Om El Arab International is the Winner of the 2010 Breeder’s Cup
Breeder’s Cup
Om El Arab Winning the Breeder’s Cup
The Breeder’s Cup Finalists
We would also like to thank Gerard Paty for handling our horses so beautifully.
Sigi Constanti, Mette Pedersen, and Janina Merz enjoying the show
Om El Beladeena (*Al Lahab x Om El Benedict)
World Cup Champion 4 & 5 year old Mare
Top Ten in the Mare Championship placing 4th overall
click to view video
Om El Al Azeem (*Al Lahab x Om El Beneera)
World Cup Champion 4 & 5 year old Stallions
Top Ten in the Stallion Championship placing 4th overall
World Cup Champion 3 & 4 year old Amateur Stallion
World Cup Supreme Champion Amateur Stallion
click to view video
Om El Sophine (Om El Exquisit x Om El Sophie Dream)
World Cup Futurity Filly Top Five Finalist, Sophine tied for 1st place in the class.
click to view video
Om El Excella (*Al Lahab x Om El Bint Shaina)
2010 World Cup Champion 3 & 4 year old Amateur Mare
World Cup Supreme Reserve Champion Amateur Mare
World Cup Bronze Champion Junior Mare
click to view video
We are especially proud of MP Bettina (WH Justice x Om El Belinda Estopa by Om El Shahmaan) for winning the Championship in her age division and becoming the World Cup Bronze Champion Yearling Filly.
Om El Babylon (Om El Shahmaan x Om El Bandeira by *Sharem El Sheikh) won the Reserve Championship in the 5 year old Stallion class. He is proudly owned by Glenn and Kathy Garret of Cedarbrook Arabians.
Om El Beshaan (Om El Shahmaan x Om El Benedict by *Sanadik El Shaklan) was Top Five in his Stallion class.
Read the 2009 Arabian Horse World memorial article on *Sanadik El Shaklan
more...
Sage Hill Competitive Trail Ride:
On November 6th, two of our Apprentices rode the 25 mile Competitive Trail Ride in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley backcountry. Carolin Happ rode the Dreamcatcher daughter, La Paloma Dream. "Paloma" had only been under saddle for a very short time and handled everything about the ride, from camping out the night before, to the often steep terrain, beautifully. We were also told that she had the best P & R score of any Novice horse that day. Vanessa Thoer rode the Om El Shahmaan son, Om El Shahvaan. This beautiful snow white gelding placed second in his division. Both girls and horses were first time competitors. We are proud of our horses and of their riders!
Om El Bernini Dream
The Western States Tevis Cup – 100 Miles 1 Day
"NEWS FLASH"
Om El Bernini Dream and Shannon Constanti won National Champion Best Condition and Top Ten overall in the first ever US National Championship Endurance Ride in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
August 1, 2009 - 4:30 AM, Om El Bernini Dream and I, full of anticipation and vigor (yet, not knowing what the day had in store), rode away from the comfort of our horse trailer, into complete darkness through the densely wooded Tahoe National Forest. Amidst hundreds of horses & riders, we embarked on what is arguably the most physically and mentally challenging, as well as most prestigious 100-mile endurance race in the world, the Tevis Cup. Guided by the sound of pounding hooves, glow sticks and the crescent moon, Bernini, without hesitation, boldly led me to the start of the race at Robie Park, Lake Tahoe, CA.
At 5:15 AM it was official, the race began. There were nearly 200 horses in line on a single- track trail, each trying to gain or maintain trail position in the twilight. As the sun gradually peaked over the horizon and the trail widened, Bernini and I powerfully ascended the peaks of Squaw Valley to an elevation of 9000 feet. The trail was covered with glistening snow packs and enabled a surreal view of the emerald shores of Lake Tahoe.
We then descended west through Granite Chief Forest to Lyon Ridge through snow fed creeks and deep muddy bogs and across rocky hillsides sprinkled with beautiful wildflowers of yellows, purples and reds. After negotiating around the legendary Cougar Rock, the white rock slides of Elephant’s Trunk and getting a quick bite of hay, water and a few carrots at Red Star Ridge, we arrived at our first 1 hour hold, the infamous Robinson Flat, hidden among the towering Pines (36 miles) – a hold which typically claims the most pulls.
Om El Bernini Dream
(Dreamcatcher SMF x Om El Benedict by *Sanadik El Shaklan)
ridden by Shannon Constanti.
With Bernini’s fantastic vet scores on soundness, hydration, muscle tone and pulse, we confidently left Robinson Flat through the desolate charred forest, which was due to the fire that cancelled Tevis Cup 2008. With a panoramic view to the east, of the picturesque Lake Clementine, surrounded by rich green meadows, we descended through the forest to Dusty Corners. On our way to Last Chance (50 miles) we encountered Pucker Point, a rocky outcropping, which is one of the most breathtaking and gut wrenching sections of the trail because it has scenic views in all directions, on a very, very narrow corner of trail, atop the sheer rocky cliffs of the American River, which rushes thousands of feet below.
After successfully making it through Last Chance vet check, we braved the first of the three scalding canyons with heat in excess of 110 degrees, crossed the old 50 foot swinging bridge over the swift American River and climbed Devil’s Thumb into Deadwood, listening to the rattlesnakes slithering in the dry grass – hoping we wouldn’t meet one coiled on our trail. We successfully left Deadwood (55 miles) after a bran mash and carrots, for Michigan Bluff (64 miles), which takes you through the second canyon section in the mid day extreme heat in excess of 100 degrees. With much appreciated Gatorade, carrots and water, we had a brief stop at the Chicken Hawk/Volcano vet check and onto our third and final canyon, to our second and final 1-hour hold at Foresthill/Mill Site.
Foresthill is a charming rustic town, nestled in the Sierra Mountains. It is one of the most memorable and inspirational vet checks of the Tevis Cup. With hundreds and hundreds of supporters lining Bath Rd as you arrive, and Foresthill Rd as you depart, you can’t help but feel the thousands of hours and numerous dollars put into conditioning were well worth it, and smile ear to ear at your achievement of being a part of this great race. The town’s enthusiasm is heart warming!
The majority of riders leave Foresthill near dark and much after, so Bernini and I rode the next stretch of trail in the dusk and then dark, which is quite challenging because this is a very narrow and unforgiving portion of trail. In absolute blackness – except for the occasional lightning bolt, down about 15 miles of very steep switchbacks, and through multiple slippery rocky stream crossings, which are complete drop offs on the inside, we finally arrived at Francisco’s (86 miles) around 10:30 PM. Bernini, showing me great vital signs, hungrily munched on grass hay and bran mash, as the volunteers offered me fruit, sandwiches, drinks, granola bars etc. After leaving Francisco’s we both knew we were on the home stretch – 14 miles to go.
The most euphoric part of the Tevis Cup adventure was riding in the darkness. Giving Bernini the reins, relinquishing control and experiencing him moving bravely with purpose forward into the unknown at a trot, provided such a bonding experience. The sense of trust that you establish with your horse as they safely carry you down the trail is incomparable, especially once you both are exausted and relying only, on each other.
We arrived at the American River crossing around midnight. I had pre-ridden the river many times so I would know the best path to cross in the darkness, without having to swim. But, to my surprise the river was much deeper at night than during the day due to the controlled release of the flow. But, Bernini confidently entered the cold rushing water, and very quickly I realized that my feet, then my knees, then my hips were under water. We emerged after the 50-foot crossing quite cold and wet. But, Bernini knew he was nearing the finish line, where his blanket, water and fresh food would be waiting. We had conditioned on this section of trail hundreds of times.
Shannon and Bernini Dream
at the AERC National Championship
where in 2009 he was Top Twenty.
We arrived at the Lower Quarry (94 miles) around 1:00 AM, the final vet check on the trail. Bernini pulsed down immediately and I was told to vet right through because many horses had tied up due to the cold breeze that was whipping through the canyon and chilling the horse’s fatigued muscles. We trotted out of the Lower Quarry on fire, at about 15 mph for the Auburn Staging Area – the Finish Line. We crossed the famous No Hands Bridge and ascended up the canyon into Auburn.
After passing our final vet check for our completion with a pulse of 48, amidst cheering fans and our elated crew, we made our victory lap under the lights, through the Auburn stadium. Bernini spooked at the shadows, flashes and blowing banners, with his tail over his back. Bernini certainly didn’t look like a horse that had just completed one of the toughest 100-mile races in the world.
Om El Bernini Dream has risen to every challenge that I have beset upon him and clearly exceeded all my expectations. He began his endurance career in June 2008. He has completed every race that he has entered, including (1) 30-mile (8) 50-mile and (2) 100-mile races. Just six weeks after completing the 2009 Tevis Cup in Top 20, he finished the AERC National Championship 100 mile race in Top 20 as well, an amazing feat for such a young endurance horse.
Our next adventure together is the US National Championship 50 Mile Race in Stillwater, Oklahoma on October 30th 2009. Then Om El Bernini Dream has the winter off for R&R until Spring 2010. So, watch out for our results in our 2010 season!!
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
BACKGROUND
Our farm and breeding program is known as Om El Arab International. It began in Germany in 1970 as “Om El Arab”. During the early 1980’s most of the breeding program was relocated to Santa Ynez, CA, and became known as “Om El Arab International”. Since the early ‘70s this breeding program has produced many of the world’s most successful show and breeding stock. Om El Arab bloodlines are found in prominent breeding programs in every country where Arabian horses are bred.
The farm is located on 62 acres in the Santa Ynez Valley, which is often referred to as the “Valley of the Arabian Horse”. We manage about 100 Arabian horses throughout the year. Each winter we farm about 45 acres in forage hay. The land is used for this crop for half of the year, and then horses are turned out onto the fields for the other half of the year.
Due to the long-term success of our breeding program we regularly receive visitors from all corners of the globe, approximately 1000 per year. We host functions on the farm, such as the well-received “Valley Farm and Wine Tasting Tour”, now approaching its third year of tours. Earlier this summer we hosted the AHA Registration Commission meeting. That event also included an afternoon for a Breeders Forum, inviting the public to meet and ask questions of our commissioners.
APPRENTICESHIPS AT OM EL ARAB
Apprentices from many countries have come to our farm over the past twenty years to gain experience. These apprentices are involved in all aspects of the management of the farm, and experience first-hand, the myriad of activities on a full-service facility. Though we are primarily a breeding farm, we also show at several large shows each year, and start some horses under saddle. The breeding activities involve stallion, mare and foal management. We collect and ship chilled semen across the country. We collect, freeze and ship semen around the world. We foal out some 20 – 25 mares each year. Apprentices are involved in all aspects of teasing, breeding, foaling and foal management. Depending on experience and aptitude, they can handle some of the stallions. Considerable conditioning and training is involved in preparing horses for shows and our apprentices are involved throughout the process. We start several horses under saddle each year. Those apprentices with considerable riding skills can help start and ride the horses out into the adjoining hills and farmlands.
We encourage interaction between our apprentices and visitors, and they are involved in all of our presentations and events.
SUMMARY
We feel that our farm provides an enriching experience for serious minded equine enthusiasts considering a career in the horse world. They get real-world experience on a farm well known around the world for world-class Arabian horses and first class professionalism. Because this is a family business, they too become “family” and are a source of enrichment to our lives as well.
Congratulations to Al Shaqab Stud to the acquisition of Om El Shazelle Estopa
(*Al Lahab x
Om El Shadiva by *Sanadik El Shaklan). We wish her the best of luck!
Good luck Om El Bandora Estopa (Om El Shahmaan x Om El Bandeira
by *Sharem El Sheikh) at Al Shaqab Stud!
A few years ago I was attending one of our favorite shows in Belgium. It is held on the sumptuous grounds of a 17 th century castle. Our young stallion, Om El Extreem, was about to be shown at his first show in Europe and I was there to video the debut. Deep in conversation, I glanced at the arena to see that Extreem had already entered the class. Somehow I had misjudged the time and had missed documenting his entrance into his three year old colt class that I so badly wanted to record. I ran to the arena fence and focused my Sony on our exotic grey stallion. Only . . . it wasn’t Extreem. It was a grey colt in the two-year-old class with tremendous quality and type and truly exotic face. At show’s end Om El Extreem was Junior Champion, which was a fantastic win. But who was that exotic colt?
We found out that his name was Al Lahab, meaning “the flame” in Arabic. He is straight Egyptian and was bred in Israel. He was shown to National Foal Champion before leaving Israel for shows in Europe. As a yearling Al Lahab was Junior Champion at Europe’s Egyptian Event and then was purchased by the Friedmann Family of Germany, who own a straight Egyptian breeding program. We followed Al Lahab’s show career over the next year and saw that he was Junior Champion again at the Egyptian Event and later was shown to the prestigious title of European Junior Champion Stallion.
At a show in Germany we met Hansjuergen and Inge Friedmann and discussed our interest in bringing Al Lahab to our farm in Santa Ynez to be used in our breeding program, and to stand him at public stud for breeders across the country. We, along with many breeders across the country, endlessly search for sources of exotic type and world-class quality to infuse into our breeding programs. After some weeks of discussion it was agreed that Al Lahab would stand at stud on our farm for two breeding seasons, and then return home to Germany.
*Al Lahab arrived on our farm in late July of 2004 and we bred a few mares even though it was late in the season resulting in a couple pregnancies. The 2005 breeding season was very busy for *Al Lahab, with our mares and outside mares. Many mares were bred before anyone saw an *Al Lahab foal. When the first one came out of one of our key mares, a filly, she confirmed that *Al Lahab would bless us with extraordinary type and supreme quality.
We decided to show *Al Lahab only once in this country, at the Egyptian Event in 2006. He was busy breeding early this 2006 breeding season. We had done a long, slow job of conditioning him and he looked fantastic - possibly the best he had ever looked. In April, about two months before the “Event”, *Al Lahab choked on his hay. We rushed him to the clinic where it was discovered that he had aspired some feed material into his lungs. This is technically pneumonia and is a life-threatening condition. Fortunately our clinic has a talented team of veterinarians equipped with cutting edge technology, including a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. *Al Lahab responded well to the treatment and recovered quickly, but was kept on minimal feed rations and little to no exercise.
When *Al Lahab came home to our farm a couple of weeks later he was healthy and in great spirits, but he had lost considerable weight and muscle tone. He no longer looked like the radiant, perfectly toned show horse. We had about a month before he would leave on the long trip to the Event in Lexington. And there were many mares to breed. We knew that we had our work cut out for us.
By the time the date for his departure for Kentucky came around his condition was just beginning to peak again. Ahead of him was a three day trip in a transporter, and then he would need to get settled into a new stall at the horse show. Usually he wasn’t fussy about such things, but how he would look on the day of his class, at the only show he would show at in the United States, was still a big question.
The 2006 Egyptian Event is now history. If you check the records you will see that the winner of the seven year old stallions earned the highest points awarded at the show and went on to be named Champion Stallion and overall Supreme Champion. The champion’s name is *Al Lahab.
After the Event *Al Lahab traveled east to board a plane that took him home to Germany. There mares were lined up for breeding and some shows scheduled for him to attend, possibly the World Championships in Paris this December. We hear that he is healthy, happy and putting mares in foal.
*Al Lahab’s stay with us was so brief that at times it is like he was never really here. Then all we have to do is look into our pastures at our foals and yearlings, and realize that *Al Lahab has left an indelible stamp of his quality and type on the future of our breeding program.
*AL LAHAB
