11/01/2023
"WHEN EL SHAKLAN BEAT THE WARMBLOODS IN GERMANY"
The Germans are one of the most adamant in the equine world for maintaining high standards of athleticism and usability in horses. They are, in fact, so staunch about this requirement that all breeding stallions within Germany –regardless of breed – must not only attend, but also pass, the German Horse Trials in order to be licensed as a breeding stallion. If they do not pass, they are not allowed to breed. Because what value is a breeding stallion if it does not pass on usable qualities? (Novel concept.)
It was the late-70's. The young German-bred Arabian stallion, *El Shaklan, bred by Sigi Siller of Om El Arab, was no different. He was beautiful, but could he perform the 'boot camp' requirements of the German Horse Trials (dressage, show jumping and cross-country)?
Marbach State Stud – which housed major programs for both Arabians and Warmbloods at the time – was the location of the trials.
"You had to deliver your prized stallion to Marbach, drop him off, and leave him there for several months. It was a pretty big deal."
The German Warmbloods were as good then as they are today. El Shaklan was in stiff company, and the expectations were high. But, to Sigi, it was imperative for the future of her breeding program that he pass the trials and be allowed to breed.
Several months later, she picked him up with bated breath. Did he pass?
Not only did he pass. He was the valedictorian of his class.
It was a great moment for Sigi that day. Little did she know how much her beloved stallion would do for the world of Arabian horses in the next several decades.
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