Today, the 7th of January, Al Ayal AA (Al Ayad xThe Vision HG) -- our "Vision in White" -- turns 18 years old!!!
Seems like it was just a few days ago when he was born; different and unique from day one. Pretty as a porcelain statue sculpted by the world's best artists. From first sight, we knew this little guy would make us proud -- but we never imagined just how proud!!!
Every morning when the early fog still covers our pastures like a thick blanket, Ayal is the first horse to go out to his paddock to see the sunlight and welcome the new day. His home-bred progeny grace our farm like precious gemstones and very much shape the future of the Ariela program. Additional sons and daughters shape his legacy with breeders throughout the world. What more could a breeder ask?
And so, he is living his best life -- happily and quietly as he so well deserves; globally respected, loved and appreciated for his own exquisite beauty and for his contributìon to the breed - we are so grateful for Al Ayal -- our own pride and joy.
Seems like it was just a few days ago when he was born; different and unique from day one. Pretty as a porcelain statue sculpted by the world's best artists. From first sight, we knew this little guy would make us proud -- but we never imagined just how proud!!!
At the age of 11 months he was leased to Ajman Stud of the UAE, long before the Abraham Accords brought formal diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE. During his lease to Ajman Stud he was named 2011 Gold Champion Colt at the Sharjah International Show and Gold Champion Colt at the Dubai International Championships.
But this was only the beginning of his life's journey; over many years he became our farm ambassador and traveled to sire foals and represent us at major studs around the world.
In 2018, during his lease to Aljassimya Farm, we made the decision to show him at the upcoming World Championships in Paris. For a breeder it is never an easy decision to show a ten year old breeding stallion, particularly a horse like Al Ayal, whose look is a bit different than most other horses competing in today's shows. His is a more classic look, somewhat more old-fashioned in type, and Al Ayal is, after all, a breeding stallion.
In Paris - the City of Lights, Al Ayal was beautifully shown by Giacomo Capacci, his longtime handler. He scored 93.08 points, was a crowd favorite, and was named Bronze World Champion Stallion! He became the only (!) horse at the 2018 World Championship who received PERFECT scores of 20 for Type across the board from all the judges!!! He also was awarded the Best Head Trophy for his class and was named Best Straight Egyptian Male of the show. And best of alĺ, our breeding program, Ariela Arabians, was awarded the Best Breeder/Owner of the 2018 World Championships!
Al Ayal had an unforgettable show career and Paris was his last show, and afterwards he was deservedly retired to stud. Since then this majestic horse rules quietly at home.
But this was only the beginning of his life's journey; over many years he became our farm ambassador and traveled to sire foals and represent us at major studs around the world.
In 2018, during his lease to Aljassimya Farm, we made the decision to show him at the upcoming World Championships in Paris. For a breeder it is never an easy decision to show a ten year old breeding stallion, particularly a horse like Al Ayal, whose look is a bit different than most other horses competing in today's shows. His is a more classic look, somewhat more old-fashioned in type, and Al Ayal is, after all, a breeding stallion.
In Paris - the City of Lights, Al Ayal was beautifully shown by Giacomo Capacci, his longtime handler. He scored 93.08 points, was a crowd favorite, and was named Bronze World Champion Stallion! He became the only (!) horse at the 2018 World Championship who received PERFECT scores of 20 for Type across the board from all the judges!!! He also was awarded the Best Head Trophy for his class and was named Best Straight Egyptian Male of the show. And best of alĺ, our breeding program, Ariela Arabians, was awarded the Best Breeder/Owner of the 2018 World Championships!
Al Ayal had an unforgettable show career and Paris was his last show, and afterwards he was deservedly retired to stud. Since then this majestic horse rules quietly at home.
Every morning when the early fog still covers our pastures like a thick blanket, Ayal is the first horse to go out to his paddock to see the sunlight and welcome the new day. His home-bred progeny grace our farm like precious gemstones and very much shape the future of the Ariela program. Additional sons and daughters shape his legacy with breeders throughout the world. What more could a breeder ask?
And so, he is living his best life -- happily and quietly as he so well deserves; globally respected, loved and appreciated for his own exquisite beauty and for his contributìon to the breed - we are so grateful for Al Ayal -- our own pride and joy.
Photo of Al Ayal AA, by Emma Maxwell
