International Breeder, Judge, and Endurance rider Nick Lins of Rio De Janerio, who competes in 120k rides in Brazil, and a hopeful for a spot on the Brazilian team at the World games this fall, takes Marwan for a ride in New Ulm. 

"The Lins family enjoying a ride in the Texas country" 

Abdul and Rashid Al Jasmi of Bahrain with Mr. Philip Looyens of Belgium shown with Marwan Al Shaqab. 

 
From Menton, France to Cape Town, South Africa and back to Mallorca, Spain my summer travels are in full swing. My reasoning is simple, I do not want to miss anything, I want to see all the horses, visit all the people, and enjoy the countries.  So I go.  July will be different.  I will be in the States most of the time, and on several of my journeys family members will accompany me.  So, back to Mallorca, and a quick check in with the famed breeding program of Marieta Salas.
 
Flying south from Amsterdam one travels over the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean before arriving over the lush mountainous island that is known to be the most beautiful spots in an area known for its beauty; Palma de Mallorca.  Marieta meets me at the airport and we are off to Ses Planes.  Although tired from my overnight flight from Africa, and a layover in Amsterdam, Marieta asked me if I wanted to see the horses now or wait.  Absolutely now.
 
Marieta knows her horses. After breeding horses for 40 years she knows her dam lines, she understands the sense of time with them, those that are ready now, and those that will “take some time”.  I enjoy listening to her.  Even after all my years of breeding horses it is important to hear someone that has enjoyed the success she has, remind us in the virtue of patience. Patience is a must in horse breeding.  I see Abha Palma’s yearling full brother – very good and other Marwan children.  I visualize the future.  I remember seeing Abha Palma and Abha Qatar at the same age.  Now as World and International super stars I am happy to have seen them early on, and the illustration of understanding patience and waiting.  It is nice to remember, in a world where so many horses are born for commercial reasons; to be great yearlings, that both of these now legendary horses really did not hit their stride until they were 2 years of age.  I saw more pretty horses including 2 of my own.  JA Ultima by Besson has a WH Justice filly at her side and her Abha Majdi yearling filly looks very promising.
 
The following morning, like every morning I am in Mallorca, I like to wake up early and jog through the lanes of horses and citrus trees.  I cut through the fences and jog across Marieta’s father’s property where the roads are lined with oleanders in full bloom.  Jasmine scent fills the air.  This is an amazing place and like so many of my stories I am filled with sense of privilege, how lucky it has been to do what I do and where I do it.  Onward, I have to get my run over with we have guests coming in the afternoon and we need to get organized.
 
The showing of the horses in the afternoon was a combination of breeding stock and young show horses.  The client wants both; to have show horses now but also to breed the best show horses later.  By the end of the afternoon 2 horses have been selected, both of them dear to my heart.  One, a 2 year old filly by El Perfecto, named Abha Raipur.  Raipur is a full sister to Abha Gali, a beautiful mare I showed to US Reserve National Champion Mare in 2000.  I see similar successes in store for Raipur.  The other selection is Abha Mudira.  Mudira is a Marwan daughter from his first foal crop, when Marwan stood at Marieta’s as a 2 year old.  She herself has been an outstanding show horse but it is as a mother that she may become best known; she is the dam of Abha Qalams, who is amassing a huge following in the United States as I prepare her for the Nationals this fall.  It is fitting that the new owner of Abha Mudira is also the owner of Abha Qalams, Al Shahania Farm.
 
The visit to Marieta’s came to an end and I was off to Paris for a few days before returning to America.  But first, I need to make a call to Christian Nagel to get Abha Raipur shipped to America – it’s going to be show time!
 

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When I first met the Browns it was in America. Later, traveling to South Africa I visited their farm several hours to the north of Cape Town in an area that was truly in the-middle-of-no-where.   While my farm is considered to some as being a bit out of the way – this one really won the prize.  Generators provided the electricity and there was certainly no cable, internet, or other services that we often take for granted.  What was real was the beauty; the rugged landscape, the livestock, the wide open skies.  This country was majestic.  And the horses that were housed in this remote place were beautiful.  My objectivity might be called into question as most came from my farm.  Regardless, few could deny their beauty.  Their stay in this remote place was not to be.  Owner and manager, Willie Brown, having a young family and parents who wanted to share (Bette, I am mainly speaking of you here!) in the life of their grandchildren, horses, and family, moved the family back south to Franschhoek where they rented a facility as they determined their next step.
 
It was on my visit to Franschhoek in the fall of 2007 that I was able to see the great EKS Bey Al Gazal in adulthood.  I had seen him before and always kept an eye on him; he had been National Champion Colt and I was interested in watching him closer as her grew into adulthood.  I loved him; and the rest, as they say, is history.  US Reserve National Champion and now the 2010 Scottsdale Champion Stallion, Bey Al Gazal, has validated my belief in him.  And I join the Browns in thanking and congratulating Mystica Arabians on their ownership of this great stallion.  But the story moves on.
 
As it is with so many of us the end desire is to own our own facility, to create what we want and how we want it.  So it was with the Brown family.  After leasing the facility for some time in Franschhoek it was decided that a facility would be built on their home property; at long last family and horses would reside together.  After the show in Menton I decided to make a very quick trip to see the farm, the horses, and check in with my friends in Cape Town.  In an effort to limit my wordiness I am going to leave you with a pictorial essay of my latest visit to South Africa; from the textures of the landscape, to the new farm, the people, and the horses. While a bit out-of-the-way, a trip to Elkasun is a very worthwhile journey. I hope you enjoy.

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Years ago, a famous horse farm, coined the phrase, “Your Success Is Our Success”. The point was simple, if you, our client succeeded, then we too succeeded.  With that in mind, whether breeding, training, or selling our horses we have tried to be very selective in what we do and only represent the very best in everything.  We will let others decide how we have been doing.  Herein we will report on the year.  Your call.  And it is our hope, should you decide that we have demonstrated that our mantra, “Your Success Is Our Success” is appropriate that you might want to join us too.
 
Beginning in January this year, Al Shaqab was successful with Fadi Al Shaqab, at the Al Khalediah Horse Festival winning the Junior Champion Colt title.  Fadi was bred by Michael Byatt Arabians, born at our farm in New Ulm, Texas and exported to Qatar as a weanling.  Fadi is by our stallion Besson out of a mare we showed and promoted to several titles around the world, the wonderful daughter of Marwan, Abha Myra.
 
In February, at the Worlds largest Arabian horse show, we showed horses for various clients around the world.  From the United States we showed the Marwan grandson, Onitnelav to Junior Champion Colt for Royal Arabians of Meridian, Mississippi.  From Saudi Arabia we showed the glorious Marwan daughter, Abha Palma, to Supreme Champion Arabian and Senior Champion Mare for owners Al Mohamadiah, and from Australia the powerful Marwan son, EKS Bey Al Gazal was named the Champion Stallion.  “Big AL” is owned by Mystica Arabians. We were also proud to show the Reserve Champion stallion, OFW Magic Wan for owners Orrion Farms.  Magic Wan is also a son of the famous Marwan Al Shaqab.  In addition to these amazing wins Michael Byatt Arabians was successful in selling many of our home bred horses to buyers from around the world.  On all fronts, showing and selling, the horses of Michael Byatt Arabians were headliners the entire week at Scottsdale!
 
In March we moved back abroad where we showed the Marwan son, out of a Besson daughter, Baanderos to Champion Stallion at the Sharjah show in the UAE.  Baanderos has already been a World Champion and the titles continue to be amassed for our friends from Al Khalediah in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  Baanderos was also the Champion Stallion in Doha (February) and Riyadh (January) being shown for Al Khalediah by Philip Hosay.
 
From the Middle East we returned back to America where we competed in shows to qualify for the upcoming U.S. Nationals.  In each show we won every championship we sought.  The super star, Abha Qalams, newly acquired by Al Shahania Farms in Doha, Qatar was Champion at both of her shows and in doing so gained more that enough points to qualify for the Nationals.  Abha Qalams comes from a long line of illustrious champions bred by Marieta Salas in Mallorca, Spain.  Originally purchased at 2 weeks of age, Qalams has been a sensation everywhere she has gone.  With her exquisite type and commanding presence she was a “must have” when the owners of Al Shahania came to visit us in New Ulm.  In addition, EKS Bey Al Gazal added two more championships to his credits, while youngsters Manhattan and Patriciaa made their debuts, both garnering Junior Championships their first time out.  Interesting to note all of these horses are children or grandchildren of Marwan Al Shaqab.
 
In May, the South African Nationals was held in Parys, South Africa and our friends the Brown Family, with the help of trainer Giacomo Capacci, were once again dominant.  Several years ago the Browns accompanied me to Mallorca, Spain where they asked me to assist them in picking out some horses from my dear friend Marieta Salas.  At the time we selected the 2 weanlings Abha Quraish and Abha Quebec.  Now, 3 years later they were at the Nationals.  And they did not disappoint.  Abha Quraish was named Junior Champion Filly and Supreme Champion Female while Abha Quebec was named Reserve Junior Champion Colt.  MSA Veronica was also the Senior Champion Mare and Reserve Supreme Champion. Veronica was purchased from Michael Byatt Arabians as a yearling and has been very successful in South Africa having already been their Supreme Champion once before.  The best news about Veronica is she is a show horse that produces show horses; her yearling colt by Gazal Al Shaqab was named National Champion Yearling!  In addition to this bounty of awards 2 EKS Bey Al Gazal foals were named National Champion 2010 Filly and Colt.
 
And now that brings us to the end of the mid year. In Belo Horizonte, Brazil the filly Annjolina by Marwan and out of our foundation mare MFA Annies Song won her first show in Brazil with Rinaldo Longuini on the lead.  She was Junior Champion Filly and proudly owned by Mr. Salim Mattar. At the Ecuadorian Nationals, Marjaan, a Marwan son out of our foundation mare Majalis was, for the second time, Supreme Champion Stallion for owners Mauricio and Maria Cuesta. 

At the Region 9 show in Ft. Worth, Texas our trainer David Botha exhibited our horses and they were a triumphant success.  David presented  2 Aria Impresario foals (who we showed to 2009 U.S. National Champion Junior Stallion) to Champion Yearling Colt and Champion Yearling Filly, Aragonn and Impres Alhambra respectively.  Both of the youngsters were born and bred at Michael Byatt Arabians.  Faraa Al Shaqab, a beautiful son of Marwan was the champion stallion, while a Marwan daughter, Ssharjah was the Reserve Champion Mare. 

On the same weekend Michael Byatt, Michael Carpio, and Ashlee Alfreds were busy at the Egyptian Event.  5 horses were shown in 6 classes and 6 first place honors were won.  In addition, the Al Adeed son, Farhoud Al Shaqab was Junior Champion and Supreme Champion Male, while Negma Al Shaqab was Senior Champion and Supreme Champion Mare.  Both of these champions are owned by Al Shaqab.  In addition Laian Al Shaqab, also owned by Al Shaqab, was Reserve Junior Champion Filly while Kamal Ibn Adeed won both the World Class and the Futurity yearling colts for owners Dennis Fournier and Anne Wright.  It is interesting to note that of the 5 horses we showed 4 were by Al Added and all were winners.  Negma is by Safir and out of Kajora, the dam of Gazal AL Shaqab, a legendary mare we sold to Al Shaqab in 1994.

Immediately after completing the magical time we had at the Egyptian Event it was off to Menton, France for the Mediterranean Championships.  Over the years I have made a habit of attending this show as it is one of the most beautiful places in the World and has some of the best competition anywhere.  Menton is often considered one of the launching points for the eventual World Champion!  Showing for Al Shaqab, Al Khalediah, and Mystica Arabians and teamed with Giacomo Capacci our team had high hopes in spite of the daunting competition.  Having great clients, great horses, and a great team all combined to make the effort worth while.  By the end of the Championships our team had won both the Mare and Stallion Championships in addition to the Colt Championship.  The beautiful Athenaa, by Ashaal Al Rayyan was the Champion Mare adding to her long list of accomplishments which include European, Dubai, and the Egyptian Event in American Champion Mare titles.  Baanderos, the 2008 World Champion Colt, was the Champion Stallion.  His pedigree is of particular interest as he is by the immortal Marwan Al Shaqab and out of a daughter of Besson.  Whereas the Champion Colt, Fadi Al Shaqab (also the champion at this years Al Khalediah Horse Festival) in by Besson out of the glorious Marwan daughter Abha Myra.  Note the colt and stallion are just a flip of each others pedigrees.  Both the Champion Stallion and Mare are owned by Al Khalediah and the colt is owned by Al Shaqab.

And so mid point has arrived.  Truly, “Your Success Is Our Success” – the stallions we have imported, managed, and shown have changed the landscape of the Arabian horse world forever – they have been the leading sires in the world for 3 consecutive years.  No where on this planet has the impact of a Michael Byatt Arabians horse not been felt.  We are grateful to every owner, every trainer, every person, and to every dear horse that has helped us achieve, what by any standard is an amazing run.  We look forward to getting back to you at years end with another exciting update.  Until then, we wish all of you happy trails and safe travels, not only for you, but our four legged friends as well.

Farhoud Al Shaqab
(Al Adeed Al Shaqab x Johara Al Shaqab)

Supreme Champion Stallion
Junior Champion Colt

Negma Al Shaqab
(Safir x Kajora)

Supreme Champion Mare
Senior Champion Mare

Owned by Al Shaqab

Kamal Ibn Adeed
(Al Adeed Al Shaqab x NF Bint Sajha)

1st World Class Yearling Colts 
1st Futurity Colts of 2010

Region 9 Champions shown by David Botha


Faraa Al Shaqab - 2010 Region 9 Champion Stallion
(Marwan Al Shaqab x GW Natorious Lady)

Aragonn - 2010 Region 9 Champion Colt
(Aria Impresario x MFA Annies Song)

Impres Alhambra - 2010 Region 9 Champion Filly
(Aria Impresario x Alhambra De Dakar)

Congratulations to owner Salim Mattar and handler Rinaldo Longuini on Annjolina's first show garnering her first championship in Brazil! 

Annjolina was proudly bred by Michael Byatt Arabians.

Like I said with regard to my trip to Mexico City; I have a tough job.  Beautiful horses, great locations, good friends; what could be better for a backdrop to one’s work? Last week I went to Cortona, Italy, an hour south of Florence, to check in with Giacomo, see his new farm and the horses that we will show this summer for our various clients.
 
Giacomo (and Michelle) have been developing a farm / training center near Florence for the last couple of years.  This was my first trip to see their new property and facility and it was ideal.  First, Tuscany is unbeatable.  The village of Cortona is a masterpiece.  The hotels, restaurants, jogging, and walking trails, the wineries, the buildings – nothing should be changed – absolutely nothing!  And Giacomo’s facility, quite frankly, reminded me of my own, which anyone who has been to my place knows I dearly love it.  The land is open with spacious pastures and paddocks.  The land itself is beautiful.  The facilities are wonderful and created to insure a happy horse, and that is the most important.
 
As the property is developed to it’s completion I will return often and update the progress but the beginnings are really wonderful.  I love seeing my horses, and our clients horses there, and know that many would as well.  When I look back at the last 10 years and think of all the National, International, and World Champions that have already come through Giacomo’s hands I am very confident about the future.

Slideshow

Marjaan: Second time Supreme Champion Stallion of Ecuador!

Congratulations to Mauricio and Maria Cuesta on the 2nd Supreme Champion Stallion title for their stallion, Marjaan.

Marjaan is sired by Marwan and out of the Ali Jamaal daughter, Majalis.

Bred by Michael Byatt Arabians.
Proudly owned by Mauricio and Maria Cuesta.

Peter and Jenny Pond visiting from Australia with Gazal Al Shaqab 

Miguel and his son Luis Miguel Muzquiz have long been considered 2 of the best sportsmen and enthusiasts on the Arabian horse scene.  Always positive, always ready for a joke, and a good time, it is with this energy that these men from Mexico City participate in the Arabian horse world.
 
I took advantage of an opportunity to head south to Mexico City where I was picked up by Miguel and we headed one hour north of the city to see his beautiful horses.  Knowing several, including the amazing Suhal Al Nasser, I was anxious to see how he and his babies were doing; it had been a few years since they left my farm for this southern location.  The horses looked great; what a beautiful group of straight Egyptian Suhal foals!  Suhal himself was better than ever.  At 9 years of age he is completely mature, well bodied, full of charisma, and has perhaps one of the most beautiful heads on any Arabian; anywhere!  To top the entire experience off the farm itself is beautiful. The native landscape is fantastic, and with plenty of recent rains we lush, green, and in full bloom.
 
After the tour of the horses and farm we headed back towards the city with a stop off for lunch in one of the local villages.  There we had some real Mexican food which was delicious.  After lunch we ended our day in one of Mexico City’s great hotels where we continued our conversation about horses and life.
 
A great time with great hosts.  What a tough job I have! 

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Michael Byatt Arabians came away with some of the top wins of the show.
 

EKS Bey Al Gazal - Champion Stallion

Abha Qalams - Champion Mare

Patriciaa - Champion Junior Filly

Breeding programs…where have they gone?  Today, we see a lot of “collections”, but few actual programs where horses look alike and can be identified with a certain “look”. When I speak of this, I think of  Gainey or Ansata. When we saw those horses, we knew immediately where they came from and who bred them.  As I travel the world, there are very few farms where I can actually see a uniform phenotype.  (My recent trip to Kuwait does not count – those farms are really breeding a very distinctive type of horse.)  Recently, I had the occasion to travel to Australia where I did see a uniform herd of horses that I was very excited about, and one that I think will create a next generation of horses that will be very successful and very beautiful.  Mystica Arabians in Perth, Australia – keep this name in your head as you will hear a lot from them as breeders.
 
When we hear the name Mystica Arabians and the McGlinn family, we tend to think of them as new on the scene. Certainly, their recent purchases and success has made them very visible, but they have been quietly breeding and raising horses in Australia for the last 15 years.  I was very impressed by the group of mares that they have bred, purchased, and own. They are very typey, balanced, and good movers.  They are an ideal group of mares from which to breed the next generation.  Their idea is to take these El Shaklan and Ruminaja Ali bred mares, and breed them to the “modern’ look of the Marwan style horse. 

U.S. National Champion, Princess of Marwan, with friends in her pasture

They own the Marwan grandson, Maharaja, and the Marwan son, EKS Bey Al Gazal.  Both of these stallions have been Scottsdale Champions and have all the phenotype that will add that next level to their mares. They have the neck and shoulder with that trade mark Marwan hinge to the throat latch.  The bottom line to me on this group of horses is that there was a lot of thought put into what is happening, and a plan that I think will produce horses that will win in Europe, the Middle East, America…anywhere.
 
Another thing to think about is that the McGlinns are amazing hosts and have not only a beautiful farm and horses, but a masterpiece of a home in Phuket, Thailand! Maybe, the next time I go down to Australia to see the results of these mares crossed on the Marwan blood, you might want to consider tagging along with me.  And with any luck, we will all get invited to Thailand to spend a couple days with the McGlinns and their wonderful Lilly!

View slide show

Lilly with MIchael

Marianna wins Junior Champion Filly in her first European show! 

Shown by Giacomo Capacci, Marianna was a star in Sicily. Congratulations to all.

Fadi Al Shaqab
(Besson Carol x Abha Myra by Marwan Al Shaqab)

Junior Champion Colt at the Al Khalediah Horse Festival 2010

Marlene D
By Marwan Al Shaqab
Out of Mondolay LK

2009 Bay Mare

Congratulation to Jose Alves Filho on his purchase of the beautiful Marlene D, by Marwan Al Shaqab, and best of luck to Rodolfo Guzzo in shows in Brazil.

Annjolina

By Marwan Al Shaqab
Out of MFA Annies Song by Ludjin El Jamaal 

2008 Grey Filly

Congratulation to Mr. Salim Mattar on his purchase of the exquisite Annjolina – best of luck to handler Rinaldo Longhuini in show competition in Brazil.

Faconnable
(Marwan Al Shaqab x Francessca by Besson Carol)

 2009 Bay Colt

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs Claire Larson on the purchase of this great colt.

Madeira El Marwan

By Marwan Al Shaqab
Out of Maria El Besson

Congratulations to  Rae Dawn Arabians on their purchase of this beautiful Marwan filly.

This gorgeous 2010 filly is sired by Besson Carol.

Abha Palma
(Marwan al Shaqab x ABHA Ghazali)
Supreme Champion
Champion Mare

EKS Bey Al Gazal
(Marwan al Shaqab x Starbright Bey)
Champion Stallion

Onitelav
(DA Valentino x Royal Ghazallah)
Junior Champion Stallion

OFW Magic Wan
(Marwan Al Shaqab x Magna Prelude)
Reserve Champion Stallion
1st place - 3yr. Old colts

View Slide Show

Congratulations to Joy Arabian Horses in Belgium on their purchase of Kaatelyn.  Thanks to Glenn Shouekens and good luck to this new team in Europe 2010! 

Kaatelyn is going to make a slight detour and head to Brazil where she will join the outstanding collection of horses owned by Jose Alves Filho.

Punta Del Este, Uruguay is always one of my favorite places to visit.  The sights are amazing and the people among the most hospitable anywhere.  When asked to judge this years International show I readily accepted the assignment.  Although I have been to Punta Del Este several times this was the first time in 21 years I had been there to judge. I was looking forward to the experience.  Adding to the pleasure of the job, I was judging with two people I like and admire; Cindy Reich and Fabio Amorosino.
 
 We were able to judge several nice horses but the one that really caught my attention was the mare Estancia LL.  She has a face that I will not forget.  Her eyes, nostrils, skin, and expression were absolutely memorable to me.  In addition to nice horses I had a great time with the people and sights in, and around, Punta.
 
Cindy and I took a local charter boat out to the Isla De Los Lobos one afternoon where we saw what is reported to be the 2nd largest home of sea lions on the planet.  And there were literally 10’s of thousands!  And it was wonderful to see them playing, swimming, frolicking in the beautiful waters of the Atlantic ocean.  It was amazing.  Back at the dock several sea lions make it a point to be there when the fishermen bring in their morning hauls as they are treated to several “tastes” from tourists and the fishermen.
 
Carols Rozier hosted a party one evening that was glamorous – the lighting, the setting, the food, and the conversation were excellent.  Great hosts indeed.  Heber Viana hosted an Open House which was out in the country at his farm. It was very pleasant to take a drive out of the city area and see the beautiful Uruguayan countryside – not to mention the collection of horses we were able to see.  Haras Del Rosa hosted a dinner party one evening which all said was magnificent – I could not attend as the pick up time was midnight and the suggested return time was 5 AM! Hats off to all that can keep those hours…not me anymore.  All that attended were unanimous in how wonderful it was.  I will have to live vicariously through them.
 
On a negative side, which I had hoped would not be the case, was the ginger and shanking of the horses.  I do not get it.  All of the judges agreed the same horses would have won without all the abuse and ginger.
 
The final word – go to Uruguay…it is amazing and the people incredible hosts!
 
Haras Mayed…
 
While in South America I took a day to go visit Fernando and Joaquin De Santibanes.  As long as we are talking about good hosts – these two need to be added to the list of greats!  Great conversation on all sorts of topics, some good laughs, and a great presentation made the day perfect!  And the best!  Seeing Magnum Psyche in his home, relaxed, hanging out, and just being a horse!  In addition, I saw many of his beautiful children and grandchildren – again, given the chance, this farm is a “must see”!

Michael Byatt Arabians teamed up with Argent Farms to host one of the most exciting Events of “Scottsdale for the New Year” farm tours.  From 4 – 6 (or later as was the case!) on New Years Eve guests were treated to a wonderful collection of horses coupled with outstanding catering, drinks, and the best camaraderie in the world.  From the start of the presentation, with some of the 2009 foals that will be presented at Scottsdale, to the Grand finale – US National Champion Pyro Thyme, Arabian enthusiasts were not disappointed with the beauty of the horses presented.
 
Michael Byatt Arabians was proud to have several of the horses presented selected to represent new owners in arenas around the world!  We wish them great luck in the future!
 

Congratulation to Alessandro Barrale and Accardo Mimmo on their purchase of the exquisite filly, Marianna.

Click photos to enlarge

This is Jeff McGlinn with his new Filly by Marwan x *Miss Yahsminah Elamal.
 

Photos

Visitors from Peru enjoying feeding "Brodie".

Good friend Giacomo Cappacci visits Michael Byatt Arabians.

Congratulation to Frank Chisolm, Greg Jacobs, and Claire Larsen on the purchase of Baahir El Marwan. We wish them lots of luck as he moves forward into National Competition with Andy Sellman.

Congratulations to Al Shaqab, Shk Hamad, Willy Oppen, Giacomo Cappaci, and the entire team for a dominating effort and successful show.  And thank you for allowing Michael Byatt Arabians continue to be a part of your horse family!  It is indeed a pleasure.

OFW Magic Wan

 
The richest prize in Arabian Horse Shows awaits those individuals that accumulate the highest points in a series of shows leading up to the Dubai International Championships.  For the Champions it means 200,000.00 USD for the filly, colt, mare, and stallion champion.  And for the second year in a row Michael Byatt Arabians horses won 3 of the 4 prizes.  An unprecedented recognition of the horses selected by Michael Byatt for horses owners from around the world.
 
This year the filly Champion was Miss El Power.  Shown by Michael Byatt she was Champion in Menton, France – Towerlands, England, and Doha, Qatar.  The Mare Champion was Venetzia, no stranger to the winners circle; Venetzia was Champion in Menton, Hasselt, and Doha.  The Colt Champion was Baanderos who swept every show this season but for one.  In addition Baanderos was the World Champion Colt, while not part of the Dubai Cup series, we congratulate all for this outstanding win.
 
We congratulate and thank each of the owners of these horses for having the faith and belief in Michael Byatt Arabians to allow us to be a part of their selection.

Canadian Restrictions on Imports

1/30/09

Dear All Canadian Clients:

In December of 2008, several horses in the state of Kentucky tested postive for CEM, which is a contagious and reportable sexually transmitted disease of horses, and is documented by the USDA.  Unfortunately, this will have a major negative impact on the ability to send fresh semen to Canada.  

The current requirements will include an import permit from the Canadian authorities and the turnaround time for the permit will be minimum of 3 days once the permit and payment is received by the Canadian authorities.  Also, every shipment into Canada will require a new permit, and will also require additional paperwork for the stallions in the US prior to each shipment.  These requirements effectively close the Canadian borders to the import of fresh semen from the US as there is realistically no way to complete paperwork required for import within the timeline of a given breeding cycle for your mares.

I have included a copy of the text of the requirements here for your information.

"Canada Introduces Restrictions on Importation of all Equines, Equine Semen, and Equine embryos from the USA

CFIA has announced the introduction of import restrictions on horses and equine semen originating from the USA as a result of the current US outbreak of Contagious Equine Metritis. Horses and other equidae (asses, mules and zebras) will not require an import permit, but will require additional declarations on the health papers certifying that they have not been on a premises where Taylorella equigenitalis has been isolated during the 60 days immediately preceding exportation to Canada or a premises currently under quarantine or investigation for CEM; and that any female(s) in the shipment have not been bred naturally to, or inseminated with, semen from a stallion positive for CEM, or a stallion resident upon a positive premises or under quarantine or investigation for CEM. Additionally, the animals must not show any signs of CEM on the day of inspection.

Semen has different restrictions based upon the date of collection. Semen collected prior to December 15th 2008 does not require an import permit, but will require a U.S. Health Certificate that declares the date of collection, the identity of the donor stallion and the identity of the collection premises. Semen collected after December 15th 2008 will require an import permit (obtained from CFIA), and a U.S. Health Certificate with the declaration that the donor stallion(s) have not been on a premises where Taylorella equigenitalis has been isolated during the 60 days immediately preceding collection of the semen for export to Canada or a premises currently under quarantine or investigation for CEM; and that the semen was processed using an extender that contains antibiotics effective against Taylorella equigenitalis. Semen presented for importation into Canada must be in individual receptacles or straws, each marked with the collection date, identity of the donor and the semen collection premises.

Import Permit applications can be obtained from the CFIA web site at http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/import/permit_covere.shtml. A single import permit costs Cdn$35, multiple use Cdn$60. Border inspection for semen will cost Cdn$35; horses (single) Cdn$25. Inland inspection of semen will cost Cdn$32 for 1-49 units, Cdn$51 for 50-499 units, incrementally increasing for more units. Canadian horses that enter the US and will be returning will now be given an extra page by the endorsing CFIA Vet. to go with the Canadian Export Health certificate, that must be presented to an accredited vet in the USA for completion, and must be be endorsed by a USDA vet before returning to Canada. Canada Border Services Agency will be looking for this document before allowing re-entry. Additionally, semen and embryos will be subject to inspection upon importation, and consequently there will be restrictions in some cases as to point of entry to Canada. The restrictions placed on entry of horses is implemented immediately, while the restrictions on semen and embryos will be implemented approximately January 26th 2009.

As it is not unlikely that there will be some initial confusion with these new requirements, we recommend that Canadian importers and/or US exporters in the near future contact CFIA and/or USDA-Aphis for confirmation of requirements prior to attempting border crossing."

I apologize for the inconvenience, and will do everything I can to assist you in getting your mares bred.  Likely for most of you, the most efficient way to get your mare bred will be to send her to the US for breeding as for many of you, frozen semen will not be a viable option.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need assistance.

Best regards,

Denise Shannon
Manager
Michael Byatt Arabians