shaqab x Abha Fetiyeh) to his show program.

Al Shahania when the gorgeous chestnut colt Barzan Al

also added Abha Qalams’s dam, Abha Mudira (Marwan Al

Left: Nada

Al Shahania

(Besson

Carol x MFA

Annies Song),

2011 Scottsdale

Reserve

Champion

Breeders

International

Classic Junior

Filly.

Right:

A-Malaysia

(A Jakarta

x Estee

Lauder), 2011

Scottsdale

Champion

Breeders

International

Classic

Junior Filly.


highly esteemed broodmares to join the farm’s breeding program. She foaled a colt by Marwan Al Shaqab in 2011. Other 2011 foals for Al Shahania include four Marwan fi llies, a Gazal Al Shaqab fi lly, two Pershan fi llies, a Besson Carol fi lly and a colt by Safi r Al Rayyan. Looking forward, the champion show and breeding mare Oceania O (Pershahn El Jamaal x Om El Jimala) is in foal to Versace for 2012.

For Sheikh Mohammed, the show horses have added another dimension to his enjoyment of the Arabian breed. “Competition does excite me, whether it’s on the racetrack, the endurance trail, or in the showring,” he says. “It is what drives us to be better, to be excellent. So I welcome it, and now I look forward to competing in the showrings of the world as well. With luck, we will see Al Shahania horses bringing glory to the farm in all the realms in which the Arabian horse competes. Is that a lot to wish for? Perhaps, but the Arabian horse has never disappointed me, for when all is said and done, his very being is glory enough.”

Top left: Abha Raipur (El Perfecto x Abha

Zenobia), 2011 Scottsdale Champion Breeders

International Classic Senior Mare. � Top

right: champion show and breeding mare

Oceania O (Pershahn El Jamaal x Om El

Jimala) is in foal to Versace for 2012. � Left:

The fi lly Piacenza (QR Marc x Primawera),

was recently purchased at the 2011 Pride of

Poland sale.

highly esteemed broodmares to join the farm’s breeding program. She foaled a colt by Marwan Al Shaqab in 2011. Other 2011 foals for Al Shahania include four Marwan fi llies, a Gazal Al Shaqab fi lly, two Pershan fi llies, a Besson Carol fi lly and a colt by Safi r Al Rayyan. Looking forward, the champion show and breeding mare Oceania O (Pershahn El Jamaal x Om El Jimala) is in foal to Versace for 2012.

another dimension to his enjoyment of the Arabian breed. “Competition does excite me, whether it’s on the racetrack, the endurance trail, or in the showring,” he says. “It is what drives us to be better, to be excellent. So I welcome it, and now I look forward to competing in the showrings of the world as well. With luck, we will see Al Shahania horses bringing glory to the farm in all the realms in which the Arabian horse competes. Is that a lot to wish for? Perhaps, but the Arabian horse has never disappointed me, for when all is said and done, his very being is glory enough.”


Umm Umm Umm Umm Umm Umm ��arnarnarn

The stable/stud “Umm Qarn” is located within the 1,400 acres (approx. 600 hectares) of Umm Qarn Farm,

situated in a natural oasis some 32 kms north of Doha in the northeast quarter of the Qatar Peninsula. His Highness Sheikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Thani, presently Special Adviser to HH the Emir of Qatar, established Umm Qarn in 1988. A keen sportsman himself, he was anxious to share his love of horses and equestrian sports with the younger generation and in this he appears to have been successful as several of his sons have interests in racehorses in Europe, and in general, young Qataris are entering equine sports in large numbers.

With a priority on sound, well-conformed horses he began by acquiring some of the fi nest Arabian racing lines from all over the world and was rewarded with wins in top Arabian races worldwide. By careful selection of top broodmare lines, the farm has bred world-class Arabian racehorses such as General, Al Dahma, Majd Al Arab, Nizam, Dahess, Al Anood, and Mutabahi.

During the foundation years, Umm Qarn also took part in endurance competitions, showing, and Thoroughbred racing. The Qatar International Desert Marathon, run under FEI rules over a true marathon distance from Ras Laffan to Ruwais, was held annually from 1994 to 1997 and was won by Umm Qarn three times. Umm Qarn also won many international show prizes and owned the well-known Thoroughbred Midnight

Legend who won top races at Royal Ascot and Goodwood, UK.

The present stable features state-of-the-art facilities for race training and breeding, with fi ve air-conditioned stables, grass and sand paddocks, two training racetracks (one sand, one grass), an equine swimming pool, a solarium, treadmill with wind resistance facility, a 15-horse walker and lunging area, a dedicated veterinary laboratory, advanced treatment room, and a fully equipped workshop for the farriers. Umm Qarn stands several successful racing stallions at stud, with others available by artifi cial insemination.

Above: Main entrance,

Majlis, and offi ces

fronting the main

racing barn. � Left:

Early morning on the

way to the track.

he stable/stud “Umm Qarn” is located

in racehorses in Europe, and in general, young in racehorses in Europe, and in general, young

equine sports in large

worldwide. By careful Legend who won top races at Royal Ascot and Goodwood, UK.

Above: Main entrance,

Majlis, and offi ces

fronting the main

racing barn.

Early morning on the

way to the track.

in racehorses in Europe, and in general, young


STALLIONS:

AMER (Wafi x Bushra): A superb racehorse

and a phenomenal sire with some great

Arabian racehorses among his progeny.

Exported from Saudi Arabia to Qatar in

1987, Amer raced successfully worldwide

for many years. Even as a 12-year-old

he raced six times, winning fi ve times

and being placed third in the 1996 Dubai

Stakes.

Top progeny of Amer (all bred by Umm

Qarn) include:

Al Dahma (x Al Hanoof) — 13 Group 1

wins.

Dahess (x Danie du Cassou) — 10 Group 1

wins.

Al Anood (x Dandoura) — 7 Group 1 wins.

Majd Al Arab (x Djelmila) — 5 Group 1

wins. Now at stud at Umm Qarn.

Mugadir (x Kachia) – won 17 of 19 starts

including HH the Emir’s Trophy (2005

and 2006); HH the Heir Apparent’s

Sword (2005 and 2006); HH the Prime

Minister’s Trophy (2005 and 2006).

Left: An unmistakable

AMER (Wafi x Bushra) in an

International race in UK.

1996. � Below: General (Amer

x Al Hanoof) winning a close

fi nish at Longchamp 2010.

Raqiyah (x Sarahmina) – 4 Group 1 wins.

General (x Al Hanoof) – 3 Group 1 wins.

Mutabahi (x Geran) – 4 Group 1 wins.

Nizam (x Nerva du Cassou) – 3 Group 1 wins. Now at

stud at Umm Qarn.


Dahess (Amer x

Danie du Cassou)

has 10 Group 1 wins

and is Amer’s most

successful son.

Al Anood (Amer x Dandoura)

has seven Group 1 wins, pictured

here far left winning the Zaabeel

International Stakes in 2002.

Mutabahi (Amer x Geran) has four

Group 1 wins and is pictured here

winning the Zaabeel International

Stakes in 2001.


STALLIONS AT STUD:DJEBBEL (Djelfor x Cherifa) won 11 races in France,

the UK, and Qatar and $500,000 in prize money. His

fi nal year of racing before retirement to stud was

exceptional with wins in the Prix du Président UAE at

Chantilly for the second year running and at the UK

Dubai Meeting where he won the Dubai International

Stakes. Other notable wins include the Emir’s Sword

Race (twice) and the Qatar Derby. In France he was

named “1998 Older Horse of The Year.”

STALLIONS AT STUD:Djebbel has sired 33 winners of more than 87 races

in Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S., including:

Mukheefah (QA) (x Nasrat) – winner of 13 races

in Qatar.

Mabrun (x Volna) – Group 1 winner. Emirates

Championship in Abu Dhabi.

Djenius (U.S.) (x Silky Way) – Group 1 winner, Arabian

Cup Juvenile Stakes in the U.S.

Skan Skan (x Saklia) – Group 2 winner, Abu Dhabi

Championship in Holland.

Sadjella (x Saffi ah) – Group 3 winner, President of

UAE International Challenge in Holland.

Dherwah (QA) (x Al Jowharah) – winner of 6 races

in Qatar.

Rasheeqah (Amer x

Noorah), winner of the GCC

Champion Breeders Trophy

(Championship Class), Rayyan

Park Qatar 1600m; French

Arabian Breeders Cup - Group

1, Longchamps France March

10, 2010, 2000m. � Bottom

left: Rasheeqah after winning

the French Arabian Breeders

Challenge for four-year-old

fi llies, Longchamp. Pictured

left to right: trainer M.

Alban de Mieulle, jockey

Olivier Peslier, and HH Sheikh

Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani.

� Bottom right: Pictured left

to right are trainer M. Alban

de Mieulle, Sheikh Suhaim bin

Abdullah holding the trophy,

Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa

Al Thani, and Jockey Oliver

Peslier.


MAJD AL ARAB (Amer x Djelmila); the son of these two exceptional

racehorses has won four Group 1 races including:

✦ Hatta International Stakes

✦ HH the Emir’s Sword

✦ French Arabian Breeders’ Cup Classic

✦ Shadwell Dubai International Stakes

He retired to stud in 2007. His eldest progeny will be eligible to

race in 2011.

MUGADIR (Amer x Kachia). The French mare Kachia was also the dam

of race winners Keilan, Murhib, Lamyah, and Damis.

Mugadir won 17 of 19 starts in Qatar including:

✦ HH the Emir’s Trophy (2005 and 2006)

✦ HH the Heir Apparent’s Sword (2005 and 2006)

✦ HH the Prime Minister’s Trophy (2005 and 2006)

Mugadir stood at public stud for the fi rst time in 2009.

NIZAM (Amer x Nerva du Cassou) raced between 2002 and 2005 with

a race record of 21 (14-3-2). He won 3 Group 1 races, HH the Emir’s

Sword, the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy, and

Zabeel International Stakes, and was

placed in three others. He has been at

public stud for three seasons. His fi rst

foals were bred at Umm Qarn in 2006 and

2007. So far he has four runners: Qahir,

a multiple winner; Dharr (x Djelmila), who

won his fi rst race at Rayyan Park, Qatar,

in February2011; Tabarak (x Altesse D’

Aroco), who won two races including the

Group 1 race Coup de France in Chantilly

in July 2011; and Shafi hah (x Mabrookah),

who placed in Qatar’s Doha Cup race in

Duindigt, Holland, in June 2011.

Above: Overhead view from

owner’s gallery, central aisle,

main racing barn. � Left:

Trainer M. Alban de Mieulle

receiving Malazgirt Trophy for

General in Turkey 2010.

Sword, the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy, and

a multiple winner; Dharr (x Djelmila), who

PHOTO CREDITS: BRIENSPHOTO, JUHAIM QREC, TJK


��l Naif Studl Naif Studl Naif Studl Naif Studl Naif Studl Naif Studl Naif Studl Naif Studl Naif Studl Naif Studl Naif Studl Naif Stud

Thirty minutes outside Doha, the capital of Qatar, there is a green oasis surrounded by windswept deserts. Al Naif Stud, established in 1996 by Sheikh Abdullah

bin Nasir Al Ahmed Al Thani and managed by Mr. Rashid Al Malki, has been producing some of the fi nest straight Egyptian Arabian horses in the region and perhaps even worldwide. In addition to its breeding program, Al Naif Stud is home to 150 racehorses of French Arabian and English Thoroughbred origin. Of these, many have claimed international victories in the Arabian Gulf and also in Europe.

The fi rst Arabian horses arrived from England, soon followed by straight Egyptians were imported from the U.S. and from Australia. Today Al Naif Stud’s straight Egyptian program consists of some 40 horses and each year some 10 foals are born.

Our breeding is extremely selective, so our breeding decisions are based on the knowledge we have gained over the years about the breeding capabilities of our mares, the family lines, pedigrees, and the superb stallions we have available in Qatar.

Our fi rst straight Egyptian foal was born in 1997 — the beautiful grey Shahlika (Ansata Halim Shah x Bint Hassema) came over from the U.S. in foal to Ansata Hejazi, and she produced Hejazia Al Naif. One of Hejazia’s youngest daughters, Rayyana Al Naif (by Shagran Al Nasser), garnered the titles of Qatar International Egyptian Event Junior Champion Filly and Qatar National Junior Bronze Champion Filly.

Two promising colts that grew into two of the most important stallions in Qatar were imported in 1996 as well: the U.S.-born unbeaten Get of Sire Champion Ansata Shalim, the youngest son of Ansata Halim Shah out of Ansata Nefertari by Prince Fa Moniet; and the incomparable multi-champion Ansata Nile Echo by Ansata Hejazi out of Ansata White Nile by Prince Fa Moniet. Ansata Nile Echo is beauty in motion and widely known as the “King of Trot.” He distinguishes himself by his powerful and fl uid movements, which he passes on to his get.

Ansata Nile Echo descends from the same magnifi cent cross that produced the exquisite sisters Wafaa El Kuwait and Ansata Nile Pearl. The famous Nile family traces back to the Ansata foundation mare Falima (Ansata Ibn Halima x Fa-Habba by Fadl) and is pure in the Dahman Shahwan strain.

Most of the horses imported in 1996 were still young, so it was not until 1999 that the fi rst steps were made toward creating the breeding program we have today. Several mares were bred, resulting in two major international straight Egyptian champions in 2000 and 2001. The fi rst was Jandeh Al Naif (Ansata Shalim x Ansata Nile Gypsy by Ansata Hejazi), a more refi ned version of his sire, who won multiple show titles over the years, including Qatar National Champion, Qatar International Reserve Champion Stallion, and several international championships in Europe. Jandeh Al Naif ’s winning streak has

The multi-champion stallion Ansata Nile Echo (Ansata

Hejazi x Ansata White Nile by Prince Fa Moniet).

followed by straight Egyptians were imported from the U.S. and from Australia. Today Al Naif Stud’s straight Egyptian program consists of some 40 horses and each year some 10 foals are born.

decisions are based on the knowledge we have gained over the years about the breeding capabilities of our mares, the family lines, pedigrees, and the superb stallions we have available in Qatar.

beautiful grey Shahlika (Ansata Halim Shah x Bint Hassema) came over from the U.S. in foal to Ansata Hejazi, and she produced Hejazia Al Naif. One of Hejazia’s youngest daughters, Rayyana Al Naif (by Shagran Al Nasser), garnered the titles of Qatar International Egyptian Event Junior Champion Filly and Qatar National Junior Bronze Champion Filly.

important stallions in Qatar were imported in 1996 as well: the U.S.-born unbeaten Get of Sire Champion Ansata Shalim, the youngest son of Ansata Halim Shah out of Ansata Nefertari by Prince Fa Moniet; and the incomparable multi-champion Ansata Nile Echo by Ansata Hejazi out of Ansata White Nile by Prince Fa Moniet. Ansata Nile Echo is beauty in motion and widely known as the “King of Trot.” He distinguishes himself by his powerful and fl uid movements, which he passes on to his get.

that produced the exquisite sisters Wafaa El Kuwait and Ansata Nile Pearl. The famous Nile family traces back to the Ansata

The multi-champion stallion Ansata Nile Echo (Ansata

b y G l e n n J a c o b s


an added touch of fi nesse and quality provided to him through his dam’s renowned lineage; Ansata Nile Gypsy comes from a world-class pedigree of champions and champion producers.

In 2001, another noteworthy and exquisite Ansata Shalim offspring was born in the depths of the desert, the ethereal Johara Al Naif (x Al Johara by Prince Fa Moniet). Her name means “Jewel of Al Naif,” and that she certainly is. She captivated the hearts of judges and fans alike in Europe and achieved the ultimate status of World Champion Junior Filly

an added touch of fi nesse and quality provided to him through his dam’s

Europe and achieved the ultimate status of World Champion Junior Filly

Top left: Johara Al Naif

(Ansata Shalim x Al Johara

by Prince Fa Moniet),

European Egyptian Event

Champion Mare and Egyptian

of the Year, Blömmerod

International Champion

Mare, Qatar International

Reserve Champion Mare, World

Champion Junior Mare, Qatar

International Junior Champion

Mare, and Dubai International

Junior Reserve Champion Mare.

� Bottom left: Ansata Mouna

(Farres x Talmona by Talmaal),

Qatar National Champion Mare,

Wels International Reserve

Champion Mare, and Blömmerod

International Brozne Champion

Mare. � Bottom right: Tabraa

Al Naif (Ansata Nile Echo x

Ansata Mouna).


at the Salon du Cheval in Paris in 2002, making her one of a select group of straight Egyptians that have won this highly prestigious championship.

We recently incorporated our young stallion Ebtiyaj Al Naif (Ansata Nile Echo x Ansata Aya Nadira by Jamill) into our breeding program. This impressive son of Ansata Nile Echo adds the “old” valuable blood of Jamill, Ansata Ibn Halima, and Ansata Bint Bukra up close in his pedigree.

Many of the gorgeous mares at Al Naif are homebred and represent the qualities we look for in an Arabian horse; we focus on refi nement, conformation, athletic ability, and movement. We aim to breed the highest quality possible and keep the numbers small. We often sell horses that excel in showrings far beyond the borders of Qatar.

The majority of the Al Naif straight Egyptian collection have either produced winning offspring and/or are halter champions themselves.

After a decade of breeding we have come to a stage at which we have a perfect understanding of what our mares will produce when bred to the right stallions, and with each foaling season we are proven right. Establishing a breeding program is a matter of being open-minded, having patience, gaining knowledge, experience, and a little luck.

At present the foundation has been set for progress. With a past so rich in genetic excellence, the future becomes easier to predict.

Top left: Mezna Al Rayyan (Imperial Mahzeer x

Ansata Magnifi ca by Ansata Halim Shah). � Top right:

Thamrath Al Naif (Ansata Nile Echo x Jo Sahja). �

Bottom: Toya Al Naif (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x Simeon

Seate).


��l Nasser Studl Nasser Studl Nasser Studl Nasser Studl Nasser Studl Nasser Studl Nasser Studl Nasser Studl Nasser Studl Nasser Studl Nasser Studl Nasser Stud

Once you enter the gates of Al Nasser Stud, a fi eld of palm trees arises and you are welcomed by an exquisite group of white mares. You feel as if you had

stepped from the desert into paradise.Al Nasser Stud was founded by Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser

Al Thani in the early 90s. It was the fi rst farm in Qatar to introduce modern Arabian horse breeding into the country. Meanwhile, the farm has grown successfully to become one of the cornerstones of Qatar’s increasingly celebrated Arabian horse industry.

Home to around 45 Arabian horses mainly of straight Egyptian origin, Al Nasser Stud has been victorious both in the Middle Eastern and European show scene since its breeding


program began. Imperial Madanah, one of the fi rst imports, created an important legacy of her own; she is the dam of Qatar National Champion Stallion Thaqib Al Nasser (by Ansata Halim Shah) who was exported to Australia, of champion mares Leen Al Nasser (by Alidaar), Noof Al Nasser (by Ashhal Al Rayyan), and of Dana Al Nasser who in turn is the dam of Al Nasser Stud’s famed young stallion Shagran Al Nasser. He has had an admirable show career for the past few years and his get are now winning championship honors both in Europe and in Qatar, with only a handful of foals on the ground.


The 2005 straight Egyptian stallion Shagran Al Nasser

(Ansata Selman x Dana Al Nasser), champion and sire of

champions in both Europe and Qatar.


Among many exquisite homebred mares, the queen of the farm Bint Saida Al Nasser (Imperial Mahzeer x Saida by Hassan) achieved the title of reserve World Champion Mare at the Salon du Cheval in Paris. She has recently returned to Europe to perpetuate her breeding excellence. She is also the dam of the well-know stallion Laheeb Al Nasser (by Al Adeed Al Shaqab), owned by DeShazer Arabians in the U.S. Her foals are eagerly anticipated by both Sheikh Nawaf and by Al Nasser’s stud manager Mr. Hendrik Mens.

Bint Saida Al Nasser’s sire Imperial Mahzeer, is a son of Imperial Madheen. Acquired by Sheikh Nawaf as a two-year-old, this long-legged, fl ea-bitten stallion has complemented the gorgeous mares that were imported from the U.S., Europe, and Morocco. Mahzeer has lived up to Sheikh Nawaf ’s expectations and his blood is highly valued in the straight Egyptian breeding programs of Qatar.

Among many exquisite homebred mares, the queen of the farm Bint Saida Al Nasser (Imperial Mahzeer x Saida by Hassan) achieved the title of reserve World Champion Mare at the Salon du Cheval in Paris. She has recently returned to Europe to perpetuate her breeding excellence. She is also the dam of the well-know stallion Laheeb Al Nasser (by Al Adeed Al Shaqab), owned by DeShazer Arabians in the U.S. Her foals are eagerly anticipated by both Sheikh Nawaf and by Al Nasser’s stud manager Mr. Hendrik Mens.

Imperial Madheen. Acquired by Sheikh Nawaf as a two-year-old, this long-legged, fl ea-bitten stallion has complemented the gorgeous mares that were imported from the U.S., Europe, and Morocco. Mahzeer has lived up to Sheikh Nawaf ’s expectations and his blood is highly valued in the straight Egyptian breeding programs of Qatar.

Right: Bint Saida Al Nasser (Imperial

Mahzeer x Saida by Hassan), reserve

World Champion Mare at the Salon du

Cheval in Paris. � Below:

The straight Egyptian stallion

Imperial Mahzeer (Imperial Madheen

x Maar Bilahh by El Halimaar), has

complemented the Al Nasser mares

that were imported from the U.S.,

Europe, and Morocco.


Another noteworthy Imperial Mahzeer daughter is Aliah Al Nasser, who is out of the Ali Jamaal daughter Dyn Aliah. Aliah Al Nasser has been an outstanding producer for Al Nasser Stud:

Remal Al Nasser (by Ashhal Al Rayyan) became Qatar National Champion Mare the same year Aliah’s Marwan Al Shaqab daughter Rihab Al Nasser walked away with the Qatar National Champion Filly title. The ultra refi ned Qatar National Champion Marwa Al Nasser, Aliah’s Marwan Al Shaqab daughter, was sold to Ajman Stud and became Sharjah International Champion Filly for her new owner. The most famous offspring of Aliah must be Monther Al Nasser (by Ansata Hejazi). This tall, handsome, typey stallion claimed lots of interest among European breeders while standing at Schoukens Training Center in Belgium. His pedigree boasts many of the breed’s outstanding champions and champion producers and at the same time he offers an outcross for several breeding programs.

With exceptional Al Nasser-bred horses around the world, the infl uence of Sheikh Nawaf ’s distinguished breeding program is guaranteed to leave a lasting mark.

Another noteworthy Imperial Mahzeer daughter is Aliah Al Nasser, who is out of the Ali Jamaal daughter Dyn Aliah. Aliah Al Nasser has been an outstanding producer for Al Nasser Stud:

Remal Al Nasser (by Ashhal Al Rayyan) became Qatar National Champion Mare the same year Aliah’s Marwan Al Shaqab daughter Rihab Al Nasser walked away with the Qatar National Champion Filly title. The ultra refi ned Qatar National Champion Marwa Al Nasser, Aliah’s Marwan Al Shaqab daughter, was sold to Ajman Stud and became Sharjah International Champion Filly for her new owner. The most famous offspring of Aliah must be Monther Al Nasser (by Ansata Hejazi). This tall, handsome, typey stallion claimed lots of interest among European breeders while standing at Schoukens Training Center in Belgium. His pedigree boasts many of the breed’s outstanding champions and champion producers and at the same time he offers an outcross for several breeding programs.

the infl uence of Sheikh Nawaf ’s distinguished breeding program is guaranteed to leave a lasting mark.

Right: The stallion Monther Al

Nasser (Ansata Hejazi x Aliah

Al Nasser), who has claimed

lots of interest among European

breeders while standing at

Schoukens Training Center in

Belgium. � Below: The mare

Amira Al Nasser (Mujahid x Bint

Saida Al Nasser).


��l Maha l Maha l Maha l Maha l Maha l Maha l Maha l Maha l Maha l Maha l Maha l Maha FFFFFFarmarmarm

There is one place in the Qatari desert where it is possible to walk among trees and over a fl owing stream, watch brightly colored birds of paradise fl it about and listen to vivid yellow golden conures chattering away at you.

It’s not a mirage, but the superb wildlife reserve of Al Wabra. Powered by Sheikh Saoud bin Mohammed bin Ali Al Thani’s admiration for nature, this divine animal sanctuary is also home to Al Maha Farm, where the focus is on breeding black straight Egyptian horses.

Al Maha’s program consists of some 40 horses, and every year about a dozen foals are born. Among the prestigious group of mares is Bint Moniettaa (Thee Outlaw x Jaytee Monietta) — she is an exquisite and refi ned black mare that already produced some wonderful offspring. Once you enter the stables you are greeted by her son, the equally impressive homebred stallion Soker (by DP Saud El Halima). This exceptional individual of European and American Egyptian origin must be one of the most exotic Egyptian black stallions in the world today. He stamps his foals


here is one place in the Qatari desert where it is possible to walk among


Top: The Al Maha-bred black stallion

Soker (DP Saud El Halima x Bint

Moniettaa). � Bottom: The dam of Soker

Bint Moniettaa (Thee Outlaw x Jaytee

Monietta), pictured with manager

Abdelhak.

Top: The Al Maha-bred black stallion


with his typey look and fl oating movements. This year, Al Maha Farm was blessed with a full sister to Soker. She exhibits the same qualities as her brother and is extreme in every way.

Sheikh Saoud imported various horses from Germany. One of the mares, Madallah Madheen (Ansata El Salaam x Madinah), traveled back to Europe and had two exceptional Ansata Nile Echo offspring this year by embryo transfer. Madallah Madheen is the youngest daughter of Madinah, the dam of the incomparable Imperial Madheen.

Grazing the pastures of Al Maha Farm as well is the alluring Julianna El Jamaal (Ali Jamaal x NV Justa Dream by Bey Shah). She is the dam of the bay Amira Al Maha (by Soker), a stunning fi lly with a bright future ahead of her both in the showring and in the breeding barn. Also among Julianna’s offspring is the splendid Badi Al Maha (by Ashhal Al Rayyan). This stallion has been very successful in the showring and has recently started his breeding career. Given his looks and exceptional pedigree, excitement is rising over the birth of his fi rst foals early next year.

Sheikh Saoud’s passion for rare and beautiful animals, from exotic species to black straight Egyptian Arabians, will ensure the future of these precious creatures for ages to come.

with his typey look and fl oating

Left: Amira Al Maha (Soker x

Julianna El Jamaal), a stunning

fi lly with a bright future in

the showring and the breeding

barn. � Middle: The stallion

Badi Al Maha (Ashhal Al

Rayyan x Julianna El Jamaal),

already successful in the

showring, has recently started

his breeding career. � Bottom:

A 2011 fi lly and full sister to

the stallion Soker (DP Saud El

Halima x Bint Moniettaa).


��l Samariyahl Samariyahl Samariyahl Samariyahl Samariyahl Samariyahl Samariyahl Samariyahl Samariyahl Samariyahl Samariyahl Samariyahl Samariyahl Samariyahl Samariyahl Samariyahl Samariyahl Samariyahl Samariyahl Samariyahl Samariyah

Drive west of Doha across the white-sand desert toward the pleasant destination of Al Samariyah, near the town of Al Shahania. Beyond the new barn under

construction, peacocks forage in the freshly plowed fi elds and in the shade of the date palms. Here, HE Sheikh Faisal bin Jassim Al Thani has created something beyond imagining: his own museum — a replica of a Qatari fort — fi lled to the brim with his collections of everything from American muscle cars, cameras, and Korans, dhows and swords, guns and knives, jewel-encrusted breastplates, and on and on. A mind-boggling museum measured in acres, rather than square footage. Around every corner another stupendous item prompts more “wows” from visitors. Although it is private, Sheikh Faisal opens the museum to the public by appointment.

Sheikh Faisal and his brother HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani also breed Arabian horses, and Sheikh Faisal hosts the Al Samariyah Equestrian Center where 130 students per week take lessons, both run by general manager Pegi Jones and her daughter Sian Jones. The brothers’ farms are next door to each other and there is some intermingling of stock.

The farms place a priority on correctness, movement, legs, and beauty. “We are very lucky here in Qatar to have some of the world’s best Arabians, and we feel that it is important to breed quality,” says Pegi. “We have used Al Adeed Al Shaqab on our foundation mare Naama Al Shaqab and have a wonderful stallion by him. Marwan Al Shaqab and Gazal Al Shaqab have also covered mares here and given us very nice offspring. Star Of Antigua, Ashhal Al Rayyan and Ansata Selman are also represented in the herd. WH Justice is another stallion I would really like to use on our mares here at Al Samariyah.”

mind-boggling museum measured in acres, rather

Top right: Judals Oasis (Qamar El Dine x TFA Mira),

2010 British National Champion Colt, pictured

here with HE Sheikh Faisal bin Jassim Al Thani’s

son, Sheikh Turki. � Top left: Sheikh Turki and

riding school manager Megan Jones with two of Al

Samariyah’s endurance champions, Boss Zen (EF Boss

x JQ Count Sheila), left, and Aasad. � Bottom: Sheikh

Turki astride Ohio (Ras El Jadi x AZ Enigma), a Horse-

of-the-Year-placed stallion in 2010


According to Sheikh Hamad the most promising colt, and the one horse he’s bred who comes closest to his ideal is Fouad Al Gharafa (Marwan Al Shaqab x Al Jazia Al Oula), a three-year-old.

The Stud was founded in 2005 with a generous gift from H.H. The Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the exquisite mare Naama Al Shaqab. “She proved to us how versatile the Arabian is, and how a true Arabian mare’s temperament should be,” says Sheikh Faisal. After producing numerous foals for the stud by various World Champion stallions, it was decided by show manager Sian Jones that Naama would be put under saddle. Having won the Qatar National and International under saddle, she

competed in the UAE where she was third in the Dubai Arabian Championship and went on to win the Sharjah International Show. “Following her success in the Gulf we decided that it would be a dream come true to qualify one of our horses to the Horse of the Year Show in England,” says Sian. “With only twelve qualifi cation tickets and 80 mares competing in this category, Naama picked up her ticket on only her second outing in the U.K. To be able to achieve this dream was a very emotional and proud moment for the farm.”

Left: HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani, Sheikh

Faisal’s brother, with the six-year-old stallion Al

Dhaby Al Shaqab (Adnan Al Shaqab x Naama Al shaqab).

� Below: The owner of Al Samariyah, Sheikh Faisal bin

Qasim Al Thani, built a beautiful museum in which to

house his vast collection of everything from American

muscle cars to Persian carpets to old sailing dhows.

The dhows fl oat on a man-made lake in front of the

museum.

Bottom: Al Samariyah mares, from left: Jabask

Magenta (Bru-Bet Seradro x McMadchens Jabak), with

general manager Pegi Jones;

show manager Sian Jones

holding Naama Al Shaqab

(Sabiell x Biriusa), with

Sheikh Turki; Elmina (Harbin

x Elzunia), with Arabian

Horse World publisher Denise

Hearst; and Djelfa de Faust

(Djelfor x Fabalia) with

Hannie Maasdijk.


��l l l RRRayyan ayyan ayyan ayyan ayyan ayyan ayyan ayyan ayyan ayyan ayyan ayyan ayyan ayyan ayyan ayyan ayyan ayyan ayyan ayyan ayyan FFFarmarmarm

Visitors to the annual international shows in Qatar have always coveted invitations to Al Rayyan Farm’s presentations of ethereal white mares, each one more

exotic than the next. We treasure snapshots of such occasions, like the evening many years ago when guests were seated around the perimeter of a grass paddock. As the tea boys poured warming brews and the incense burners trailed intoxicating scents, a stallion was led prancing into the spotlight. He stood, backlit, his outline quivering in the cool night air. He announced himself with a mighty neigh. This was Safi r (Salaa El Dine x Aisha, or as she is known at the farm, Bint Halim Shah).

Ashhal Al Rayyan (Safi r x Ansata Majesta),

below and pictured above right with Sheikh

Abdul Aziz bin Khaled Al Thani.


We thought we had never seen anything so beautiful in our lives … until dainty RN Farida (Salaa El Dine x Noha by Hadban Enzahi) joined him.

Fast forward many years to the farm’s head sire Ashhal Al Rayyan, a son of Safi r, and out of one of the farm’s winningest mares, Ansata Majesta (Ansata Halim Shah x Ansata Malika). Ashhal, Qatar National Champion Colt, International Junior Champion Colt, and Qatar International Champion Stallion is now one of the leading straight Egyptian sires in the region. Among his international-winning get: Nadrah Al Rayyan, Darine Al Rayyan, Dorar, and Athenaa.

Meanwhile, RN Farida amassed an impressive show record of her own: Jordan International Junior Champion Filly 1998; Middle East Junior Champion Filly 1998; Qatar National Senior Champion Mare 1999; Qatar International Reserve Senior Champion Mare 2000; and Qatar International Champion Mare 2001. She is the dam of the farm’s young sire Safi r Al Rayyan (by Ashhal Al Rayyan). Now 16 years old, she is heavily fl ea-bitten and possesses an unbelievable dry and chiseled face and a large fl at cheek. Arabian heads simply do not come more beautiful than hers.

Just off a busy street in the historic city of Al-Rayyan, Al Rayyan Farm has one of the world’s best-known Egyptian Arabian breeding programs. After nearly 23 years of breeding, and more than 350 foals with 35 coming in 2012, the stud is the pride of its founder Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Khalid Al Thani. His oldest son, Sheikh Saoud, is becoming more involved with the farm’s breeding and operation. Recently, we had a conversation with the young sheikh about his passion for Arabians.

“I was born on this farm. From when I was a child I had a love for horses. All my toys were horses. My videos were horses. I feel that I will be like my Dad one day. The fi rst time I thought I would be a breeder was when I went along with my Dad on his travels to visit farms in Europe. I was at Dr. Nagel’s. It was Salaa El Din’s 20th birthday. I felt special, seeing him. And even more so knowing that it could be my last chance. He died the next year.

Ashhal, Qatar National Champion Colt,

Stallion is now one of the leading straight

Champion Mare 2001. She is the dam of the farm’s young sire Safi r Al Rayyan (by

she is heavily fl ea-bitten and possesses an

large fl at cheek. Arabian heads simply do RN Farida (Salaa El Dine x Noha) with Sheikh Saoud, the son of Al

Rayyan’s founder Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Khalid Al Thani.

“The most special horse on the farm to me is RN Farida. She’s not our best producer — once you are the top where can you go? But hopefully we can get Farida back in the next generation. We have Obeyyah Al Rayyan, her granddaughter by Safi r Al Rayyan, who looks like her. And of course, Safi r Al Rayyan himself, out of RN Farida, is Ashhal’s best son.

“Our best producers are Ansata Majesta, the dam of Ashhal Al Rayyan, and Ansata Sherifa, a most important mare for us. We have four generations from her, each one a great producer.

“Al Rayyan type is characterized by the look of the face from the front: the wide-set eyes, small ears, tapered muzzle. Our logo is Ashhal, who best represents my father’s breeding.


“A ‘must have’ for me is a big eye. The fi rst thing I look at is the eye — if it’s talking to me. It’s the way to see what the horse is. And, I can’t live with a horse that’s not balanced.

“We rarely use outside stallions but we did lease Ansata Hejazi, a most beautiful stallion. From him we got Farres Al Rayyan out of G Shafaria. We gave him to Sheikh Nawaf but we used him and are very pleased. Sinan Al Rayyan (Ansata Sinan x Al Wajba Al Rayyan) was sold to Kuwait but came back for two seasons.”

We asked Sheikh Saoud to tell us his favorite moment in all his years with Arabians, and he shared this transcendent vignette of a secret “showing” he once conducted: “The most beautiful thing I saw in my life was here in Doha. I have always thought that Sheikh Nawaf ’s Reserve World Champion Mare Bint Saida Al Nasser and our RN Farida were the two most beautiful mares in the world, not just Qatar. I wanted to know who was better. I had the opportunity to see them together when Saida came here to be bred. I came to the stables alone at night and passed by her stall and recognized her. I thought “How?” I asked a groom to bring her out. She was incredible. Then I asked for Farida. I put them together in a paddock, loose. You know how horses,

when seeing each other for the fi rst time look at each other? Well, it was like that. There was no squealing or fi ghting. They just looked at each other. If I were an artist I would have painted that scene. I didn’t tell anyone what I had done until now. And no, I didn’t get my answer.

“My dream? To keep this program to the last day of my life … for my children.”

Top: The stallion Safi r Al Rayyan (Ashhal Al Rayyan x RN

Farida), Ashhal’s best son. � Bottom: Obeyyah Al Rayyan

(Safi r Al Rayyan x Al Mansoura Al Rayyan).

THE FARMS:

Al Shaqab

www.AlShaqab.com

�

Al Shahania

www.AlShahaniaStud.com

�

Umm Qarn Farm

www.UmmQarn.com

�

Al Naif Stud

www.AlNaifStud.com

�

Al Nasser

Phone: +974 55874502

�

Al Maha

Phone: +974 66268033

�

Al Samariyah

Phone: +974 55257203

�

Al Rayyan Farm

www.AlRayyanFarm.com

Hannie Maasdijk

WAHO Conference Coordinator

Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club

+974.4419.7639 · mobile: +974.5551.5874 · www.wahoqatar2011.com

Designed and produced by Arabian Horse World · www.arabianhorseworld.com · 09/2011

The 2011 WAHO Conference Arabian Farm Tours — Qatar

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