2007 Winter in the Middle East
For the last 20 years at least some part of my year has been spent in the Middle East; perhaps a week, sometimes up to a month. Looking back at all of it I am filled with a sense of appreciation. The honor that has been bestowed upon me by the people of this region is something that I will be forever grateful. This year, I have been fortunate enough to have already made two journeys eastward. First, to the Al Khalediah show where one of the most spectacular shows has ever been staged. The staff of Prince Khaled Bin Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz did everything they could to insure that this inaugural event was top notch. The horses were great and Michael Byatt Arabians was pleased to have been present, both showing, but also having our breeding and marketing program represented. Our home bred filly Sara Al Mohammadiah (Marwan Al Shaqab x ZT Maghan) was named the Champion filly in a very competitive field. Not only did we breed her but Prince Abdullah allowed me the honor of presenting her. Baanderos, another super star by Marwan, was the Reserve Champion colt, who I also had the pleasure of handling. In late February we were off to Qatar to participate in the Qatar International Show. This was the most competitive show in Qatar for the last several years. The great show strings from the UAE and Saudi arrived in top order. At the end of the day it was Al Shaqab that ruled the day! The living legend, Al Adeed Al Shaqab was named the Champion for an unprecedented 4th time. This was an emotional win as the citizens of Qatar turned out in force to see the home bred World Champion return from years abroad. In his class, where he earned the highest score of the show, the public surrounded him to have their photos taken with this legend of the breed.
The mare championship also went to Al Shaqab, with the highly decorated Venetzia taking the honor. The field of mares was outstanding with champions from all over the world participating. Michael Byatt Arabians is extremely proud of this great show horse as she debuted in the mare division. Many around the world know her from her strong showings in the filly division. In taking this championship she won her class with the highest score of all females and earning 6 20's. Michael Byatt Arabians was also pleased to have marketed Abha Al Shaqab for our dear friend Marieta Sales to our friends at Al Shaqab. She earned a win in her class plus the Reserve Championship in the Filly division. In addition, Marieta was represented with Abha Myra who was second to Venetzia by a slim margin. This 4 - 6 year old mare class was a one-two punch for Al Shaqab! Congratulations to all the people that were behind the scenes making sure these shows went well. Mention must be made of Mario Gallagher, the head trainer at Al Khaeldiah. While their trainers, myself included, get all the fun of showing their great horses, it is Mario who does all the day to day work, training and conditioning. He is simply one of the best in the world. Also, to Willy Oppen, Giacomo Cappaci, and Robin Riverie - those that make the wheels keep rolling at Al Shaqab. And of course to all the owners - that you for the privilege! Now, back to the UAE next week for another wonderful 2 weeks. Michael Byatt

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New stallion at Michael Byatt Arabians

EKS Bey El Gazal, by Marwan Al Shaqab and out of Starbright Bey by Gazal Al Shaqab, has been a South African National Champion. He has recently been purchased by Jeff and Robyn McGlinn and is standing Michael Byatt Arabians. He will stand to a limited number of mares in 2008.

ZT Maghan

We congratulate Jeff and Robyn McGlinn, and manager Todd Buckley, on their purchase of the magnificent ZT Maghan.

In 2007 ZT Maghan blessed us with three outstanding fillies, one each by Gazal, Marwan, and Al Adeed. Each of the three fillies have sold and have traveled to new homes in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. We look forward to the new additions expected in 2008 for this superstar mare!

She is expecting two foals by Marwan Al Shaqab.

November 2007

Although it would be my 9th overseas trip for the year, when I boarded the plane for Cairo, it was with a lot of excitement. I love Egypt. I love Cairo; it is a city of enormous problems but one which also has enormous appeal. So, once again, I was off to Cairo – happy and looking forward to the week. A historic location and working for great friends from Al Khalediah, what was not to be happy about?

For reasons not totally apparent to me, (there is no mass advertising about the show anywhere) the show is a packed Event. Stands and seating surround 3 sides of the arena and there is standing room only. And they do not only sit and stand, they clap and cheer, and bang on the bleachers. The applause is enthusiastic and loud and not just for one camp – it is for whatever horse the individual likes. (unless we are talking about Raouf Abbas – he seems to like every horse and is enthusiastic about all of them!) The fun is on!

Michael Byatt Arabians was well represented in all areas; breeding, showing and marketing. We are honored to be so well represented by our friends from Saudi Arabia. Invited to present several horses, MBA had the pleasure of exhibiting the Champion Stallion and Mare, as well as the Champion colt and Reserve in the fillies. A little more about each; F Shamaal, bred by the Friedman family, has won everywhere, and he won big here in Cairo – Champion Stallion! In addition to his title at the Cairo International, he was Reserve at the World Championships (shown by Frank Sponle) plus Senior Champion at this year’s Egyptian Event when shown by Michael Byatt. Champion Mare was the Dakar El Jamaal daughter, Kharelle. Kharelle was selected by Michael as a yearling for HH Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz.

The Champion colt was Warad Al Khalediah, pictured at right, is by the straight Egyptian stallion, Thee Ricochett, a stallion selected for Prince Khaled by Michael Byatt. Warad was also this years Junior Champion and Supreme Champion Stallion at the Egyptian Event in Lexington, Kentucky. Reserve in the filly division was won by Ghariyat Al Khalediah. Ghariyat is out of another youngster selected for Prince Khaled by Michael Byatt, this being Faa’Ina, a daughter of ZT Faa’IQ.

From horses we bred, to horses we marketed, and those horses that we just had the fun of showing, this annual Event in Cairo was great fun to be a part of and a great success for Michael Byatt Arabians. We look forward to a return trip to Egypt and to see our friends in this part of the world again, soon, and often.

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U.S. Nationals: 2007

Decades ago a conscious decision was made that Michael Byatt Arabians would focus time, energy, and resources on breeding great Arabian horses. We studied, made decisions about what we wanted, and tuned in to the aesthetic traits that we desired in our horses. Our vision was implemented and has since become reality. The story of Kajora and Anaza El Farid has been told over and over. The subsequent birth of Gazal Al Shaqab was, and is, one of the most important contributions that have ever been made to the breed. Any great success takes the efforts and dedication of many; this one is no exception. Without the influence of Shk Hamad Bin Ali Al Thani and Al Shaqab the true impact of this phenomenon would never have been known. It is also through the trust of great friends Fran and Gene Haskin, who had they not been there when we wanted Kajora, the story would be vastly different. In addition no story would be complete of the Michael Byatt Arabians success without mention of Ray and Nora Tatum. It is through their participation so many important horses have come into our lives. We thank each of them.

Had these events never taken place the landscape of the Arabian horse scene would be dramatically different. It is with enormous satisfaction that we are able to witness the impact the Michael Byatt Arabians program is making on the world scene. It is also in concert with all the dedicated breeders from the United States and around the world that we reflect on the U.S. Nationals in 2007.

We congratulate United States National Champions: Aria Impressario, by Marwan Al Shaqab U.S. National Champion Yearling Colt - see further story at end Marhabbah, by Marwan Al Shaqab U.S. National Champion Futurity Colt - see further story at end Star of Marwan, by Marwan Al Shaqab U.S. National Champion Futurity Filly Emandoria, by Gazal Al Shaqab U.S. National Champion Junior Mare
Reserve National Champions: WH Patriot, by Marwan Al Shaqab Reserve National Champion Yearling Colt NYN Hisani, by Marwan Al Shaqab Reserve National Champion Futurity Colt Megga Starr, By Besson Carol Reserve National Champion Junior Western Pleasure
Top Ten winners: Alisson, by Besson Carol, Top Ten Junior Mare Marwana HBV, by Marwan Al Shaqab, Top Ten Yearling Filly JRA Azul, by Gazal Al Shaqab, Top Ten Yearling Colt WH York, by Marwan Al Shaqab, Top Ten Yearling Colt Marwan Al Magnificoo, by Marwan Al Shaqab, Top Ten Yearling Colt Stival, by Gazal Al Shaqab, Top Ten Yearling Colt Giddeonn TO, by Marwan Al Shaqab, Top Ten Yearling Colt

Two winners on this list require further story telling

The U.S. National Champion Yearling Colt, Aria Impressario, and the U.S. National Champion Futurity Colt, Marhabbah. Our story is not just about these colts but about their mothers and the people behind them.

Aria Impressario is a son of GC Echlectica, a wonderful mare bred and owned by Gerry Canda. For her show life "Lexie" has been managed by Gerry's brother Joey. As everyone in the Arabian horse world knows, Joey is one of the best English Pleasure trainers in the business; but he is also a very astute breeder, like his brother. Michael Byatt Arabians was honored to have been asked to show GC Echlectica for the Canda's and during the time she was shown she was; Scottsdale Champion Mare, U.S. Reserve National Champion Futurity Filly and several times Top Ten. When her first child was born both the Canda's agreed that Michael Byatt was to be given the first right of selling him. The friendship meant more than anything. Michael arranged the sale to the Sloan family and the first outing culminated with Aria Impressario being named Junior Champion and Supreme Champion at Scottsdale. From there Andy Sellman took over the job, still with the assistance and direction of the Canda family and the Sloans, and more accolades followed; Region 9 Champion and now U.S. National Champion.

Like the story of Gazal, the story of Shalina El Jamaal has been one of our favorites. When Lucy Whittier acquired the mare Shahlina from us in 1996 Lucy allowed us to continue to be in her life and the life of the mare Shahlina. Through this relationship, the decision to breed her mare to Parys El Jamaal was made. The subsequent birth of her filly was a great moment. At a few weeks of age Lucy sold Shalina El Jamaal to Michael Byatt Arabians and Fran and Gene Haskin. Later, she was marketed once again and Michael Byatt Arabians continued to show Shalina for the new owners, winning important titles such as; Scottsdale Champion Mare and well as U.S. National Champion Mare. When it came time to breed Shalina the choice was easy; she would be bred to her stable mate Marwan Al Shaqab. The resulting foal was purchased at 4 days of age by Michael Byatt Arabians and Roger and Stephanie McMahon. As a yearling, Marhabbah was purchased from MBA by a group managed by Chris Ankerson.
The rest is history - Marhabbah became the 2007 U.S. National Champion Futurity Colt.

Both of these colts represent a lifetime of effort on many peoples part. We are very pleased and proud to have played the role in not only them, but their mothers as well. It is equally important to have shared this experience with long time friends and families.

We look forward to the next chapter.

International Sales

Congratulations to Prince Abdullah bin Fahad Al Saud of Al Mohamadiah Stables on your purchase of these three exceptional horses and thank you for choosing Michael Byatt Arabians.

Coming to America in 2008!

Urbino, by Alfabia Damascus, Owned by Jabar, Ltd and Michael Byatt Arabians, will be arriving in the Spring of 2008.

Watch for this dramatic and exciting colt!

Wedding at Michael Byatt Arabians

On Saturday, September 8th, we gathered at Michael Byatt Arabians to witness and honor the wedding of David and Amanda. David, a native of Namibia, and Amanda from Iowa met while working in New Ulm for Michael Byatt.

Today, with great excitement (and a touch of sadness from everyone at Michael Byatt Arabians) they depart Michael Byatt Arabians for their next chapter in life. Together, they will return to Namibia, accompanied by their beautiful daughter Savannah, to join David's father in his business, part of which is breeding Arabian Horses.

Before arriving in Namibia the couple will enjoy a few weeks in Europe which will include the Salon Du Cheval and an extra week to enjoy Paris.

View photos from the wedding
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I have rarely encountered two people with such dignity and morality. They will be much missed. I wish them great successes in their life and will enjoy watching their path. As we bid goodbye on this September day, I look back with such appreciation that you both walked through my door.

~ Michael Byatt

Congratulations to Elksun Arabians

Congratulations to Willie Brown and Elksun Arabians, of Capetown, South Africa, on his purchase of 3 outstanding youngsters from our good friend Marieta Salas of Ses Planes, Spain.

Michael Byatt Arabians, proud to have horses competing in Europe!

Borgloon, Belgium - second leg of the Dubai World Cup, and host to the Elran Cup, is set alongside a 17th century castle surrounded by lush fields and orchards. Here on the emerald green carpets of closely cropped grass, competitors vie for important points which accumulate towards a total prize package of 4 million dollars, awarded in Dubai 2008.

Earlier this summer, In Menton, France, the first stage of the Dubai Cup, the winners were Venetzia for fillies, Marquis for colts, Om El Shadina for mares, and Dakharo for stallions. As we have noted before it is with special pride that each of these champions at one time in their lives called Michael Byatt Arabians their home. All of these great champions were once again present for the Borgloon show, where wins would greatly enhance their chances of their ultimate goal; the 1 million dollar prize for each category. Also in attendance in Borgloon were most of the reserve champions in Menton, Layan Al Khalediah in the filly division, Mardigras in the colts, Magora for mares, and Eternity Ibn Navaronne in the stallions.

The first class was the yearling fillies and was won by the Al Shaqab entry, Adhaba Al Shaqab. Adhaba is by Marwan Al Shaqab and a full sister to the recently crowned Canadian National Champion, Star of Marwan. Second was Layan Al Khaledia, by Dakharo, and owned by HRH Prince Khaled Bin Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz. (This placing is a reverse from Menton).

Michael Byatt Arabians is also pleased to have sold the 4th and 5th place fillies in the yearling class, making 4 of the 5 top spots horses that were influenced by the marketing of Michael Byatt. (MBA was the agent for the sale of Dakharo - sire of the second place filly) The two year old filly class was won by Psynata, a beautiful Psytadel daughter that was acquired at the show by The Dubai Stud. One has no doubt that this new stud farm will have great success in the near future. Second place was the Reserve National Champion filly of Qatar, PS Rose of Marwan, owned by Al Shaqab. The three year old filly class was won by the Versace daughter, Venetzia, owned by Al Shaqab. With this win Venetzia would claim her spot in the front line in the championship which she would go on to win! With the second championship, Menton and Borgloon, Venetzia, now takes a big lead going into the last two shows for the Dubai Cup Series Championship. Once again, Michael Byatt Arabians is proud to have marketed this great champion filly. Congratulations also go to Giaccomo Capecci who did all the preparation of the Al Shaqab horses!

The Champion and Reserve Colts were repeats from Menton. Marquis, the winner of the three year old class, and Mardigras the two year old winner were champion and reserve respectively. Both are sons of the world famous Marwan Al Shaqab and both come from the marketing program at Michael Byatt Arabians.

Several great mares were present for the competition. Om El Shadina, the champion from Menton, Eagleridge Passionata, last years Champion here in Borgloon, as well as former World Champion, Psyches Amber Gem. (Amber Gem was originally brought to Europe by Michael Byatt Arabians and shown to World Champion filly by Michael Byatt!) Eagleridge Passionata and Psyches Amber Gem, owned by The Ajman Stud, both won their divisions while Om El Shadina, owned by Al Khalediah, was second.

On Sunday Passionata took the title with Shadina being reserve. While there were not a lot of entries in the stallion classes there were several good ones. Esparto, leased by the Ajman Stud claimed the younger division, Dakharo the middle age group, and Eternity Ibn Navaronne took the older class. With an outstanding score of over 95 points it appeared that Eternity might take the title. But in the end, it was the great Dakharo who got the nod from the judges. Dakharo, from the marketing program of Michael Byatt Arabians would make it 3 in a row for 2007; Las Vegas, Menton, and Borgloon!

Michael Byatt Arabians congratulates all the great Champions. It is with special appreciation that we congratulate those owners who trusted our choices and assistance in acquiring their special Arabian horse.

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Future Breeding Prospects

2007 has produced two new super-star foals and because of their excellent quality and pedigrees are being retained by Michael Byatt Arabians for inclusion in our breeding program. Look for exciting things in the future with these two.

Arabian Breeders World Cup Show

While attending the Salon Du Cheval in Paris, France the question was posed to HRH Prince Khaled Bin Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, "Would you support the World Cup horse show in Las Vegas by sending horses?" His quick reply, "of course -- it will be a pleasure to compete in America."

Within a couple of weeks Athenaa and Dakharo would be getting ready to head to America to compete in the first ever World Cup show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

After 5 weeks in quarantine the horses arrived at Michael Byatt Arabians looking a bit weary but every ounce beautiful. It was just a matter of time to prepare for the upcoming show.

Arriving in Las Vegas the horses looked great and ready to compete. By weeks end Dakharo was named the unanimous Champion Stallion defeating past US National Champion Stallions along the way. In addition Athenaa claimed the reserve Championship for the mares.

Well done to the entire show commitee for putting on an amazing show.