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Open House 2007
Report & Photography by Belinda Zaiter.
It is more than twenty years since Adam King commenced breeding Arabian
and Arabian derivative horses. Over that time King Estate
International, situated in the historic Hawkesbury region of New South
Wales, has established a worldwide reputation for beautiful horses, many
of which were on show at the recent open day held on 17 February 2007.
King Estate has been holding these annual open days over the last few
years and both local and interstate visitors eagerly look forward to
each and every one.
The weather was hot but this did not deter visitors who commenced the
afternoon with a relaxed stroll around the mare paddocks and barn. The
parade then began with the “big boys”, with the appearance of Adam’s
impressive home-bred stallion, Sarajevo (Wanted KE x Rothbury Park
Shoshani). Sarajevo is a stunning example of power and type rolled into
a beautiful bay package. It is no surprise that this eight year old
stallion has been both an Australian National Champion Colt and
Australian National Champion Stallion. His mostly Polish and Egyptian
pedigree, with a sprinkling of Russian and Crabbet, contains such greats
as Aladdin, Vision (imp UK), Asfour (imp) and Banderol. He is proving
to be an exceptional sire that clearly stamps his progeny with quality.
The next cab off the rank was another Australian National Champion -
the fiery chestnut stallion Fames Presence (Fame Maker R (imp USA) x
Presence), whom Adam is currently leasing from the Potts family of South
Australia. A young horse that has yet to make his mark as a sire, Fames
Presence is a striking example of the Mulawa cross of Fame Maker R over
a GLF Apollo (imp USA) mare. He has lots of burnished gold, white legs
and presence! The very tall, black two year old colt American Hero (imp
USA) (NV Beau Bey x Golden Silk) followed and showed that he was not
going to be outdone by his more senior stable mates. A very correct and
typey colt, American Hero was bred in California by the Aborn family and
is on lease from Newgain Farms Trust. His pedigree is Polish with a
dash of Russian and Egyptian and contains horses such as Bay El Bey,
Gdansk, Padrons Psyche, Witraz and Comet. He promises to be an
exceptional sire.
The horse that many were waiting to see however was the spectacular
Andalusian stallion, Mas Martillo. This marvellous chestnut individual
brilliantly displayed his dazzling, high stepping movement and charm. A
totally different beast to the Arabian, Mas Martillo is of very old
Carthusian bloodlines and would make a very interesting derivative
sire. His glorious mass of mane and tail is divine. In Spain, the
Arab/Andalusian cross is very popular and is the only Andalusian cross
officially recognised.
The parade continued with the showing of some lovely Sarajevo yearlings
such as Sierra KEI (Sarajevo x Simeon Seona) and Fantazja KEI (Sarajevo
x Phylecia KEI). Additionally, the gorgeous Be My Angel Wings (Gold n
Wings x Behold) made an appearance. A number of the lovely mares and
fillies paraded were owned by KEI clients such as the fairytale filly
Taralea Evita (imp Ger) (Espano Estopa x Redwood Lodge Cabreaa) and the
animated Niva (Nazzai x Nyraanah).
Not to be outdone, the American miniature stallion HCM Buck’s Rembrant
(imp USA) strutted his stuff and proved that being tiny is no barrier to
being impressive. This little guy was a fine example of his breed and
had all the children in the crowd entranced, as did the strikingly
marked miniature filly Gallandeer Ridge Paint the Stars (HCM Buck’s
Rembrant x Dreamer). I think we all secretly wanted to sneak her home
in the back seat of the car.
Long time breeder and judge, Lesley Maxwell-Dowey gave an invaluable
talk on the points and merits of the ideal Arabian horse, scrutinising
both Sarajevo and American Hero (imp) during the talk. Lesley clearly
outlined why they were outstanding examples of the breed and what they
had to offer as breeding stallions. We were then treated to a
presentation of doe-like broodmares and their foals. What a delight
these babies were, displaying the quality of Adam’s breeding program.
As always, there was plenty of hospitality in the form of friendly staff
and an abundance of food and drink. We all eagerly await next year’s
event, with the promise of viewing the recent Polish acquisitions that
unfortunately were still in quarantine on the day. Next year can’t come
quickly enough! |
